We just moved into a rental home today. I've noticed a gas-like smell, in the laundry area, which also houses the furnace and water heater. I know the heater is gas, not sure about the water heater, but I don't smell it in the front room, where the door is to the water heater... they are in the same spot, but the home is fairly small, and I guess that's the only way they could get to it.. was by putting a door on the opposite side... anyway, my question is, what am I smelling? I know it is not sewer gas... I had that problem in the old place. Its not really strong, but its enough to worry me. It's cold out, and I have two children. 2 and 13. My 2 yr old is has had a fever for the last 2 days, so she's coughing. My son is not, and neither am I. I'm overly tired, but like I said, we did just move today. Is it safe to sleep tonight... its after midnight... or should I call gas company now?

Well, I don't want to discount any gas leak, no matter how small... but its probably fine, but you should get it looked at. If you just moved in today like you said, its possible that the pilot has gone out on the water heater. If it were a bad gas leak, you would most likely smell it (rotten eggs, sulfur), unless your furnace and water heater are located in a basement or cellar or on the first story of a multi-level home. Natural gas is heavier than air, so it settles in low laying areas in your house. If this is concerning to you, you could have a "Flammable Gas Sensor" installed, or you can do this yourself. They are available at most home improvement centers and are about the size of a smoke detector.

Correction... "Flammable Gas Detector", not sensor. Also, bend down and smell along the floor near and around the area of concern, this is where the gas would accumulate first. If the smell is strong, you probably have a leak.