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 hard to detect without the right tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can swiftly pose 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 have carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are your initial line of defense, notifying you of the presence of CO gas before the situation becomes life-threatening. But other than a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Below are 10 warning signs to watch out for.
1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances
If you spot heavy condensation on your windows, particularly near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could suggest that there’s an issue with ventilation. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this still deserves a closer look.
2. Yellow or Brown Stains
Combustion-based appliances should have clean, clear exhaust. If you find brownish-yellow or dark stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This may point to a carbon monoxide issue.
3. Exhaust Fumes Are Inside
If you can smell or see exhaust fumes indoors, you are at risk of carbon monoxide symptoms. Devices that burn fuel like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be operated outside to avoid the buildup of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around Your Fireplace
Your chimney should channel smoke and other gases up and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your 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 into your home.
5. Weaker or No Draft from the Chimney
Staying on the topic of chimneys, a properly working one needs the solid updrafts to fully ventilate smoke and other fumes. If you notice weak airflow or even no draft at all, the chimney may be obstructed, sending carbon monoxide back into your home.
6. Yellowish or Flickering Flames
Gas-powered appliances should have a steady blue flame. If the flame is yellow or flickering (and it isn’t a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas has combustion issues and may be producing carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burn More Slowly
When your wood- or coal-fired stove starts taking longer to burn or has trouble maintaining a flame, it could be dealing with a problem with airflow, heightening the possibility of CO buildup.
Common Health Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you don’t catch the initial warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next one may soon come from your body. 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 home suddenly feels sick, especially combined with any of the above signs, move outdoors immediately and contact emergency services.
Prevent CO Poisoning and Gas Leaks with These Safety Tips
It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially in the case of carbon monoxide. First, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes require them close to any bedrooms, on each level of the house and in rooms with appliances like a gas stove or water heater. For extra safety, it’s smart to use interconnected detectors so that if one detects CO, all of them will raise the alarm. Test these detectors monthly and change them when required, usually every five to seven years.
Along with installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:
- Hire a professional to regularly inspect your heating system, fireplace and all other fuel-burning appliances.
- Avoid using grills, portable generators or similar equipment inside the house or garage.
- Turn on the range hood when 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 Ensure You and Your Family’s Safety
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we recognize the health and safety risks of carbon monoxide exposure. That’s why our team provides reliable and effective services for your heating and ventilation needs. We’ll do our best to keep your home comfortable, cost-effective, and most importantly, secure. Please contact us today to confirm you have the necessary measures against carbon monoxide leaks.
