What Are the Red Flags of a Carbon Monoxide Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, scentless and tough to detect without proper tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can quickly become a serious hazard 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 small alarm systems are the initial line of defense, notifying you of the presence of CO gas before the situation becomes life-threatening. But aside from a detector going off, how can you recognize if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Here are 10 warning signs to be aware of.

1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances

If you notice lots of condensation on your windows, namely near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could mean that ventilation isn’t working properly. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this clue should be checked out.

2. Discoloration or Soot-Like Stains

Appliances that run on combusting fuel should always have 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 can be a sign of a carbon monoxide issue.

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 exclusively be operated outside to reduce the risk 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. A clogged chimney could be why carbon monoxide is backdrafting into your home.

5. Weaker or No Draft in Your Chimney

Staying on the topic of chimneys, a properly working one needs the solid updrafts to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you find a weak draft or even no draft at all, the chimney may be blocked, pushing carbon monoxide backward.

6. Yellowish or Flickering Flames

All appliances that use gas should have a clear blue flame. When the flame is weak and yellow (and it’s not a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas has combustion issues and might be releasing carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly

If your wood-burning stove begins 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 other signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next one could 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 starts getting sick, especially alongside any of the warning signs listed above, get fresh air immediately and call 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, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes mandate them close to any bedrooms, on each floor of your home and in rooms with gas-powered equipment. For an additional safety measure, it’s smart to install interconnected detectors so that whenever one goes off, all of them will sound. Check your alarms monthly and change them when required, about every five to seven years.

In addition to using carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips: