What Are the Warning Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s colorless, odorless and hard to recognize without the right tools. If it builds up in your home, it can rapidly turn into a serious hazard for you and your family. So, how do you protect yourself against something you can’t see, smell or taste?
The key is to have carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are the initial line of defense, alerting you to the presence of CO gas before the situation reaches dangerous levels. But other than a detector going off, how can you know if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Below are 10 clues to watch out for.
1. Condensation on Windows Near Appliances
If you spot lots of condensation on your windows, namely near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could mean that there’s an issue with ventilation. While humidity or condensation itself doesn’t always mean CO, this still should be checked out.
2. Brown, Sooty Stains
Fuel-powered appliances should have unobstructed ventilation. If you find brownish-yellow or dark stains around a heater or gas fireplace, there may be combustion issues. This can be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak.
3. Exhaust Fumes Are in the House
If you start to notice exhaust indoors, you are at risk of carbon monoxide leaks. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be used safely outside the home to reduce the risk of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around the Fireplace
Your fireplace vent should remove smoke and other gases through the chimney. Finding soot inside or around the fireplace is a warning sign, especially if there’s more than usual. A blocked chimney vent could be the culprit for why carbon monoxide is leaking back indoors.
5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft in the Chimney
Staying on the topic of chimneys, a properly working one needs the strong airflow to fully ventilate smoke and other fumes. If you find reduced ventilation or even no draft at all, the chimney could be blocked, pushing carbon monoxide back into your home.
6. Yellowish or Flickering Flames
Most gas-burning appliances should have a distinct blue flame. Whenever the flame is weak and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas has combustion issues and may be emitting carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly
In situations where your wood or coal stove starts taking longer to burn or has trouble even staying on, it could be dealing with a venting problem, increasing the risk of CO buildup.
Signs You May Have CO Poisoning
If you don’t catch the initial warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next one could come from your health and well-being. Symptoms of CO poisoning can be:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- And fatigue
If you or anyone in your family experiences these symptoms, especially combined with any of the above signs, move outdoors immediately and contact emergency services.
Preventing CO Leaks and Top Safety Tips
Taking all the proper precautions is key, especially regarding CO gas exposure. To start, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes mandate them in hallways near all bedrooms, on each level of your home and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For added security, it’s smart to use interconnected detectors so that when one goes off, all of them will alarm you as well. Perform monthly testing and replace them as needed, approximately every five to seven years.
Along with having enough carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:
- Work with local Experts to regularly inspect your heating system, gas or wood fireplace, and all other fuel-burning appliances.
- Never use grills, portable generators or similar equipment indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Turn on the range hood if you’re cooking with a gas-powered oven, and never use these appliances as a heat source.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Will Help Keep Your Household Safe
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we know the risks of carbon monoxide exposure. That’s why our team offers fast, long-lasting solutions for your heating and ventilation needs. We’ll keep your home cozy, cost-efficient, and most importantly, safe. Please contact us today to make sure you’re following the proper precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.
