What Are the Red Flags of a Carbon Monoxide Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is referred to as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s colorless, odorless and difficult to recognize without the right tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can swiftly pose a serious threat for you and your family. So, how do you guard against something you can’t really notice naturally?
The key is to have carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are the first line of defense, alerting you to the presence of CO gas before the situation reaches dangerous levels. But besides a detector going off, how can you know if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? These are 10 warning signs to watch out for.
1. Condensation on Windows Near Appliances
If you spot heavy condensation on your windows, namely near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could suggest that something isn’t venting correctly. While humidity or condensation itself doesn’t always mean CO, this still warrants investigation.
2. Discoloration or Soot-Like Stains
Fuel-powered appliances should always have clear exhaust. If you find brownish-yellow or dark stains around a heater or gas fireplace, there may be combustion issues. This can signal a carbon monoxide leak.
3. Exhaust Fumes Are in the House
If you can notice exhaust inside the house, you are in danger of carbon monoxide exposure. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be used safely outside the home to prevent an accumulation of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around the Fireplace
Your fireplace should vent 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 blocked chimney vent could be why carbon monoxide is leaking back indoors.
5. Weaker or No Draft in the Chimney
Staying on the topic of chimneys, a properly working one should have the steady pull to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you detect a weak draft or even no draft at all, your chimney may be blocked, pushing carbon monoxide right back indoors.
6. Yellow or Flickering Flames
Gas-powered appliances should produce a clear blue flame. When the flame is yellow or flickering (and it’s not a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas is burning inefficiently and might be releasing carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly
In situations where your wood-burning stove begins taking longer to burn or has trouble even staying on, it could be dealing with a ventilation issue, raising the risk of CO buildup.
Signs You May Have CO Poisoning
If you don’t catch the other signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue might 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 household suddenly feels sick, especially combined with any of the above signs, leave the house right away for fresh air before you dial 911.
Preventing CO Leaks and Top Safety Tips
Prevention is always better than a cure, especially when it comes to CO gas exposure. First, ensure you’ve installed 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 extra safety, it’s best to use interconnected detectors so that if one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will raise the alarm. Perform monthly testing and change them when required, usually every five to seven years.
Besides using carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:
- Work with local Experts to regularly inspect your heating system, fireplace and any other fuel-burning appliances.
- Never use grills, portable backup 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 to try and heat your home.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Goes Above and Beyond to Help Protect Your Home and Family
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we recognize the risks of carbon monoxide gas leaks. That’s why our team delivers the best possible service for your heating and ventilation needs. We’ll do our best to keep your home cozy, cost-effective, and most importantly, safe. Please contact us today to confirm you have the proper precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.
