What Are the Warning Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is referred to as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s colorless, scentless and hard to detect without proper tools. If it collects in your home, it can rapidly turn into a serious hazard for you and your family. So, how do you stay safe against something you can’t really notice naturally?

The key is to use carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are the first line of defense, alerting you to the presence of CO gas before the situation becomes life-threatening. But besides a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Below are 10 signs to keep an eye on.

1. Condensation on Windows Nearby Appliances

If you see heavy condensation on your windows, especially near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that something isn’t venting correctly. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this clue should be checked out.

2. Brown, Sooty Stains

Combustion-based appliances should have clean, clear exhaust. If you see brownish-yellow or soot-like stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This can be a sign of a carbon monoxide risk.

3. Exhaust Fumes Are Inside

If you start to notice exhaust inside the house, you are at risk of carbon monoxide symptoms. Fuel-burning appliances like cars, charcoal grills and generators should always be used outdoors to prevent an accumulation of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around a Natural Gas-Burning Fireplace

Your fireplace should vent smoke and other gases up through and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a warning sign, especially if there’s excessive amounts. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be the culprit for why carbon monoxide is leaking back into your home.

5. Weak or No Draft in the Chimney

On the topic of chimneys, a properly working one should have the solid updrafts to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you detect reduced ventilation or even no draft at all, the chimney might be blocked, sending carbon monoxide back into your home.

6. Yellowish or Inconsistent Flames

All appliances that use gas should produce a distinct blue flame. Whenever the flame is weaker and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas has combustion issues and could be producing carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly

When your wood- or coal-fired stove starts struggling to burn all the way through or has trouble maintaining a flame, it could be dealing with a ventilation issue, increasing the risk of CO buildup.

Signs You May Have CO Poisoning

If you miss the first red flags of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next one might 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 household suddenly feels sick, especially combined with any of the above signs, leave the house right away for fresh air before you dial 911.

Preventing CO Leaks and Top Safety Tips

Taking all the proper precautions is key, especially regarding carbon monoxide. For the most basic safety, check that there are carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes require them close to any bedrooms, on each floor of your home and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For added security, it’s smart to set up interconnected detectors so that whenever one goes off, all of them will raise the alarm. Test these detectors monthly and swap them out when necessary, usually every five to seven years.

Along with having enough carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips: