When to Call a Professional for Carbon Monoxide Testing?

You may not see it. You may not smell it. You may not even realise it's there. However, carbon monoxide (CO), an odourless gas, can silently creep into your home, posing a deadly risk to you and your family.

With carbon monoxide testing professionals around, you can easily have peace of mind in knowing that this “silent killer” will not invade your home. However, when should you call for one?

Carbon Monoxide vs Carbon Dioxide

While carbon dioxide is not the primary focus of this blog, understanding that it is a different gas from carbon monoxide is essential in appreciating the unique dangers posed by carbon monoxide leakage.

Carbon dioxide (CO2), a by-product of the complete combustion process, is generally not hazardous in small amounts, but the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) lies in its ability to disrupt oxygen delivery and cause potentially fatal health risks.

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Exposure to carbon monoxide gas can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. When you inhale carbon monoxide, it interferes with the ability of your blood to carry oxygen, leading to severe health disorders. Here are more dangers of carbon monoxide leaks:

• Severe Health Risks

When inhaled, carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the blood, leading to serious tissue damage, or even death. Initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can resemble the flu, including headaches, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness.

However, prolonged or high-level exposure can lead to disorientation, unconsciousness, and ultimately, fatal asphyxiation.

• Silent and Invisible Threat

As an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas, detecting its presence without professional equipment is almost impossible. This makes it particularly hazardous, as dangerous build-ups can occur without anyone on the property being aware until symptoms of poisoning begin to show.

• Potential Fire Hazard

In addition to being a severe health risk, carbon monoxide is also a potential fire hazard. It is highly combustible, and a leak from a faulty heating system or gas appliance can increase the risk of fire.

• Faulty Appliances

Faulty gas appliances and heating systems are typical sources of carbon monoxide leaks in homes. They can produce carbon monoxide if they are not properly installed, maintained or if they are placed in poorly ventilated areas. This makes it imperative to have regular checks and maintenance to avoid any problems.

• Chronic Exposure

Even low-level exposure to carbon monoxide, over an extended period, can have adverse effects on your health. Chronic exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to memory problems, damage to the heart and other organs, and potential neurological damage.

• Vulnerability of Certain Individuals

Certain groups are more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide, including unborn babies, infants, elderly individuals and those with chronic heart disease, anaemia, or breathing difficulties. In these groups, even short-term exposure to small amounts of CO can prove to be fatal.

Recognising Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often resemble those of the flu, making it difficult to diagnose without a carbon monoxide test. These symptoms include the following:

• Headaches

One of the most common early signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a persistent headache. It can vary in severity, but it’s often described as dull, throbbing pain.

• Dizziness

Exposure to carbon monoxide may cause dizziness. This can also lead to a lack of coordination or unsteady walking, which may be mistaken for intoxication.

• Nausea and Vomiting

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause feelings of nausea, which could escalate to vomiting in more serious cases. This can often be confused with symptoms of food poisoning or viral infections.

• Confusion and Disorientation

Higher levels of carbon monoxide can affect the brain causing confusion and disorientation. Victims may have difficulty thinking clearly and might struggle with basic tasks.

• Shortness of Breath

With significant exposure, carbon monoxide can cause shortness of breath due to its interference with oxygen levels within the blood. This may feel like you just ran up a flight of stairs even though you haven’t exerted yourself.

• Fatigue and Drowsiness

In situations where carbon monoxide is gradually accumulating over time, one possible symptom is fatigue or drowsiness. This is because the body is not receiving enough oxygen to function correctly.

• Blurred Vision

As carbon monoxide poisoning progresses, it can affect vision, leading to blurriness or loss of visual clarity. This can often be accompanied by dizziness.

• Loss of Consciousness

In severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, victims can lose consciousness. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.

Given the severe health risks associated with carbon monoxide exposure, it’s important to seek medical help if you suspect exposure, and take proactive measures to prevent carbon monoxide build-up in your home or workplace.

How Carbon Monoxide Leaks Can Affect Your Home

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning due to leakage aren’t just limited to physical health symptoms; they can also linger to other parts of your home, including:

• Discolouration of Flames

In appliances like boilers and gas stoves, blue flames are signs of complete combustion and are therefore safe. If you notice that these flames have turned yellow or orange, this could indicate a carbon monoxide leak.

• Excessive Condensation

If there’s increased or sudden condensation on the inside of windows, particularly around gas appliances, this may be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. A faulty appliance may not burn gas completely, resulting in increased humidity and condensation.

• Soot or Yellow/Brown Staining Around Appliances

Another sign of a potential carbon monoxide leak is soot or yellow or brown staining on or around your gas appliances, chimney, flue pipes, venting systems, or at the point where the vent pipe connects with the wall.

