That weird gas smell again? Is it your cooktop… or are you just being paranoid? It’s a thought most homeowners have had. When it comes to gas appliances, uncertainty often lingers.
Here’s something most people don’t realise: natural gas has no smell at all. That “rotten egg” scent? It’s added deliberately as a built-in warning system.
The truth is, gas appliances are safe when installed correctly, inspected regularly, and used with care. But like anything in your home, they need attention.
This guide will help you take control. We’ll bust the most common myths, show you what to check, and walk you through simple steps to make sure your gas setup is running safely, giving you peace of mind.
The Benefits of Gas Appliances: Why We Love Them
Gas appliances have long been a trusted part of Australian homes due to their affordability, simplicity and resilience. There are clear, practical reasons why millions of households continue to prefer gas over electricity.
Here’s why gas still makes sense:
Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient
Natural gas is typically more affordable than electricity on a per-unit basis. For homeowners using gas for cooking, space heating, or hot water systems, this often translates to lower energy bills.
For example, in Victoria, the average usage rate for gas is around 3 cents per megajoule (MJ), while electricity averages 36 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Since 3.6 MJ of gas equals 1 kWh, this makes gas cost approximately 10.8 cents per equivalent kWh, which is substantially cheaper than electricity.
Beyond cost, gas appliances are highly efficient. They convert a greater proportion of their fuel directly into usable heat. This means less energy is wasted during operation. Efficient energy use not only reduces running costs but also contributes to lower carbon emissions, especially when paired with newer low-emission gas systems.
Instant, Responsive Heating
One of the most noticeable advantages of gas is its speed. Unlike electric appliances that gradually warm up, gas provides heat the moment you turn it on.
This is invaluable in the kitchen, where immediate and precise control over temperature can mean the difference between a perfectly seared steak and overcooked disappointment. Gas heaters also provide fast warmth in living spaces, making them a reliable companion during cold spells.
Resilient During Blackouts
Power outages are a part of life, especially during storms or grid issues. Gas appliances offer resilience that electric systems cannot. A gas cooktop, for instance, can still function even when the lights go out.
Many gas water heaters also continue working without electricity. This kind of reliability ensures you can prepare meals, heat water, or stay warm even when the power is down. It provides peace of mind in uncertain conditions.
Comfort, Familiarity, and Confidence
Gas appliances are also intuitive. The click of ignition, the glow of a flame, and the instant warmth create a sensory feedback loop that is both practical and reassuring. Compared to electric systems, gas gives you visible and responsive control. You see it, adjust it, and feel the result right away. That level of interaction builds familiarity and trust over time. For many people, gas feels dependable, becoming part of what makes a house feel like home.
But enjoying those benefits safely means knowing what to watch for. So, let’s look at how to check that your gas appliances are working as they should.
How to Know if Your Gas Appliances Are Safe
Gas appliances don’t usually break down without giving you some signs first, you just need to know what to look for. Like a car making a strange noise or a tap beginning to drip, gas systems give early warnings when something’s not right. Trusting your senses and doing regular, simple checks can help you catch issues before they become real hazards.
Start with your eyes
Turn on your appliance and check the flame. A clean, steady blue flame means all is well. If it’s yellow, orange, or fluttering, it could point to incomplete combustion. This also increases the risk of carbon monoxide. While you’re looking, scan for sooty stains, scorch marks, or discolouration around burners or vents. These often signal a problem with airflow or combustion that needs professional attention.
Now use your ears
When gas is flowing properly, it’s quiet. If you hear a soft hiss or whistle from a connection or valve when nothing is supposed to be on, it might be a leak. This sound can be easy to miss in a busy household, so take a quiet moment now and then to listen.
Trust your nose
Natural gas is odourless, but suppliers add a distinct sulfur-like scent, known as mercaptan, so you can detect a leak. If you notice that rotten egg smell when the appliance is off, or if the smell lingers after use, evacuate the area and contact emergency gas services immediately.
Check airflow the easy way
Poor airflow can allow harmful gases to build up indoors.
Here’s a quick test: hold a tissue near the vent while your appliance is on. If the tissue barely moves or hangs limp, it may indicate a blocked or ineffective vent, especially in older homes.
Of course, part of what keeps people anxious is what they think they know. So before we go deeper into safety measures, let’s clear up some of the biggest myths that might be making gas feel more dangerous than it really is.
Common Myths That Make People Nervous About Gas
Why does the thought of a gas appliance make so many of us instinctively nervous? Despite how common gas stoves, heaters, and hot water systems are in Australian homes, many people still associate them with danger: fire, explosions, and invisible gases.
