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, scentless and hard 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 really notice naturally?

The key is to install carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are your first line of defense, alerting you to the presence of CO gas before the situation reaches dangerous levels. But besides a detector going off, how can you know if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Here are 10 warning 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 clue deserves a closer look.

2. Yellow or Brown Stains

Combustion-based appliances should have clear exhaust. If you see brownish-yellow or soot-like stains around a heater or gas fireplace, there may be combustion issues. This can signal a carbon monoxide risk.

3. Exhaust Fumes Are in the House

If you can smell or see exhaust fumes indoors, you are in danger of carbon monoxide leaks. Gas-burning items like cars, charcoal grills and generators should exclusively be operated outside to prevent an accumulation of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around a Gas Fireplace

Your fireplace should vent smoke and other gases through the chimney. Seeing soot buildup around your fireplace is a red flag, especially if there’s an unusual amount. A blocked chimney vent could be why carbon monoxide is leaking back indoors.

5. Weak or No Draft from Your Chimney

Speaking of chimneys, a properly working one should have the strong airflow to fully remove smoke and other fumes. If you find a weak draft or even no draft at all, your chimney could be clogged, sending carbon monoxide back into your home.

6. Yellow or Inconsistent Flames

Most gas-burning appliances should produce a steady blue flame. Whenever the flame is weaker and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas has combustion issues and may be releasing carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Aren’t Burning as Fast

When your wood- or coal-fired stove starts struggling to burn all the way through or has trouble staying lit, it could have a problem with airflow, heightening the possibility of CO buildup.

Common Health Symptoms of CO Poisoning

If you don’t catch the other signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next one 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 home experiences these symptoms, especially combined with any of the above signs, get fresh air immediately and call 911.

Preventing CO Leaks and Top Safety Tips

It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially when it comes to CO gas exposure. To start, make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes mandate them outside every bedroom, on each level of your home and in rooms with gas-powered equipment. For extra safety, it’s wise to install interconnected detectors so that when one goes off, all of them will raise the alarm. Perform monthly testing and replace them as needed, approximately every five to seven years.

Along with installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors, keep these safety precautions in mind: