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 clear, odorless and tough to detect without the right tools. If it builds up in your home, it can swiftly pose a danger for you and your family. So, how do you guard against something you can’t see, smell or taste?
The key is to use carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are the initial line of defense, alerting you to the presence of CO gas before the situation reaches dangerous levels. But besides a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? These are 10 clues to be aware of.
1. Condensation on Windows Nearby Appliances
If you see heavy condensation on your windows, especially near a gas-powered device like a gas fireplace, this could mean that something isn’t venting correctly. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this still deserves a closer look.
2. Brown, Sooty Stains
Appliances that run on combusting fuel should always have clean, 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 may point to a carbon monoxide issue.
3. Exhaust Fumes Are Inside
If you can smell exhaust fumes inside the house, you are in danger of carbon monoxide leaks. Devices that burn fuel like cars, charcoal grills and generators should always be used safely outside the home to avoid the buildup of exhaust fumes indoors.
4. Soot in or Around a Natural Gas-Burning Fireplace
Your fireplace should vent smoke and other gases through the chimney. Finding soot inside or around the fireplace is cause for concern, especially if there’s an unusual amount. A blocked chimney vent could be the reason 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 steady pull to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you notice a weak draft or even no draft at all, your chimney might be blocked, pushing carbon monoxide back into your home.
6. Yellow or Weak Flames
Gas-powered appliances should have a steady blue flame. If the flame is yellow or flickering (and it isn’t a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas isn’t burning properly and may be producing carbon monoxide.
7. Solid Fuel Fires Aren’t Burning as Fast
In situations where your wood or coal stove begins struggling to burn all the way through or has trouble even staying on, it could be dealing with a ventilation issue, heightening the possibility of CO buildup.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you miss the first red flags of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next warning may soon come from your health and well-being. 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 home starts getting sick, especially alongside any of the above signs, get fresh air immediately and call 911.
Prevention and Safety Tips
Prevention is always better than a cure, especially when it comes to carbon monoxide. For the most basic safety, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes mandate them outside every bedroom, on each floor of your home and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For extra safety, it’s wise to install interconnected detectors so that as soon as one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will raise the alarm. Test these detectors monthly and replace them as needed, approximately every five to seven years.
In addition to having enough carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:
- Schedule a certified technician to regularly inspect your heating system, fireplace and all other fuel-burning appliances.
- Avoid using grills, portable backup generators or similar equipment inside, especially in small spaces.
- Turn on the range hood when cooking with a gas-fired oven or stove, and avoid using these appliances as a heat source.
Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts Will Help Keep Your Household Safe
At Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, we know the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. That’s why our team delivers fast, long-lasting solutions for your heating and ventilation needs. We’ll keep your home comfortable, cost-effective, and most importantly, safe. Please contact us today to make sure you’re following the necessary measures against carbon monoxide leaks.