Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and flavorless gas produced as a byproduct of burning fuel. Appliances that run on gas, such as stoves, furnaces, and water heaters, might leak CO inside the home. Inhaling this gas in unsafe volumes may cause potentially serious health complications. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to promote safety. Here's what fire alarm system technicians suggest knowing about leaks.

Signs and Causes of Leaks

Though carbon monoxide is odorless, manufacturers often add mercaptan to it, which smells similar to rotten eggs. This is a safety feature that can allow homeowners to immediately become aware of a gas leak. It may also indicate the presence of a carbon monoxide leak from gas appliances and fixtures, such as water heaters and cooktops. This often occurs as a result of damage to internal appliance components and exhaust pipes. 

Gas furnaces have a component known as the heat exchanger, which is a device that separates the combustion chamber from breathable heated air. If this part becomes cracked, often due to overheating, it might allow noxious fumes, including carbon monoxide, to enter your home. Signs of a cracked heat exchanger include changes in the pilot flam and soot buildups in the furnace. 

Gas fireplaces often produce soot as a result of burning logs. This black powdery substance may block exhaust vents and flues in the hearth. This can prevent noxious fumes, including carbon monoxide, from properly diverting away from the home. If you notice soot accumulation in your fireplace, this might make CO more likely to back up into your residence. Other signs of excessive soot buildups include weak flames or inability to keep the hearth lit.  

Inhaling carbon monoxide may cause headaches, weakness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. If anyone in your household suddenly experiences these symptoms, this is often a sign of a leak.

How to Promote Safety

As soon as you notice signs of a leak, vacate your home. This can keep you and your family from inhaling toxic fumes and prevent health problems. Once you get to safety, contact an appliance repair technician and your local utility company. These professionals may inspect gas appliances, fixtures, lines, and flues for signs of trouble, providing repairs or replacements as necessary.

CO detectors can alert you to the first indication of a leak. These devices resemble smoke detectors and sound alarms if carbon monoxide levels ever become unsafe, giving you plenty of time to evacuate the premises. A company that installs fire alarm systems may also outfit your home with these detectors.

Keep your residence safe and healthy with help from Alert Alarm. Based in Merrillville, IN, they provide carbon monoxide detectors along with fire alarm systems and security monitoring to clients throughout Lake and Porter Counties. Call (219) 738-2201 to request an estimate on alarm services, and visit the website to learn more about how they can enhance safety on your property.