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

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, scentless and difficult to notice without the right tools. If it accumulates 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 see, smell or taste?

The key is to install carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are your first 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 know if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? These are 10 warning signs to keep an eye on.

1. Condensation on Windows Closest to Appliances

If you see heavy condensation on your windows, particularly near a gas-powered device like a gas fireplace, this could indicate that something isn’t venting correctly. While condensation alone isn’t always CO-related, this still should be checked out.

2. Yellow or Brown Stains

Fuel-powered appliances should have clear exhaust. If you find brownish-yellow or sooty stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, combustion isn’t happening as it should. This may point to a carbon monoxide issue.

3. Exhaust Fumes Indoors

If you start to notice exhaust inside the house, you are in danger of carbon monoxide symptoms. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should always be used safely outside the home to reduce the risk 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. Finding soot inside or around the fireplace is cause for concern, especially if there’s excessive amounts. An obstructed flue in the chimney could be the reason carbon monoxide is leaking back into your home.

5. Increasingly Weak or No Draft from Your Chimney

Staying on the topic of chimneys, a properly working one needs the solid updrafts to fully pull out smoke and other fumes. If you notice a weak draft or even no draft at all, your chimney might be obstructed, sending carbon monoxide back into your home.

6. Yellowish or Inconsistent Flames

Most gas-burning appliances should produce a steady blue flame. If the flame is weaker and yellow (and it’s not a decorative gas fireplace), it means the gas isn’t burning properly and may be emitting carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Aren’t Burning as Fast

If your wood or coal stove starts taking longer to burn or has trouble maintaining a flame, it could have a ventilation issue, increasing the risk of CO buildup.

Signs You May Have CO Poisoning

If you miss the first red flags of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next warning might come from your health and well-being. 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 experiences these symptoms, especially together with any of the warning signs listed above, 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 CO gas exposure. For the most basic safety, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in all the right places. Building codes mandate them close to any bedrooms, on each floor of the house and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances. For added security, it’s smart to install interconnected detectors so that whenever one goes off, all of them will alarm you as well. Test these detectors monthly and replace them as needed, generally every five to seven years.

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