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, scentless and difficult to detect without proper tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can quickly become a serious threat for you and your family. So, how do you protect yourself against something you can’t see, smell or taste?
The key is to have carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are your initial line of defense, warning you about the presence of CO gas before the situation becomes life-threatening. But besides a detector going off, how can you recognize 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 lots of condensation on your windows, especially near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could mean that something isn’t venting correctly. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this still should be checked out.
2. Yellow or Brown Stains
Combustion-based appliances should have clean, clear exhaust. If you find brownish-yellow or soot-like stains around a furnace, fireplace or water heater, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This can signal a carbon monoxide issue.
3. Exhaust Fumes Are in the House
If you can smell 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 operated outside to avoid the buildup of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around a Natural Gas-Burning Fireplace
Your chimney should channel smoke and other gases up through and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a warning sign, especially if there’s more than usual. A clogged chimney could be why carbon monoxide is coming back into your home.
5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft from the Chimney
On the topic of chimneys, a properly working one should have the strong airflow to fully remove smoke and other fumes. If you detect reduced ventilation or even no draft at all, the chimney might be blocked, forcing carbon monoxide back into your home.
6. Yellowish or Inconsistent Flames
Most gas-burning appliances should produce a distinct blue flame. Whenever the flame is weak and yellow (and it isn’t a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas isn’t burning properly and could be emitting carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly
In situations where your wood-burning stove begins taking longer to burn or has trouble maintaining a flame, it could have a venting problem, increasing the risk of CO buildup.
Common Health Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you don’t catch the initial warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue might 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 home experiences these symptoms, especially combined with any of the previously mentioned clues, get fresh air immediately and call 911.
Prevention and Safety Tips
It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially in the case of carbon monoxide. To start, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes mandate them outside every bedroom, on each level of the house and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For added security, it’s best to use interconnected detectors so that when one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will raise the alarm. Perform monthly testing and change them when required, generally every five to seven years.
In addition to using carbon monoxide detectors, don’t forget these other tips:
- Work with local Experts to regularly inspect your heating system, fireplace and all other fuel-burning appliances.
- Never use grills, portable backup generators or similar equipment indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Run the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking with a gas-fired oven or stove, and never use these appliances for home heating.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Can Help Protect Your Home and Family
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we understand the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure. That’s why our team offers reliable and effective services for your heating and ventilation needs. We’ll keep your home cozy, cost-effective, and most importantly, secure. Please contact us today to ensure you’re taking the necessary measures against carbon monoxide leaks.
