What Are the Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s clear, scentless and difficult to detect without proper tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can rapidly turn into a serious threat for you and your family. So, how do you guard against something you can’t really notice naturally?
The key is to have carbon monoxide detectors. These small alarm systems are your first line of defense, warning you about 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? These are 10 signs to be aware of.
1. Condensation on Windows Near Appliances
If you see lots of condensation on your windows, especially near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could mean that there’s an issue with ventilation. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this still warrants investigation.
2. Yellow or Brown Stains
Appliances that run on combusting fuel should always have clean, clear exhaust. If you find brownish-yellow or sooty stains around a heater or gas fireplace, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This may point to a carbon monoxide risk.
3. Exhaust Fumes Appear Indoors
If you start to smell exhaust fumes inside the house, you are at risk of carbon monoxide leaks. 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 Your Fireplace
Your fireplace vent should remove smoke and other gases through the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is cause for concern, especially if there’s excessive amounts. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be why carbon monoxide is leaking back indoors.
5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft from the Chimney
Speaking of chimneys, a properly working one needs the steady pull to fully remove smoke and other fumes. If you find weak airflow or even no draft at all, the chimney might be clogged, forcing carbon monoxide right back indoors.
6. Yellow or Inconsistent Flames
Gas-powered appliances should produce a distinct blue flame. Whenever the flame is weak and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas is burning inefficiently and could be emitting carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burn More Slowly
When your wood- or coal-fired stove begins burning slower than usual or has trouble even staying on, it could have a ventilation issue, heightening the possibility of CO buildup.
Signs You May Have CO Poisoning
If you fail to notice the first red flags of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue could come from your body. 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 household starts getting sick, especially together with any of the previously mentioned clues, move outdoors immediately and contact emergency services.
Prevent CO Poisoning and Gas Leaks with These Safety Tips
It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially regarding CO gas exposure. First, check that there are carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes require them close to any bedrooms, on each floor of the house and in rooms with appliances like a gas stove or water heater. For extra safety, it’s wise to use interconnected detectors so that when one detects CO, all of them will raise the alarm. Check your alarms monthly and change them when required, usually 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, fireplace and all other fuel-burning appliances.
- Never use grills, backup generators or similar equipment indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Run the kitchen exhaust fan whenever you’re cooking with a gas-fired oven or stove, and never use these appliances for home heating.
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 recognize the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure. That’s why our team offers reliable and effective services for your heating and ventilation needs. We’ll do our best to keep your home cozy, cost-efficient, and most importantly, secure. Please contact us today to ensure you’re taking the proper precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.
