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 clear, odorless and hard to detect without proper tools. If it collects in your home, it can quickly become a serious threat for you and your family. So, how do you stay safe against something you can’t really notice naturally?
The key is to install 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 Nearby Appliances
If you spot lots of condensation on your windows, particularly near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that something isn’t venting correctly. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this still should be checked out.
2. Yellow or Brown Stains
Appliances that run on combusting fuel should always have unobstructed ventilation. If you notice brownish-yellow or dark 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 notice exhaust inside the house, you are at risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be used outdoors to prevent an accumulation of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around a Natural Gas-Burning Fireplace
Your chimney should channel smoke and other gases up and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a warning sign, especially if there’s an unusual amount. A clogged chimney could be why carbon monoxide is backdrafting indoors.
5. Weak or No Draft in Your Chimney
On the topic of chimneys, a properly working one needs the steady pull to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you find reduced ventilation or even no draft at all, your chimney might be blocked, sending carbon monoxide right back indoors.
6. Yellowish or Inconsistent Flames
All appliances that use gas should produce a steady blue flame. Whenever the flame is yellow or flickering (and it isn’t a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas isn’t burning properly and may be releasing carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly
In situations where your wood- or coal-fired stove starts burning slower than usual or has trouble staying lit, it could be dealing with a ventilation issue, raising the risk of CO buildup.
Common Health Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you fail to notice the other signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue may soon 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 starts getting sick, especially combined with any of the above signs, move outdoors immediately and contact emergency services.
Prevent CO Poisoning and Gas Leaks with These Safety Tips
Taking all the proper precautions is key, especially in the case of CO gas exposure. To start, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes mandate them outside every bedroom, on each level of the house and in rooms with gas-powered equipment. For extra safety, it’s best to use interconnected detectors so that when one goes off, all of them will raise the alarm. Test these detectors monthly and replace them as needed, generally 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.
- Don’t allow anyone to use grills, portable backup generators or similar equipment inside the house or garage.
- Run the kitchen exhaust fan whenever you’re cooking with a gas-fired oven or stove, and never use 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 know the dangers of carbon monoxide gas. That’s why our team delivers reliable and effective services for your heating and ventilation needs. Our goal is to keep your home comfortable, cost-effective, and most importantly, safe and secure. Please contact us today to make sure you’re following the best precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.
