The following is a reprint from our Ask the Expert feature on AcmeHowTo.com:

Question: Our gas dryer was installed two weeks ago. It worked great for two loads. Then on the third load of clothing we started noticing a gas smell in the laundry room and it took three timed cycles to dry the clothing. We can feel the dryer heating up but the clothes aren't drying and there's a smell of gas when ever we turn it on. We cleaned out the vent from the roof on down to where it connects to the dryer. We're baffled by why it would work for a oouple of loads and now smells like gas and won't try clothing.

Answer: First off, a gas odor is serious and dangerous. You should never smell gas with a properly connected and functioning dryer. Discontinue use until this problem is fixed. If you smell gas even when it is off, call your utility department or fire department to get out there immediately.

If you smell gas even when it is off, then there may be a leak in the connection to the dryer, or there may be a faulty part in the dryer. If you only smell gas during operation, then it could be a stuck coil, misadjusted venturi or other defect. If this is a new dryer, get the manufacturer/retailer/installer back out there pronto.