So, let’s bust a few myths that might be feeding your fear.
Myth 1: Gas stoves are always dangerous
Fact: While open flames can feel intimidating, today’s gas stoves are equipped with advanced safety features such as flame failure devices that automatically cut off gas if the flame goes out. Many also have auto-ignition systems and child-lock features. When installed by a licensed professional and serviced regularly, gas stoves are extremely safe and reliable for everyday use.
Myth 2: You can always smell a gas leak
Fact: The chemical added to natural gas gives it that unmistakable sulphur smell, but not all dangerous gases can be detected this way. It only applies to natural gas leaks. Carbon monoxide is odourless and invisible. Exposure can be fatal if not caught in time. This is why carbon monoxide detectors are essential in any home with gas appliances.
Myth 3: Electric appliances are always safer than gas
Fact: Safety depends more on usage and upkeep than on the energy source itself. Electric stoves can cause fires due to faulty wiring or overheating. Gas and electric systems both come with risks, but both are safe when installed correctly, used properly, and maintained regularly. The assumption that electric equals safer can lead to complacency with inspections.
Myth 4: Older gas appliances are automatically unsafe
Fact: Age alone doesn’t make a gas appliance dangerous. Some older gas heaters and stoves are built to last and can operate efficiently for decades. What matters most is how they’ve been looked after. Appliances that have been professionally serviced and show no signs of corrosion, leaks, or wear can continue to function safely.
Myth 5: New appliances don’t need inspections
Fact: New appliances may look perfect out of the box, but they are not immune to installation errors or hidden defects. Ventilation might be insufficient, connections might not be properly sealed, or a safety feature might be faulty. A quick post-installation check by a licensed gas fitter can catch these issues before they become serious problems.
These myths often give people the impression that gas is too risky to trust. In reality, safety comes down to attention and action. Understanding the truth allows you to take small, proactive steps that keep your home secure and your appliances working as they should.
Now that you know gas isn’t the villain, let’s head on to how a simple maintenance mindset can be your most powerful safety tool.
The Maintenance Mindset: Your Best Safety Tool
The real risk comes from neglect. Safe gas use depends on how well your appliances are looked after, not just how new they are or what brand you buy. A regular check-up, just like you’d do with your dental hygiene, goes a long way in preventing problems before they start.
Here’s how adopting a simple, consistent routine can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your home safe and your gas appliances running smoothly.
Annual Professional Inspections
Let’s start with the most important habit. Every gas appliance in your home should be inspected by a licensed gas fitter at least once a year. These professionals do more than a quick look. They test for leaks, check combustion quality, verify that ventilation is sufficient, and ensure that safety mechanisms are functioning correctly. Even if your appliance appears to be working normally, a trained technician can identify hidden risks.
Once this annual inspection is complete, you are better positioned to manage your appliances confidently throughout the year.
Simple DIY Monthly Checks
You do not need tools or technical knowledge to keep an eye on your appliances between professional visits. Once a month, take a few minutes to check for signs such as:
- A flame that is no longer steady and blue
- Unusual hissing or clicking noises
- Soot marks, discolouration, or dampness near the appliance
These are all early indicators that something might be wrong. Spotting these signs early allows you to act before a small issue becomes a serious one.
After you have built this monthly habit, the next step is knowing where to turn when you have questions.
Know and Use Your Appliance Manuals
Your manual is more than a one-time setup guide. It includes detailed maintenance intervals, normal flame appearances, and troubleshooting steps. If something looks or sounds different, your manual is the first place to check.
It also helps you understand which cleaning or inspection tasks are safe for you to handle and which ones require professional support. Keeping the manual somewhere accessible makes it easier to stay proactive.
Keep Vents and Surroundings Clear
Blocked ventilation is one of the most overlooked safety hazards. Dust buildup, pet hair, or even stacked household items can interfere with airflow and increase the risk of trapped gases.
Make it part of your routine to clean and clear these areas. Use a vacuum or cloth to remove dust from grilles and flues, and double-check that nothing is stored too close to the appliance.
Start with one task today. The rest will follow naturally.
But what if you want to go beyond routine care? If you’re ready to take gas appliance safety one step further, there are simple, affordable upgrades that can make a big impact. Let’s take a look at the smartest additions you can make to improve safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Smart Safety Upgrades That Are Worth Every Dollar
Improving gas appliance safety doesn’t always mean replacing everything. Sometimes, the smartest approach is to add a few key upgrades that quietly protect your home around the clock.
Here are three high-impact options that are worth the investment.
