What Are the Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s colorless, odorless and difficult to recognize 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 protect yourself against something you can’t really notice naturally?

The key is to have carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are the initial line of defense, notifying you of the presence of CO gas before the situation gets dangerous. But other than a detector going off, how can you know if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Below are 10 warning signs to watch out for.

1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances

If you see lots of condensation on your windows, namely near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that ventilation isn’t working properly. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this clue should be checked out.

2. Yellow or Brown Stains

Combustion-based appliances should have clean, clear exhaust. If you notice brownish-yellow or sooty stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, there may be combustion issues. This can be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak.

3. Exhaust Fumes Are Inside

If you can notice exhaust indoors, you are in danger of carbon monoxide symptoms. Fuel-burning appliances like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be used safely outside the home to reduce the risk of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around a Gas Fireplace

Your fireplace vent should remove smoke and other gases up and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is cause for concern, especially if there’s more than usual. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be the culprit for why carbon monoxide is leaking back indoors.

5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft in Your Chimney

On the topic of chimneys, a properly working one needs the solid updrafts to fully remove smoke and other fumes. If you find a weak draft or even no draft at all, your chimney might be obstructed, sending carbon monoxide backward.

6. Yellow or Flickering Flames

Gas-powered appliances should have a clear blue flame. When the flame is yellow or flickering (and it isn’t a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas isn’t burning properly and could be releasing carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly

In situations where your wood or coal stove is taking longer to burn or has trouble staying lit, it could be dealing with a problem with airflow, increasing the risk of CO buildup.

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 health. 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 family experiences these symptoms, especially combined with any of the previously mentioned clues, leave the house right away for fresh air before you dial 911.

Prevent CO Poisoning and Gas Leaks with These Safety Tips

It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially in the case of carbon monoxide. For the most basic safety, check that there are carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes mandate them in hallways near all bedrooms, on each level of the house and in rooms with appliances like a gas stove or water heater. For extra safety, it’s smart to use interconnected detectors so that as soon as one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will sound. Perform monthly testing and replace them as needed, approximately every five to seven years.

Besides installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips: