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 hard to detect without the right tools. If it builds up in your home, it can swiftly pose a danger for you and your family. So, how do you protect yourself against something you can’t see, smell or taste?

The key is to have carbon monoxide detectors. These small alarm systems are the 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 recognize if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? These are 10 warning signs to be aware of.

1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances

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

2. Brown, Sooty Stains

Appliances that run on combusting fuel should have unobstructed ventilation. If you see brownish-yellow or dark stains around a furnace, fireplace or water heater, there may be combustion issues. This can signal a carbon monoxide issue.

3. Exhaust Fumes Appear Indoors

If you start to smell or see exhaust fumes inside the house, you are in danger of carbon monoxide exposure. Devices that burn fuel like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be operated outside to reduce the risk of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around a Gas 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 an unusual amount. A clogged chimney could be the reason carbon monoxide is coming back indoors.

5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft in the Chimney

On the topic of chimneys, a properly working one should have the steady pull to fully remove smoke and other fumes. If you detect weak airflow or even no draft at all, your chimney may be clogged, forcing carbon monoxide backward.

6. Yellow or Weak Flames

All appliances that use gas should have a steady blue flame. Whenever the flame is weaker 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 Burn More Slowly

If your wood- or coal-fired stove starts 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.

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 may soon come from your body. 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 home suddenly feels sick, especially together with any of the above signs, leave the house right away for fresh air before you dial 911.

Preventing CO Leaks and Top Safety Tips

Taking all the proper precautions is key, especially regarding carbon monoxide. First, check that there are carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes require them in hallways near all bedrooms, on each level of your home and in rooms with gas-powered equipment. For extra safety, it’s best to set up 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, generally every five to seven years.

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