What Are the Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, scentless and hard to notice without the right tools. If it collects in your home, it can rapidly turn into a serious threat for you and your family. So, how do you protect yourself against something you can’t see, smell or taste?
The key is to use carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are your first line of defense, alerting you to the presence of CO gas before the situation becomes life-threatening. But besides a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Below are 10 signs to watch out for.
1. Condensation on Windows Near Appliances
If you see heavy condensation on your windows, particularly near a gas-powered device like a gas fireplace, this could suggest that ventilation isn’t working properly. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this still warrants investigation.
2. Brown, Sooty Stains
Fuel-powered appliances should have unobstructed ventilation. If you notice brownish-yellow or dark stains around a furnace, fireplace or water heater, combustion isn’t happening as it should. This may point to a carbon monoxide risk.
3. Exhaust Fumes Are in the House
If you can smell exhaust fumes inside the house, you are at risk of carbon monoxide symptoms. Fuel-burning appliances like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be operated outside to reduce the risk of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around the Fireplace
Your fireplace vent should remove smoke and other gases up through and out the chimney. Finding soot inside or around the fireplace is cause for concern, especially if there’s excessive amounts. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be the reason carbon monoxide is backdrafting into your home.
5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft from the Chimney
On the topic of chimneys, a properly working one should have the steady pull to fully ventilate smoke and other fumes. If you detect reduced ventilation or even no draft at all, the chimney may be clogged, sending carbon monoxide right back indoors.
6. Yellow or Weak Flames
Gas-powered appliances should produce a clear blue flame. When the flame is weak and yellow (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 Burning Slowly
In situations where your wood or coal stove is burning slower than usual or has trouble even staying on, it could have a ventilation issue, raising the risk of CO buildup.
Common Health Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you don’t catch the first red flags 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 combined with any of the previously mentioned clues, leave the house right away for fresh air before you dial 911.
Prevention and Safety Tips
Prevention is always better than a cure, especially regarding CO gas exposure. For the most basic safety, 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 install interconnected detectors so that whenever one detects CO, all of them will alarm you as well. 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 all other fuel-burning appliances.
- Avoid using grills, portable backup generators or similar equipment inside, especially in small spaces.
- 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 Goes Above and Beyond to Help Ensure You and Your Family’s Safety
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we recognize the dangers of carbon monoxide gas. That’s why our team offers fast, long-lasting solutions 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 proper precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.
