A Gas Stove That Would Not Ignite and Smelled of Gas in Chicago

A Gas Stove That Released Gas but Would Not Light in Chicago

A homeowner in Chicago called A+ Appliance Repair and Maintenance about a gas stove that would not ignite, and importantly, they could smell gas. That pairing, a burner that will not light and a smell of gas, is worth understanding, because it explains why a stove in this condition should be looked at promptly and not run over and over.

Why a stove that will not ignite can smell of gas

When you turn on a gas burner, two things are supposed to happen together: gas is released at the burner, and the igniter lights it. When the igniter fails, the gas can still be released, but there is nothing to light it. That unburned gas then escapes into the air, which is exactly why the customer could smell gas. The stove was doing half of its job, releasing the gas, without the other half, lighting it.

This is the reason a gas stove that will not ignite should not be repeatedly clicked at or left trying to light. Every failed attempt can release more unburned gas. The right response is to stop, make sure the burner is fully off, ventilate, and have the stove looked at by a professional. The smell of gas from an unlit burner is the appliance telling you the ignition is not doing its job.

The repair

Our technician approached the stove with safety in mind, confirmed the situation, and diagnosed the ignition. The igniter had failed, which is why the burner would not light while gas was still being released. We replaced the igniter so that the burner once again lit promptly and reliably when turned on, meaning the gas is now being burned as intended rather than escaping unlit. With the new igniter in place, our technician confirmed the burner lit correctly and the stove operated properly and safely. On a gas appliance, confirming both that it works and that it is safe, with the gas being properly lit rather than released unburned, is what completes the repair.

A word on gas safety

It is worth being direct: if you ever smell gas, treat it seriously. For a burner that will not light and is releasing gas, turn it fully off, avoid creating any spark or flame, ventilate the area, and if the smell is strong, leave and contact your gas utility. A stove that will not ignite is not an emergency to force through by clicking it repeatedly; it is a reason to stop and get a professional. Gas appliances are safe and reliable when they are working correctly, and a failed igniter is a normal, repairable fault, but the right way to handle it is a proper repair, not repeated attempts to light a burner that is only releasing gas.

Why a certified technician matters here

Because this involves gas, the repair belongs with a certified technician who can address it safely and confirm the appliance is operating correctly afterward. Replacing the igniter so the gas is properly lit, and verifying safe operation, is exactly the kind of work that should be done by a professional rather than attempted as a quick fix. That is how you get a stove that both works and is safe to use again.

About A+ Appliance Repair and Maintenance

We service every major gas and electric stove, range, and cooktop brand throughout Chicago and the surrounding communities. Our technicians are certified to work on gas appliances safely and correctly.

We quote the price upfront before any work begins, we waive the service call fee when you move forward with the repair, and every completed repair is backed by our full repair warranty. If your gas stove will not ignite, especially if you smell gas, make the burner safe and call a certified professional. We are glad to help and will always put safety first.