Aardvark

If it were me, I would call PGE who will come immediately and let you know what the problem is. The landlord will then be required to repair it. On the downside, PGE might shut the appliance off as being unsafe.

thanks a lot for the suggestion! I think I'll do that!

there was nothing in the oven the burned off? Is it an explosive gas alarm or just a simple smoke detector?

it's just a smoke detector. I was able to use the stove part just fine but the oven sets off the alarm. I was wondering if it could just be old stuff burning off.

that's probably likely. If possible, just open the windows and let it heat for a while.

thanks a lot -- i'll give it a try

It's very common for dust to accumulate on unseen parts of a furnace or stove/oven when they aren't in use, and for that dust to "burn off" upon first use - setting off the smoke detector. I usually run the appliance on "high" while at home so I can monitor it. I open the windows if the dust smells and to help prevent setting off the alarm. About 20 minutes at high heat seems like enough to burn off the smelly stuff.

On the other hand, if what was sounding was a carbon monoxide sensor (some smoke detectors are also carbon monoxide sensors now) then you might have poor or no ventilation. In old houses, it was common to have a small vent or hood - or even nothing, with the expectation that you would open a window while using the stove. In this case, you may have an incompatibility with your sensor (and should crack the window when using your oven/stove.)

thanks! that's really helpful!!

Hi Anna, Does your smoke alarm also have a carbon monoxide sensor on it? If it does, it would make sense that the alarm went off. An unused gas appliance may not be functioning properly and produce CO. You can't see or smell CO and that's what makes it so dangerous. Did you feel dizzy at all? That would be a telling sign as well. I would definitely talk to your landlord right away and have an appliance service tune it up. It's possible that the stove will correct itself with some usage, but why risk it. Good luck. Peter

That makes a lot of sense, it probably is CO! Thanks a lot for the advice.

I would think it wasn't cleaned well. Therefore, I would inform the landlord, or clean it and try it again. Some ovens have a self cleaning setting where it burns off any residues at very high temperature.

Thanks!

Thanks so much, Michael!!