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, scentless and tough to recognize without proper tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can rapidly turn into a serious threat for you and your family. So, how do you guard against something you can’t see, smell or taste?
The key is to install carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are your first line of defense, notifying you of 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? Here are 10 signs to keep an eye on.
1. Condensation on Windows Nearby Appliances
If you spot lots of condensation on your windows, particularly near a gas-powered device like a gas fireplace, this could suggest that there’s an issue with ventilation. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this clue warrants investigation.
2. Yellow or Brown Stains
Combustion-based appliances should always have clear exhaust. If you see brownish-yellow or soot-like stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, there may be combustion issues. This can signal a carbon monoxide leak.
3. Exhaust Fumes Appear Indoors
If you can smell exhaust fumes indoors, you are in danger of carbon monoxide symptoms. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should always be used safely outside the home to avoid the buildup of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around Your Fireplace
Your fireplace vent should remove smoke and other gases through the chimney. Finding soot inside or around the fireplace is cause for concern, especially if there’s more than usual. A clogged chimney could be the reason carbon monoxide is coming back indoors.
5. Weaker or No Draft in Your Chimney
Staying on the topic of chimneys, a properly working one needs the solid updrafts to fully remove smoke and other fumes. If you find reduced ventilation or even no draft at all, your chimney could be blocked, sending carbon monoxide backward.
6. Yellowish or Inconsistent Flames
All appliances that use gas should have a distinct blue flame. If the flame is yellow or flickering (and it isn’t a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas isn’t burning properly and could be releasing carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burn More Slowly
If your wood- or coal-fired stove starts burning slower than usual or has trouble staying lit, it could have a problem with airflow, raising the risk of CO buildup.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you fail to notice the initial warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue may soon come from your health. 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 suddenly feels sick, especially combined with any of the previously mentioned clues, leave the house right away for fresh air before you dial 911.
Preventing CO Leaks and Top Safety Tips
It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially regarding CO gas exposure. To start, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes require them close to any bedrooms, on each floor of the house and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For extra safety, it’s smart to use interconnected detectors so that if one goes off, all of them will sound. Check your alarms monthly and replace them as needed, about every five to seven years.
In addition to having enough carbon monoxide detectors, keep these safety precautions in mind:
- Work with local Experts to regularly inspect your heating system, gas or wood fireplace, and all other fuel-burning appliances.
- Avoid using grills, portable generators or similar equipment inside, especially in small spaces.
- Use your stove vent whenever you’re cooking with a gas-fired oven or stove, and avoid using these appliances as a heat source.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Goes Above and Beyond to Help Keep Your Household Safe
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we recognize the health and safety risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. That’s why our team delivers the best possible service for your heating and ventilation needs. Our goal is to keep your home cozy, cost-effective, and most importantly, secure. Please contact us today to confirm you have the best precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.