• Strange Smells

While carbon monoxide itself is odourless, a leak can sometimes be accompanied by the smell of gas, oil or coal, depending on your heating system. If you notice an unusual or stale smell when you turn on your heating, seek professional help immediately.

• Dying or Withering Houseplants

If your indoor plants begin to wilt, despite getting their usual care, this could indicate elevated levels of carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide limits the amount of oxygen available for plants, causing them to die.

• Malfunctioning or Poorly Performing Appliances

If your gas stove isn’t burning as efficiently, or your water heater isn’t heating as well as it should be, it might be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Poorly performing appliances can indicate that fuel isn’t being completely burned, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide.

Identifying Possible Sources of Leak

Carbon monoxide can emanate from numerous sources in your home. Gas appliances such as space heaters, gas heaters, gas stoves, central heating units, hot water systems and vehicle exhaust, can emit carbon monoxide when not functioning correctly.

Faulty gas appliances often leak carbon monoxide into the air. A lack of routine maintenance can lead to such malfunctions. Additionally, gas appliances such as open flue gas appliances or gas space heaters can produce excessive levels of carbon monoxide if they are operating in a negative-pressure environment.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: An Important Aid

Carbon monoxide detectors are essential tools that alert you to the presence of this dangerous gas in the air. However, detectors are not infallible and should not replace regular professional carbon monoxide testing in your home.

The Essence of Carbon Monoxide Testing

Recognising the potential dangers of a carbon monoxide leak, regular carbon monoxide testing becomes vital. Below are more reasons not to miss your regular carbon monoxide testing:

• Protecting Health and Safety

Performing carbon monoxide testing is crucial for safeguarding the health and safety of individuals living on the property. Exposure to this gas can have severe health effects, ranging from headaches and dizziness to, in severe cases, fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

By conducting regular testing, harmful levels of this dangerous gas can be detected early, allowing for preventive measures to be taken.

• Preventing Potential Fire Hazards

A build-up of carbon monoxide due to a leak in a heating system or gas appliance may contribute to a house fire. Regular carbon monoxide testing can help identify any such leaks early, potentially averting a serious tragedy.

• Ensuring the Safe Operation of Appliances

Gas appliances such as heaters, ovens, and stoves are potential sources of carbon monoxide in homes. Regular carbon monoxide testing can ensure these appliances continue to operate safely, and any leaks or malfunctions are promptly identified and repaired.

• Compliance with Regulations

In many parts of Australia, it’s legally required for homes and buildings to undertake regular carbon monoxide testing, especially rental properties. Professional testing guarantees compliance with these regulations, helping to avoid possible legal complications.

Professionals, backed by their knowledge and equipped with the right tools, can perform carbon monoxide testing to ensure your home is safe.

When to Call a Professional for Carbon Monoxide Testing

Even if your carbon monoxide detector hasn’t triggered an alarm, there could still be cause for concern. If you have gas appliances in your home or if you notice any symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s recommended to seek the help of a professional to conduct a thorough carbon monoxide test.

Testing Carbon Monoxide Levels in a Room

In professional carbon monoxide testing, specialists use sophisticated technology to detect carbon monoxide levels in your home. This includes testing the air in each room, and around specific appliances.

A competent professional will inspect each appliance, evaluate it for safe operation, and make any necessary adjustments. This way, they can accurately diagnose whether there’s a carbon monoxide leak.

Ensuring Open-Flued Gas Heaters Operate Safely

Open-flued gas heaters need fresh air to operate safely. They can create a dangerous negative pressure situation if the air they require for combustion is pulled from externally vented exhaust fans operating in a sealed house.

This means extraction fans, such as those found in kitchens and bathrooms, can pose a danger verging on CO spillage if not adequately checked. In this situation, the fans can pull air down the heater’s flue, allowing combustion products, including carbon monoxide, to spill back into the living areas.

Regardless of how well your open-flued gas heater has been serviced, it could spill carbon monoxide when high-powered exhaust fans are in operation. This danger becomes even more significant in modern energy-efficient homes, where sealing against draughts is more prevalent. Regular professional testing can help detect such issues and maintain a safe environment in your home.

Towards a Safer Home

Ensuring the safety and health of your household isn’t something you should compromise on. Professional carbon monoxide testing can provide you with the peace of mind you need.

Look for a professional with proven ability to conduct carbon monoxide testing to ensure you are living in a safe environment. Don’t let the silent killer invade your home – be alert, be aware, and take action at the right time.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See After Hours Air Conditioning’s Terms & Conditions here.