What Are the Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, odorless and difficult to recognize without proper tools. If it collects 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 really notice naturally?
The key is to install carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are the initial line of defense, alerting you to the presence of CO gas before the situation gets dangerous. But besides a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? These are 10 warning signs to be aware of.
1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances
If you see heavy condensation on your windows, particularly near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that there’s an issue with ventilation. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this clue warrants investigation.
2. Yellow or Brown Stains
Combustion-based appliances should always have clean, clear exhaust. If you notice brownish-yellow or dark stains around a heater or gas fireplace, combustion isn’t happening as it should. This may point to a carbon monoxide leak.
3. Exhaust Fumes Appear Indoors
If you start to smell or see exhaust fumes indoors, you are at risk of carbon monoxide leaks. Devices that burn fuel like cars, charcoal grills and generators should always be used safely outside the home to prevent an accumulation of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around a Natural Gas-Burning Fireplace
Your fireplace should vent smoke and other gases up through and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a warning sign, especially if there’s more than usual. A blocked chimney vent could be the reason carbon monoxide is coming back indoors.
5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft from Your Chimney
On the topic of chimneys, a properly working one should have the steady pull to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you find reduced ventilation or even no draft at all, the chimney could be obstructed, sending carbon monoxide back into your home.
6. Discolored or Flickering Flames
Gas-powered appliances should produce a distinct blue flame. If the flame is weak and yellow (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 Burning Slowly
When your wood-burning stove is burning slower than usual or has trouble staying lit, it could be dealing with a ventilation issue, raising the risk of CO buildup.
Common Health Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you fail to notice the other signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue might come from your health and well-being. Symptoms of CO poisoning may involve:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- And fatigue
If you or anyone in your household starts getting sick, especially together with any of the warning signs listed above, move outdoors immediately and contact emergency services.
Prevention and Safety Tips
It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially in the case of carbon monoxide. To start, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes mandate them close to any bedrooms, on each level of your home and in rooms with gas-powered equipment. For added security, it’s wise to use interconnected detectors so that as soon as one detects CO, all of them will sound. Check your alarms monthly and swap them out when necessary, approximately every five to seven years.
In addition to having enough carbon monoxide detectors, don’t forget these other tips:
- Work with local Experts 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.
- Run the kitchen exhaust fan whenever you’re cooking with a gas-powered oven, and avoid using these appliances to try and heat your home.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Can Help Protect Your Home and Family
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we know the dangers of carbon monoxide gas. That’s why our team delivers the best possible service for your heating and ventilation needs. Our goal is to keep your home comfortable, cost-effective, and most importantly, secure. Please contact us today to make sure you’re following the best precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.
