What Are the Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, scentless and tough to notice without the right tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can rapidly turn into a serious hazard for you and your family. So, how do you guard against something you can’t see, smell or taste?
The key is to use carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are the initial line of defense, warning you about the presence of CO gas before the situation becomes life-threatening. But aside from a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Below are 10 signs to keep an eye on.
1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances
If you spot heavy condensation on your windows, namely near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could mean that ventilation isn’t working properly. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this clue warrants investigation.
2. Discoloration or Soot-Like Stains
Combustion-based appliances should always have unobstructed ventilation. If you notice brownish-yellow or soot-like stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This can be a sign of a carbon monoxide risk.
3. Exhaust Fumes Are Inside
If you start to notice exhaust inside the house, you are at risk of carbon monoxide leaks. Devices that burn fuel like cars, charcoal grills and generators should exclusively be used safely outside the home to reduce the risk of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around Your Fireplace
Your chimney should channel smoke and other gases through the chimney. Finding soot inside or around the fireplace is a red flag, especially if there’s more than usual. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be why carbon monoxide is backdrafting indoors.
5. Weak or No Draft from the Chimney
Speaking of chimneys, a properly working one needs the solid updrafts to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you detect reduced ventilation or even no draft at all, the chimney could be clogged, sending carbon monoxide right back indoors.
6. Yellowish or Flickering Flames
Gas-powered appliances should have a distinct blue flame. If the flame is yellow or flickering (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas is burning inefficiently and might be emitting carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Aren’t Burning as Fast
When your wood- or coal-fired stove starts struggling to burn all the way through or has trouble staying lit, it could be dealing with a venting problem, heightening the possibility of CO buildup.
Common Health Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you don’t catch the first red flags of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next warning could come from your health and well-being. Symptoms of CO poisoning include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- And fatigue
If you or anyone in your household experiences these symptoms, especially together with any of the above signs, move outdoors immediately and contact emergency services.
Preventing CO Leaks and Top Safety Tips
It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially when it comes to carbon monoxide. For the most basic safety, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes mandate them outside every bedroom, on each level of the house and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For an additional safety measure, it’s smart to install interconnected detectors so that when one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will sound. Check your alarms monthly and swap them out when necessary, generally every five to seven years.
In addition to having enough carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:
- Hire a professional to regularly inspect your heating system, fireplace and any other fuel-burning appliances.
- Avoid using grills, backup generators or similar equipment inside, especially in small spaces.
- Use your stove vent if you’re cooking with a gas-fired oven or stove, and never use these appliances for home heating.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Will Help Protect Your Home and Family
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we recognize the health and safety risks of carbon monoxide exposure. That’s why our team delivers fast, long-lasting solutions for your heating and ventilation needs. We’ll keep your home comfortable, cost-effective, and most importantly, secure. Please contact us today to confirm you have the best precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.
