What Are the Red Flags of a Carbon Monoxide Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is referred to as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, odorless and difficult to notice without proper tools. If it builds up 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 safety devices are the first line of defense, notifying you of the presence of CO gas before the situation gets dangerous. But other than a detector going off, how can you know if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Here are 10 warning signs to be aware of.

1. Condensation on Windows Near Appliances

If you notice lots of condensation on your windows, namely 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 deserves a closer look.

2. Yellow or Brown 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, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This can signal a carbon monoxide issue.

3. Exhaust Fumes Appear Indoors

If you start to notice exhaust indoors, you are at risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should only be used safely outside the home to avoid the buildup of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around the Fireplace

Your fireplace vent should remove smoke and other gases through the chimney. Finding soot inside or around the 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 into your home.

5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft in Your Chimney

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

6. Yellowish or Flickering Flames

Most gas-burning appliances should have a clear blue flame. If the flame is weak and yellow (and it isn’t a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas isn’t burning properly and might be producing carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Burn More Slowly

When your wood-burning stove starts burning slower than usual or has trouble staying lit, it could have a ventilation issue, heightening the possibility of CO buildup.

Signs You May Have CO Poisoning

If you fail to notice the other signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue may soon 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 family starts getting sick, especially together with any of the above signs, leave the house right away for fresh air before you dial 911.

Prevention and Safety Tips

Prevention is always better than a cure, especially regarding carbon monoxide. To start, check that there are carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes require them in hallways near all bedrooms, on each floor of the house and in rooms with appliances like a gas stove or water heater. For added security, it’s best to install interconnected detectors so that when one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will raise the alarm. Perform monthly testing and change them when required, usually every five to seven years.

Along with having enough carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips: