What Are the Red Flags of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is referred to as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s colorless, odorless and difficult to notice without proper tools. If it builds up in your home, it can quickly become a serious hazard for you and your family. So, how do you protect yourself against something you can’t find with your senses?

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 signs to keep an eye on.

1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances

If you notice lots of condensation on your windows, especially near a fuel-burning appliance like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that something isn’t venting correctly. While condensation by itself may not mean CO, this still deserves a closer look.

2. Yellow or Brown Stains

Combustion-based appliances should always have clear exhaust. If you notice brownish-yellow or sooty stains around a furnace, fireplace or water heater, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This can signal a carbon monoxide issue.

3. Exhaust Fumes Are in the House

If you start to smell exhaust fumes 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 avoid the buildup of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around Your Fireplace

Your fireplace should vent smoke and other gases up through and out the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is cause for concern, especially if there’s excessive amounts. A blocked chimney vent could be the culprit for why carbon monoxide is backdrafting indoors.

5. Weak or No Draft in the Chimney

Speaking of chimneys, a properly working one needs the strong airflow to fully ventilate smoke and other fumes. If you notice a weak draft or even no draft at all, the chimney might be blocked, forcing carbon monoxide right back indoors.

6. Yellow or Weak Flames

Most gas-burning appliances should produce a clear blue flame. When the flame is weaker and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas is burning inefficiently and might be releasing carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Burning Slowly

In situations where your wood or coal stove begins taking longer to burn or has trouble even staying on, it could be dealing with a problem with airflow, raising the risk of CO buildup.

Signs You May Have CO Poisoning

If you miss the initial warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next one could come from your health and well-being. 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 starts getting sick, especially together with any of the warning signs listed above, get fresh air immediately and call 911.

Prevention and Safety Tips

Prevention is always better than a cure, especially regarding carbon monoxide. First, check that there are carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes mandate them in hallways near all bedrooms, on each level of your home and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For an additional safety measure, it’s smart to use interconnected detectors so that when one detects CO, all of them will sound. Check your alarms monthly and replace them as needed, approximately every five to seven years.

Besides using carbon monoxide detectors, keep these safety precautions in mind: