Latest news with #gasstove
Fast Company
4 days ago
- Health
- Fast Company
Colorado just became the first state to add warning labels to gas stoves. Could your state could be next?
Whenever someone in Colorado shops for a gas stove, whether in person or online, they'll now see a yellow label that warns them about the air quality impacts. It's a move meant to highlight the health risks of cooking with gas, and one a handful of other states are considering too. Governor Jared Polis of Colorado signed the law requiring warning labels on gas stoves back in May, and it went into effect this month. Under the law, such warning labels must include a link or QR code to a state health department website about the health risks of gas stoves. Gas stoves burn either natural gas or propane, which releases harmful pollutants like nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide into the air inside your home. Hoods that vent away these emissions aren't always required in building codes, and as our homes have become better sealed from the outside air—which is good for energy efficiency—that keeps indoor pollutants from dissipating. Studies have compared the pollutants from gas cooking to secondhand smoke, and even linked gas stove to tens of thousands of cases of childhood asthma. Colorado law and legal backlash Colorado's warning label law is the first of its kind in the U.S., though there are efforts underway in other states to add such warnings to gas stoves. The law is already facing a legal challenge; the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that requiring a warning label violates the First Amendment, and that the information about health risks is 'misleading.' Abe Scarr, the energy and utilities director with the U.S. Public Interest Resource Group (PIRG), contests those claims. 'This is a product that, when used as directed, puts your health at risk, and despite industry attempts to say otherwise, there's no real scientific debate on that fact,' he says. He also notes that requiring a warning label is not akin to a ban. 'This is not to tell people, 'don't buy a gas stove,' he says. 'It's to say, if you're going to use and operate a gas stove in your home, you should take precautions, like using proper external ventilation.' That's something most people may not actually be aware of, he adds. U.S. PIRG did a consumer survey in which secret shoppers went into big box stores around the country to ask store employees about the health risks, the need for ventilation, or alternatives like induction stoves. 'We found that much of the time, consumers did not get information about these risks,' he says. 'And so we think a warning label is an appropriate step.' Other states considering gas stove warning labels Colorado was the first state to affix a warning label to gas stoves, but it's not the only one to have considered the move. A proposal in New York (cosponsored by state assemblymember and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani) recently made it into the Assembly committee. Lawmakers in Massachusetts also recently introduced a warning label bill. There have also been earlier attempts at gas stove warning label requirements that failed. PIRG filed a bill calling for gas stove warning labels in Illinois in 2023, but it was a few votes short of passing. In 2024, such a bill landed on the desk of California Governor Gavin Newsom, but he vetoed it. Though Scarr couldn't speak to exactly why Newsom vetoed the bill, he says that the politics around gas stoves has been fraught. Gas stoves ignited a nationwide conversation a few years ago when some politicians became outraged at the thought of a gas stove ban. In 2023, an official with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission mentioned in an interview that gas stoves were a hidden hazard and that 'any option is on the table,' to deal with that risk. That official quickly clarified that he had no plans to ban gas stoves, but the comments had already set off a wave of backlash. One Texas congressman tweeted that he would 'NEVER give up my gas stove.' Still, both climate and health experts have sounded the alarm about gas stoves, and gas appliances in general. In 2021, Energy Star announced that it wouldn't recommend any gas appliances on its 'most efficient' list moving forward. Gas furnaces, water heaters, and dryers have all faced scrutiny under the effort to 'electrify everything' and get fossil-fuel appliances out of homes, and certain municipalities have also taken efforts to ban gas hookups completely in new construction buildings. Scarr hopes that the Colorado law continues to raise awareness about the risk of gas stoves, and that more jurisdictions adopt warning labels. It's not about limiting choice, he says, but about giving people information on a consumer product. With gas stoves, he says, the risks are obvious: 'You've got a methane flame unventilated in the middle of your kitchen, a fossil fuel. Of course there's going to be air pollution.'
CNET
11-06-2025
- General
- CNET
How to fix a gas stove that won't light
Your stove is one of the most important appliances in your kitchen, alongside your refrigerator. While electric ranges have been growing in popularity, gas stoves remain a particularly convenient option. You get instant heat, can enjoy long-term cost savings and can continue even cooking when the power goes out, which is a common summertime occurrence in many areas. According to the US Energy Information Administration, 38% of households in the nation had natural gas cooking appliances in 2020. But unlike with coil-element or electric stoves, you have to ignite the burners to be able to cook anything on a gas stove. And sometimes, they just won't light no matter how much you twist and turn the knobs. This issue is more common than you think. According to a number of Reddit threads, many users struggle with gas stoves that won't light. Some suspect gas flow issues, while others face electrical failures. The good news is the problem is usually something you can fix your own. Learn about the common reasons why your gas stove fails to ignite and how to resolve it. Problem: Clogged with food debris Whether it's grease buildup or food crumbs, one of the most common causes for a gas burner that has trouble igniting is debris blocking gas flow to the igniter. The fix: Begin by removing the grate covering the troubled burner. Next, remove the burner cap, which should lift off with ease. The sealed burner base will either lift off or you may need to remove a couple screws before removing it. Clean the surrounding area with a warm, soapy wash cloth. Soak the sealed burner base in vinegar or warm water and use a stiff brush to remove any debris. Finally, clean any remaining debris out of the burner holes with a toothpick, sewing needle or compressed air. Reinstall the burner, cover the grill and try igniting the burner once more. If this doesn't work, there could be a kink in the gas supply line or a larger issue, and you may want to consult a professional. Problem: A loose connection While there aren't a lot of moving parts on a stovetop, it is possible for connections to come loose, particularly during cleaning or installation. If the wires which connect the igniter to the control module aren't making a solid connection, you won't get the spark needed to properly ignite the burner. The fix: First, stop power to the appliance by unplugging it from the wall or flipping the breaker switch. Remove the grate and burner cap from the problematic burner. Remove the sealed burner base and look for loose connections or disconnected wires. Secure any loose connections and reconnect any disconnected wires, reinstall the burner base, cap and grate. Restore power to the stove and test the connection. Problem: It has a faulty igniter If you've removed debris from the burner base and secured any loose connections, you may be dealing with a faulty igniter. A quick way to tell if the igniter needs to be replaced is by switching the lights in the room off and turning the control knob to the ignite position. If the igniter sparks yellow or orange instead of a bright bluish-white, you will likely need to replace the igniter. The fix: Cut the gas and power to the stove, remove the burner cap and use a screwdriver or hex driver to disconnect the burner base. Then disconnect the wires coming from the igniter. Igniters usually use a quick disconnect system so you won't need to cut or splice wires. Use the model number of your stove to determine which replacement igniter you should purchase, install the new part, and replace the burner base, cap and grate. Restore gas and power to the stove and test the burner. If none of these quick fixes remedy a stubborn burner, you may need to replace the igniter switch, igniter control module or contact a professional for a more in-depth diagnosis.
