What Are the Warning Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Leak?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is referred to as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s clear, odorless and difficult 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 install carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are your initial line of defense, notifying you of the presence of CO gas before the situation becomes life-threatening. But aside from a detector going off, how can you tell 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 lots of condensation on your windows, namely near a gas-powered device like a gas fireplace, this could mean that there’s an issue with ventilation. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this clue warrants investigation.
2. Brown, Sooty Stains
Combustion-based appliances should always have clear exhaust. If you see brownish-yellow or dark stains around a heater or gas fireplace, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This can signal a carbon monoxide issue.
3. Exhaust Fumes Appear Indoors
If you start to smell or see exhaust fumes inside the house, you are at risk of carbon monoxide symptoms. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be used outdoors to reduce the risk of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around Your Fireplace
Your fireplace should vent smoke and other gases up through and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a red flag, especially if there’s an unusual amount. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be why carbon monoxide is backdrafting into your home.
5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft from the Chimney
On the topic of chimneys, a properly working one should have the steady pull to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you detect weak airflow or even no draft at all, your chimney may be obstructed, forcing carbon monoxide right back indoors.
6. Discolored or Weak Flames
Gas-powered appliances should produce a clear blue flame. When the flame is weaker and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas isn’t burning properly and may be producing carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly
When your wood-burning stove is taking longer to burn or has trouble maintaining a flame, it could be dealing with a ventilation issue, raising the risk of CO buildup.
Signs You May Have CO Poisoning
If you don’t catch the initial warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next warning might come from your health. 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 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
Taking all the proper precautions is key, especially regarding carbon monoxide. For the most basic safety, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes require them outside every bedroom, on each level of your home and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For extra safety, it’s best to install interconnected detectors so that when one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will alarm you as well. Check your alarms monthly and change them when required, approximately every five to seven years.
In addition to installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors, keep these safety precautions in mind:
- Work with local Experts to regularly inspect your heating system, gas or wood fireplace, and any other fuel-burning appliances.
- Don’t allow anyone to use grills, backup generators or similar equipment inside, especially in small spaces.
- Use your stove vent whenever you’re cooking with a gas-powered oven, and avoid using these appliances as a heat source.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Will Help Keep Your Household Safe
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we recognize the dangers of carbon monoxide gas leaks. That’s why our team delivers fast, long-lasting solutions for your heating and ventilation needs. Our goal is to keep your home cozy, cost-effective, and most importantly, secure. Please contact us today to confirm you have the necessary measures against carbon monoxide leaks.
