What Are the Red Flags of a Carbon Monoxide Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s colorless, scentless and hard to notice 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 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 gets dangerous. But aside from a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? These are 10 signs to keep an eye on.

1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances

If you spot heavy condensation on your windows, especially near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that ventilation isn’t working properly. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this clue should be checked out.

2. Yellow or Brown Stains

Combustion-based appliances should always have clear exhaust. If you notice brownish-yellow or soot-like stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, combustion isn’t happening as it should. This may point to a carbon monoxide leak.

3. Exhaust Fumes Are in the House

If you start to smell or see exhaust fumes inside the house, you are in danger of carbon monoxide exposure. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should always be operated outside to reduce the risk of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around the Fireplace

Your fireplace vent should remove smoke and other gases through the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a red flag, especially if there’s more than usual. A blocked chimney vent could be the culprit for why carbon monoxide is leaking back into your home.

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 notice a weak draft or even no draft at all, your chimney could be obstructed, forcing carbon monoxide backward.

6. Yellowish or Flickering Flames

All appliances that use gas should have a steady blue flame. Whenever the flame is weak and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas is burning inefficiently and might be releasing carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly

In situations where your wood or coal stove starts burning slower than usual or has trouble staying lit, it could be dealing with a ventilation issue, heightening the possibility of CO buildup.

Signs You May Have CO Poisoning

If you don’t catch the first red flags of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next one could come from your body. 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 warning signs listed above, get fresh air immediately and call 911.

Prevent CO Poisoning and Gas Leaks with These Safety Tips

Prevention is always better than a cure, especially in the case of carbon monoxide. For the most basic safety, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes require them in hallways near all bedrooms, on each floor of your home and in rooms with appliances like a gas stove or water heater. For added security, it’s wise to set up interconnected detectors so that whenever one goes off, all of them will alarm you as well. Perform monthly testing and change them when required, usually every five to seven years.

Besides having enough carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:

• Work with local Experts to regularly inspect your heating system, fireplace and all other fuel-burning appliances.
• Avoid using grills, backup generators or similar equipment inside the house or garage.
• Turn on the range hood 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 Will 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 delivers reliable and effective services for your heating and ventilation needs. We’ll do our best to keep your home comfortable, cost-efficient, and most importantly, safe. Please contact us today to make sure you’re following the best precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.