What Are the Red Flags of a Carbon Monoxide Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is referred to as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, odorless and tough to detect without the right tools. If it collects in your home, it can quickly become a danger for you and your family. So, how do you guard 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, warning you about the presence of CO gas before the situation becomes life-threatening. But other than a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Below are 10 clues to watch out for.

1. Condensation on Windows Nearby Appliances

If you notice lots of condensation on your windows, namely near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could suggest that there’s an issue with ventilation. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this still warrants investigation.

2. Brown, Sooty Stains

Appliances that run on combusting fuel should have clean, clear exhaust. If you find brownish-yellow or soot-like stains around a furnace, fireplace or water heater, there may be combustion issues. This may point to a carbon monoxide risk.

3. Exhaust Fumes Appear Indoors

If you start to notice exhaust 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 prevent an accumulation of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around Your Fireplace

Your fireplace vent should remove smoke and other gases up through and out the chimney. Noticing more soot or grime is a red flag, especially if there’s excessive amounts. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be the reason carbon monoxide is backdrafting 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 remove smoke and other fumes. If you detect a weak draft or even no draft at all, the chimney could be obstructed, forcing carbon monoxide back into your home.

6. Discolored or Flickering Flames

Gas-powered appliances should have a distinct blue flame. If the flame is weak and yellow (and it isn’t a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas isn’t burning properly and could be releasing carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly

If your wood or coal stove is struggling to burn all the way through or has trouble staying lit, it could be dealing with a venting problem, raising the risk of CO buildup.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

If you fail to notice the initial warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue 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 experiences these symptoms, especially together 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

Taking all the proper precautions is key, especially when it comes to carbon monoxide. First, check that there are carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes mandate them close to any bedrooms, on each level of the house and in rooms with appliances like a gas stove or water heater. For added security, it’s smart to use interconnected detectors so that as soon as one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will raise the alarm. Test these detectors monthly and swap them out when necessary, approximately every five to seven years.

Along with using carbon monoxide detectors, don’t forget these other tips: