What Are the Red Flags of a Carbon Monoxide Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s colorless, scentless and tough to detect without proper tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can quickly become a danger for you and your family. So, how do you guard against something you can’t find with your senses?
The key is to have carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are the initial line of defense, warning you about the presence of CO gas before the situation gets dangerous. But besides a detector going off, how can you recognize if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? These are 10 signs to watch out for.
1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances
If you see lots of condensation on your windows, especially near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that something isn’t venting correctly. While humidity or condensation itself doesn’t always mean CO, this clue deserves a closer look.
2. Brown, Sooty Stains
Fuel-powered appliances should have clear exhaust. If you find brownish-yellow or sooty stains around a furnace, fireplace or water heater, there may be combustion issues. This can signal a carbon monoxide leak.
3. Exhaust Fumes Appear Indoors
If you can notice exhaust indoors, you are in danger of carbon monoxide exposure. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should exclusively be used outdoors to prevent an accumulation of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around a Natural Gas-Burning Fireplace
Your fireplace vent should remove smoke and other gases through the chimney. Finding soot inside or around the fireplace is a red flag, especially if there’s an unusual amount. A blocked chimney vent could be the culprit for why carbon monoxide is backdrafting indoors.
5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft in the Chimney
Staying on the topic of chimneys, a properly working one should have the steady pull to fully ventilate smoke and other fumes. If you find reduced ventilation or even no draft at all, your chimney may be obstructed, pushing carbon monoxide backward.
6. Yellow or Flickering Flames
All appliances that use gas should have a clear blue flame. If the flame is weaker and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas has combustion issues and could be releasing carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Aren’t Burning as Fast
If your wood-burning stove begins burning slower than usual or has trouble maintaining a flame, it could have a venting problem, heightening the possibility 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 clue may soon 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 household experiences these symptoms, especially together with any of the warning signs listed above, get fresh air immediately and call 911.
Prevention and Safety Tips
It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially in the case of CO gas exposure. First, check that there are carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes require them outside every bedroom, on each floor of your home and in rooms with appliances like a gas stove or water heater. For added security, it’s best to use interconnected detectors so that as soon as one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will alarm you as well. Perform monthly testing and change them when required, about every five to seven years.
In addition to using carbon monoxide detectors, keep these safety precautions in mind:
- Work with local Experts to regularly inspect your heating system, fireplace and any other fuel-burning appliances.
- Don’t allow anyone to use grills, portable backup generators or similar equipment inside the house or garage.
- Use your stove vent whenever you’re cooking with a gas stove, and never use these appliances to try and heat your home.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Will Help Protect Your Home and Family
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we understand the health and safety risks of carbon monoxide gas. That’s why our team offers reliable and effective services for your heating and ventilation needs. Our goal is to keep your home comfortable, cost-efficient, and most importantly, safe and secure. Please contact us today to ensure you’re taking the best precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.
