What Are the Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s colorless, scentless and tough to detect without proper tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can swiftly pose a danger for you and your family. So, how do you protect yourself against something you can’t find with your senses?
The key is to have carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are your first 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 know if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Here are 10 clues to watch out for.
1. Condensation on Windows Near Appliances
If you notice heavy condensation on your windows, especially near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that there’s an issue with ventilation. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this still should be checked out.
2. Yellow or Brown Stains
Combustion-based appliances should have unobstructed ventilation. If you notice brownish-yellow or soot-like stains around a furnace, fireplace or water heater, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This can be a sign of a carbon monoxide issue.
3. Exhaust Fumes Indoors
If you start to smell exhaust fumes indoors, you are at risk of carbon monoxide symptoms. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should exclusively be operated outside to reduce the risk of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around a Gas Fireplace
Your chimney should channel smoke and other gases up and out the chimney. Finding soot inside or around the fireplace is a warning sign, especially if there’s excessive amounts. A clogged chimney could be the culprit for why carbon monoxide is coming back indoors.
5. Weaker or No Draft in Your Chimney
Speaking of chimneys, a properly working one should have the strong airflow to fully ventilate smoke and other fumes. If you detect weak airflow or even no draft at all, the chimney might be blocked, pushing carbon monoxide back into your home.
6. Discolored or Flickering Flames
Gas-powered appliances should have a distinct blue flame. Whenever the flame is weak and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas has combustion issues and could be emitting carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly
If your wood or coal stove is struggling to burn all the way through or has trouble even staying on, it could be dealing with a ventilation issue, raising the risk of CO buildup.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you miss the other signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue could come from your health. Symptoms of CO poisoning can be:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- And fatigue
If you or anyone in your home experiences these symptoms, especially together with any of the warning signs listed above, get fresh air immediately and call 911.
Prevent CO Poisoning and Gas Leaks with These Safety Tips
It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially when it comes to CO gas exposure. For the most basic safety, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate 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 an additional safety measure, it’s smart to install interconnected detectors so that as soon as one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will raise the alarm. Test these detectors monthly and change them when required, generally every five to seven years.
Besides using carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:
- Hire a professional to regularly inspect your heating system, fireplace and any other fuel-burning appliances.
- Never use grills, backup generators or similar equipment inside the house or garage.
- Use your stove vent when cooking with a gas-powered oven, and avoid using these appliances for home heating.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Can Help Protect Your Home and Family
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we recognize the health and safety risks of carbon monoxide gas leaks. 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 make sure you’re following the best precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.