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 difficult to recognize without proper tools. If it builds up in your home, it can quickly become a serious hazard 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, notifying you of the presence of CO gas before the situation reaches dangerous levels. But aside from a detector going off, how can you recognize if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? These are 10 clues to keep an eye on.
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 ventilation isn’t working properly. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this clue should be checked out.
2. Yellow or Brown Stains
Appliances that run on combusting fuel should always have clear exhaust. If you notice brownish-yellow or sooty stains around a furnace, fireplace or water heater, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This can signal a carbon monoxide leak.
3. Exhaust Fumes Are Inside
If you can smell or see exhaust fumes indoors, you are in danger of carbon monoxide exposure. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be operated outside to reduce the risk of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around a Natural Gas-Burning Fireplace
Your fireplace should vent smoke and other gases up and out the chimney. Finding soot inside or around the fireplace is cause for concern, especially if there’s an unusual amount. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be the reason carbon monoxide is leaking back indoors.
5. Weaker or No Draft in the Chimney
Staying on the topic of chimneys, a properly working one needs the strong airflow to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you detect a weak draft or even no draft at all, the chimney may be clogged, forcing carbon monoxide right back indoors.
6. Yellowish or Inconsistent Flames
Most gas-burning appliances should produce a steady blue flame. If the flame is yellow or flickering (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas is burning inefficiently and may be producing carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly
When your wood- or coal-fired stove is burning slower than usual or has trouble staying lit, it could have a venting problem, heightening the possibility of CO buildup.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you don’t catch the other signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next warning might come from your body. 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 home starts getting sick, especially alongside any of the warning signs listed above, leave the house right away for fresh air before you dial 911.
Prevention and Safety Tips
It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially in the case of carbon monoxide. To start, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes mandate them outside every bedroom, on each floor of the house and in rooms with appliances like a gas stove or water heater. For added security, it’s wise to set up interconnected detectors so that when one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will raise the alarm. Test these detectors monthly and replace them as needed, about every five to seven years.
In addition to using carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:
- Schedule a certified technician to regularly inspect your heating system, gas or wood fireplace, and all other fuel-burning appliances.
- Don’t allow anyone to use grills, portable generators or similar equipment inside the house or garage.
- Use your stove vent when cooking with a gas stove, and avoid using these appliances to try and heat your home.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Goes Above and Beyond to Help Keep Your Household Safe
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we know the health and safety risks of carbon monoxide gas. That’s why our team offers the best possible service for your heating and ventilation needs. Our goal is to keep your home comfortable, cost-efficient, and most importantly, secure. Please contact us today to confirm you have the necessary measures against carbon monoxide leaks.
