Hotpoint Gas Range RGAS300DMWW making smell

[MelB]

I have a Hotpoint 24 in gas range, model RGAS300DMWW, that I just purchased in Dec '23 and it's been working great but now has begun to create a smell when it's running. The smell isn't the rotten eggs smell of gas, but actually reminds me more of kerosene (of course it's not that, but that's more like what it reminds me of). I recognize the smell from the gas range that I grew up with in the '60s which would only make the smell faintly and very occasionally when it first lit. But my current range is making the same smell only stronger. It not at all like the rotten eggs surphur-like smell of natural gas. Does anyone know what that might be and if it's something to be concerned about? I thought maybe it's just because it's winter and the windows are closed, but it didn't do it last winter. Not sure if this is something that the gas company would look at or if I need a repair person, or if it's something I can adjust. Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you!

[vee8power]

It could be aldehydes that you are smelling, and that could be a sign of carbon monoxide.

The gas company should come out for free, but they don't fix anything; they'll tell you the range has "something" wrong, and tell you to have a qualified person repair the appliance. This situation is a pain because appliance repair technicians don't carry the proper tool to measure the combustion process. An experienced appliance technician can find some things, but might not be able to determine the exact issue, whether it's the appliance, or the location

An HVAC or furnace repair guy should have a combustion analyzer that can determine if the carbon monoxide emissions of the range itself are out of spec, or if it's lack of ventilation.

Is the oven clean? Did something crawl in there?

[Advance1]

Another issue that can cause an odd smell is if anyone is painting or refinishing floors etc. It can have a smell similar to charcoal lighter fluid. Had a customer that had that smell when he used his cooktop and it ended up being from work being done in his home. 

[MelB]

Thank you both for your replies. Yes, vee8power, the oven is clean. The smell isn't like something burning.  Advance1, that is very interesting what you said, because there is painting being done on the first floor but this oven is on the fourth floor. It is indeed similar to lighter fluid more than like natural gas, but the smell only happens when the oven or stove top is on. Today before lighting the oven, I did notice a very faint smell of paint coming from downstairs, but it was very faint. Do you mean that the smell of paint could be mistaken for a smell of the oven, or do you mean that the smell of paint can chemically combine with the smell of an oven and make a new smell, that similar to lighter fluid?

[Advance1]

48 minutes ago, MelB said:

do you mean that the smell of paint can chemically combine with the smell of an oven and make a new smell, that similar to lighter fluid?

Yes. The fumes from fresh paint can be pulled into the burner flame and create a "lighter fluid" smell when the range is being used. 

[MelB]

That's good to know.  That might be why the smell was so strong today, though I have smelled it only not as strong on other days.  Thank you for this tip!

[citizenX]

Absolutely, what Advance1 said! 

I've had many instances of this over the years with stoves and gas dryers reacting with fumes from painting, staining, floor refinishing, new carpet, floor tile adhesives, etc, some of which were on the other side of the house or multiple floors away. Customers usually don't believe it but it indeed happens. 

[MelB]

Thank you adding that, citizenX, because I was thinking it might be wishful thinking that this is the answer in my particular case because the paint fumes are faint and farther away.  So that might be it then.  I hope so! Last night I turned off the oven with my sweet potatoes half-cooked because it was making me nervous. 

[citizenX]

Well, it will dissipate over time, unless whatever is causing the fumes is still present (ongoing painting or other project). Now, all that said, there could still be a chance that it's the oven itself with improper combustion but I'd vote for the painting project being the cause. As was mentioned, it if doesn't dissipate after the painting project is finished, you can always contact the gas company to check it or an appliance service or HVAC company with the proper CO meter. 

[MelB]

Yes. agreed.  Thank you, Brian!

[MelB]

So today I noticed the when I used the stovetop burners, I don't smell that smell at all, so just now I tried the oven and it's fine, no strange smell. And as it goes, today there is no painting going on downstairs. So that must have been the problem!  I've noticed that smell quite a bit lately, but there's a complete renovation going on downstairs for the past month, so that explains it. I'm very grateful to all of you for your replies! I would never have known what was going on if not for this forum!  Thanks all!  And Happy Holidays!

[citizenX]

Glad it's figured out! Happy Holidays to you as well!