What Are the Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is referred to as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, odorless and tough to recognize without proper tools. If it collects in your home, it can swiftly pose a serious threat for you and your family. So, how do you guard against something you can’t see, smell or taste?

The key is to install carbon monoxide detectors. These small alarm systems are your first line of defense, alerting you to the presence of CO gas before the situation gets dangerous. But other than a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? These are 10 signs to watch out for.

1. Condensation on Windows Nearby Appliances

If you spot lots of condensation on your windows, particularly near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that there’s an issue with ventilation. While humidity or condensation itself doesn’t always mean CO, this still should be checked out.

2. Discoloration or Soot-Like Stains

Appliances that run on combusting fuel should always have unobstructed ventilation. If you see brownish-yellow or sooty stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This can signal a carbon monoxide leak.

3. Exhaust Fumes Appear Indoors

If you can smell or see exhaust fumes inside the house, you are in danger of carbon monoxide exposure. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should always be used outdoors 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 up and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a warning sign, especially if there’s an unusual amount. A blocked chimney vent could be the culprit for why carbon monoxide is backdrafting into your home.

5. Weaker or No Draft from Your Chimney

Staying 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, the chimney may be obstructed, forcing carbon monoxide backward.

6. Yellow or Weak Flames

Gas-powered appliances should produce a clear blue flame. Whenever the flame is yellow or flickering (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas is burning inefficiently and could be emitting carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Aren’t Burning as Fast

If your wood-burning stove starts burning slower than usual or has trouble even staying on, it could be dealing with a ventilation issue, raising the risk of CO buildup.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

If you fail to notice the first red flags of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next one could come from your health. 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 household starts getting sick, especially together with any of the warning signs listed above, leave the house right away for fresh air before you dial 911.

Prevention and Safety Tips

It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially regarding CO gas exposure. To start, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes require them in hallways near all bedrooms, on each level of the house and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For added security, it’s wise to use interconnected detectors so that as soon as one detects CO, all of them will sound. Perform monthly testing and change them when required, approximately every five to seven years.

Besides having enough carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips: