6 Signs Your Heat Exchanger Is Leaking Carbon Monoxide
Life-threatening consequences can occur if improper gas heating maintenance is done. One of these risks is the spread of dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, throughout your home.
A carbon monoxide leak is hazardous to your health, and it isn’t easy to detect as it has no odor. In low doses it can make you sick, in high doses it can kill you.
In 2021, Victoria passed a law requiring gas appliances be checked every 2 years for carbon monoxide leaks in rental properties. Although this is not law for private residences, it is highly recommended.
It is critical to rely on professionals for regular carbon monoxide testing, which can be done as part of a general service. During a general service a visual inspection of the heat exchanger is also done where possible to identify cracks forming before they start leaking carbon monoxide.
So, how can you tell if your unit is leaking CO? Examine the list below.
6 Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide Leak
As previously stated, carbon monoxide is a silent killer as it doesn’t have a smell. Luckily, there are some early warning signs of a carbon monoxide leak that you can detect. Below we have compiled a list of potential warning signs. It is important to note these signs doesn’t necessarily mean you have a gas leak, but it is better to be safe than sorry!
Early Warning Sign #1: Condensation
Is the window near your gas unit sweating profusely? If you notice any unusual condensation in the window near your gas heating unit, it could indicate the presence of a carbon monoxide gas leak.
Water vapour is a by-product of combustion, and condensation can indicate that exhaust gases are not venting. So, when carbon monoxide leakage occurs, you may notice water vapour around the area.
Early Warning Sign #2: Unusual Smell
Carbon monoxide has no odour, making it undetectable. However, the source of the leak, such as a combustion spillage, emits a burning smell. So, if you turn on your heater and begin to smell a burning odour, you might have a gas leak.
Be cautious enough and have this checked by professionals as soon as possible. An excessive flow of unwanted combustion gases can have serious health consequences.
Early Warning Sign #3: Soot Mark
Carbon soot is a product of incomplete combustion fueled by carbon. When carbon is not completely burned, it results in a coloured (black, brown, or yellow) flaxy substance known as soot. If you see this mark around your gas heater, be wary of a carbon monoxide gas leak.
Early Warning Sign #4: Flame Colour
Gaseous fuel flames should have a clear blue flame colour. If it ignites a yellow flame, your unit may produce excessive carbon monoxide, which is a result of improper burner adjustment.
So, what does this mean? The blue flame indicates complete combustion. The burner provides the proper air-fuel mixture and oxygen intake to complete the combustion process in the burner. The yellow flame, on the other hand, indicates incomplete combustion. This shows that your appliance is not functioning correctly, emitting toxic gas (carbon monoxide) and posing a serious hazard.
It is worth noting that these flame colours do not apply to all furnaces, such as fireplace logs and torches. It is best to ask your manufacturer how the flame works on your gas heating unit.
Early Warning Sign #5: Heating Bill
If you notice an unusual increase in your gas bill, this could mean a gas leak. So, what are your options? Contact a professional gas heating service provider to conduct a carbon monoxide testing and ensure that your gas heater works correctly.
Reliable gas fitters and plumbers, such as Gasman, are well-trained in carbon monoxide safety. Along with our expertise, we use advanced equipment to thoroughly inspect your gas appliance for any potential carbon monoxide leakage.
Early Warning Sign #6: Gas Heater Age
Older Gas Heaters are more likely to have a heat exchanger crack. This is because specific components of the heating system have a set lifespan.
If improper combustions occur in the heat exchanger, it cracks and leaks carbon monoxide.
So, how to prevent carbon monoxide leakage?
- To avoid a carbon monoxide leakage from happening, here is a list of safety tips for your gas heating unit:
- Allow professionals to perform regular gas heater service and carbon monoxide testing.
- Turn off your gas appliance when you leave your home for an extended time.
- Check your unit’s ventilation openings to ensure they are clear and clean.
- Check that your air filter is clean.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector. You can purchase these from hardware shops such as Bunnings..
What should you do if your furnace emits carbon monoxide?
Immediately stop using the appliance! Contact a reliable gas technician if you notice any of the above warning signs. Ensure their gas leak and carbon monoxide testing services are reliable since you know that carbon monoxide is dangerous to your health and can even kill you. Even prolonged low-level exposure can have health consequences.
Be Safe with Gasman’s Professional Gas Plumbers!
Your safety is Gasman’s top priority. That is why we make sure that all gas heater service and carbon monoxide testing is performed by fully trained, licensed, and certified professionals. Thanks to our trustworthy team who follows the highest Australian Standards for gas plumbing, our credibility is established throughout Australia.
If you suspect a gas leak, call 1800 GASMAN or email us at contact@gasman.com.au right away. Make haste when it comes to your safety!