What Are the Red Flags of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is referred to as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, scentless and hard to notice without the right tools. If it builds up in your home, it can rapidly turn into a danger for you and your family. So, how do you guard against something you can’t really notice naturally?
The key is to install carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are your first line of defense, notifying you of the presence of CO gas before the situation becomes life-threatening. But other than 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 notice lots of condensation on your windows, particularly near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that ventilation isn’t working properly. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this still warrants investigation.
2. Discoloration or Soot-Like Stains
Combustion-based appliances should always have unobstructed ventilation. If you notice brownish-yellow or sooty stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, combustion isn’t happening as it should. This can signal a carbon monoxide issue.
3. Exhaust Fumes Are Inside
If you can smell exhaust fumes indoors, you are at risk of carbon monoxide leaks. Fuel-burning appliances like cars, charcoal grills and generators should exclusively be operated outside to prevent an accumulation of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around a Gas Fireplace
Your chimney should channel smoke and other gases up through and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a red flag, especially if there’s excessive amounts. A clogged chimney could be why carbon monoxide is coming back indoors.
5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft from the Chimney
Speaking of chimneys, a properly working one should have the strong airflow to fully remove smoke and other fumes. If you find a weak draft or even no draft at all, your chimney could be obstructed, pushing carbon monoxide backward.
6. Yellow or Inconsistent Flames
All appliances that use gas should have a distinct blue flame. If the flame is yellow or flickering (and it’s not a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas isn’t burning properly and may be emitting carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Aren’t Burning as Fast
In situations where your wood or coal stove starts taking longer to burn or has trouble even staying on, it could have a problem with airflow, heightening the possibility of CO buildup.
Common Health Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you miss the first red flags of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next one may soon 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 home starts getting sick, especially alongside any of the above signs, 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 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 level of your home and in rooms with gas-powered equipment. For an additional safety measure, it’s wise to use interconnected detectors so that whenever one detects CO, all of them will sound. Test these detectors monthly and change them when required, usually every five to seven years.
In addition to using carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:
- Hire a professional to regularly inspect your heating system, gas or wood fireplace, and any other fuel-burning appliances.
- Never use grills, portable backup generators or similar equipment indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Turn on the range hood whenever you’re cooking with a gas stove, and never use these appliances as a heat source.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Will Help Ensure You and Your Family’s Safety
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we understand the risks of carbon monoxide gas. That’s why our team offers reliable and effective services for your heating and ventilation needs. We’ll 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.
