What Are the Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s clear, scentless and difficult to recognize without the right tools. If it builds up in your home, it can rapidly turn into a danger for you and your family. So, how do you guard against something you can’t find with your senses?

The key is to have carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are your initial line of defense, warning you about the presence of CO gas before the situation reaches dangerous levels. But other than a detector going off, how can you tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Here are 10 signs to keep an eye on.

1. Condensation on Windows Near Appliances

If you spot lots of condensation on your windows, especially near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that there’s an issue with ventilation. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this still should be checked out.

2. Yellow or Brown Stains

Combustion-based appliances should have clear exhaust. If you find brownish-yellow or dark stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This may point to a carbon monoxide issue.

3. Exhaust Fumes Are in the House

If you can smell exhaust fumes indoors, you are at risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Devices that burn fuel like cars, charcoal grills and generators should always be used safely outside the home to prevent an accumulation of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around the Fireplace

Your chimney should channel smoke and other gases up and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a red flag, especially if there’s excessive amounts. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be the culprit for why carbon monoxide is backdrafting indoors.

5. Weak or No Draft in Your Chimney

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

6. Discolored or Weak Flames

Gas-powered appliances should produce a distinct blue flame. Whenever the flame is weaker and yellow (and it isn’t a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas is burning inefficiently and may be releasing carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Burn More Slowly

When your wood or coal stove is taking longer to burn or has trouble staying lit, it could be dealing with a venting problem, raising the risk of CO buildup.

Signs You May Have CO Poisoning

If you don’t catch the first red flags of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue might come from your health. Symptoms of CO poisoning can be:

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 together with any of the above signs, move outdoors immediately and contact emergency services.

Prevent CO Poisoning and Gas Leaks with These Safety Tips

Prevention is always better than a cure, especially regarding CO gas exposure. To start, 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 your home and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For added security, it’s smart to install interconnected detectors so that as soon as one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will raise the alarm. Test these detectors monthly and change them when required, about every five to seven years.

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