Begin with Automatic Shut-Off Valves
One of the most powerful additions you can make is an automatic shut-off valve. These valves continuously monitor gas pressure and flow, and they react instantly when something is not right. If a gas line breaks or disconnects, or if pressure drops suddenly, the valve immediately cuts off the gas supply. This quick action helps prevent leaks from turning into full-blown emergencies. They are especially useful in households with vulnerable individuals or when appliances are left unattended, such as heaters during winter nights.
Add Carbon Monoxide Detectors Where They Matter Most
To complement gas leak prevention, carbon monoxide detectors provide another layer of essential protection. Carbon monoxide is created when gas does not burn completely, often due to poor ventilation or faulty appliances. Since you cannot see or smell CO, detectors are the only reliable way to catch a build-up in time. Place them near gas appliances, sleeping areas, and enclosed rooms. Models with digital readouts and battery backup give you added reliability, especially during power outages or at night when you are less likely to notice symptoms.
Upgrade to Appliances with Built-In Safety Features
If your gas appliances are more than a decade old, they may be missing key safety features. Newer models often include flame failure protection, which shuts off gas if the flame goes out, and temperature sensors that prevent overheating. These built-in systems detect faults before you notice them and shut things down automatically to avoid harm. The bonus is that these appliances are usually more energy-efficient, easier to use, and come with longer warranties.
Together, these upgrades form a proactive safety approach. They reduce your risk, protect your household, and often improve performance at the same time. But no system is perfect, and safety also means knowing how to respond when something feels wrong.
In the next section, we’ll cover what to do if you ever smell gas, so you’ll be ready to act with calm, clear steps if the unexpected happens.
What To Do If Something Smells Off
Gas smells in the home are never something to dismiss. Even if the scent is faint or fleeting, it could indicate a leak. Your best response is calm, quick action.
Here’s a step-by-step safety plan to follow:
Step 1: Leave the Area Immediately
Your first priority is to get yourself and others outside to fresh air. Don’t take time to investigate the smell or collect belongings. Just gather everyone in the home, including pets, and move outside calmly but quickly. Leaking gas can build up in enclosed spaces and cause health issues or pose a fire risk if ignited.
Step 2: Ventilate the Space if It’s Safe
If the smell is not overpowering and you can reach windows and doors on your way out, open them to improve airflow. This helps disperse the gas and reduces the concentration indoors. Do not stay inside longer than necessary. If the smell is strong or causing dizziness, skip this step and exit immediately.
Step 3: Avoid Using Any Electrical Devices
Do not turn lights on or off, and do not use switches, appliances, or phones while inside. Anything that produces a spark could ignite the gas. Static electricity, small electrical surges, or even doorbell buttons can be enough to trigger an explosion in a highly concentrated gas environment. Wait to use your phone until you are outdoors.
Step 4: Shut Off the Main Gas Supply
If you know where your gas meter is and it’s safe to approach, locate the shut-off valve. Turn the valve handle so it is perpendicular to the pipe to stop the gas flow. If you are unsure how to do this, wait for a professional. Cutting the supply reduces further risk, especially if a leak is ongoing.
Step 5: Call for Professional Help
From a safe outdoor location, contact your gas provider’s emergency line or a licensed gas fitter. If anyone in the home has symptoms of gas exposure, such as nausea, dizziness, or confusion, call emergency services immediately. Be ready to describe the situation clearly, including when the smell began and what steps you’ve taken so far.
Step 6: Do Not Go Back Inside Until You’re Told It’s Safe
Even if the smell seems to go away, do not return to the building until a licensed technician has inspected the area. They will confirm whether it is safe and identify the cause of the issue. Gas can linger in hidden pockets or result from a fault that is not visible.
Having a plan helps you respond quickly and with confidence. Share this with everyone in your household so that no one has to guess what to do in an emergency. When these steps are second nature, you move from being reactive to being ready.
Now that you know how to respond when something smells off, let’s step back and look at the big picture: why gas, when used safely and maintained properly, remains a smart and dependable choice for your home.
Safe, Simple, and Still the Best Choice
Gas appliances may feel intimidating at first, but they do not have to be. With a little knowledge and a few consistent habits, they can be just as safe and dependable as any other appliance in your home.
You do not need to overhaul your entire system. Just stay alert, schedule regular maintenance, and consider a few smart safety upgrades when the time is right. These small steps add up to greater protection, lower stress, and better peace of mind.
Start today. Take one simple action. Check the flame on your stove, listen for anything unusual, or clear out the vent behind your heater.
The more familiar you are with your appliances, the more confident you will feel using them.
It is your home, your family, and your safety. And it all begins with knowing what to look for.