Gas leak vs. carbon monoxide
These are two different dangers. A gas leak is unburned natural gas escaping from piping or a connector, and it carries the added rotten-egg odorant. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of burning fuel, and it has no color and no smell. You will not notice it on your own.
Carbon monoxide builds up when an appliance burns gas incompletely, when its exhaust does not leave the house, or when a fuel-burning engine runs in an attached garage. Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and tiredness that improve when you leave the house are a warning sign.
What the flame tells you
| What you see | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Steady blue flame, small blue cones | Burning normally | Nothing beyond routine care |
| Yellow or orange flame, lazy or floppy | Poor combustion or a dirty burner | Stop using it and have it checked |
| Soot around a burner or vent | Incomplete burning | Stop using it and have it checked |
| Pilot that keeps going out | Draft, thermocouple or supply problem | Have it checked; do not keep relighting |
| Flame lifting off the burner | Too much air or pressure issue | Have it checked |
Venting and air checks for older Fullerton homes
In many 1950s to 1970s houses the water heater and furnace share a garage, closet or attic space.
Carbon monoxide alarms in California
- Required in
- Homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage
- Placement
- Follow the alarm maker's instructions and local code; check with the city for specifics
- Testing
- Use the test button as the maker directs and replace units at the end of their rated life
- Not a substitute for
- Your nose for a gas leak; CO alarms detect carbon monoxide, not natural gas
Ask when a gas appliance is serviced or installed
- Is the flame burning cleanly?
- Is the vent the right type and size for this appliance, and is it intact?
- Does the space have the combustion air this appliance needs?
- Did you check for spillage at the draft hood on the water heater?
- Are my CO alarms in the right places?
Common questions
Will my CO alarm detect a gas leak?
No. A carbon monoxide alarm detects carbon monoxide only. Natural gas is detected by its added odor, or by a separate combustible gas detector.
Is a yellow flame on my range an emergency?
It is not a reason to evacuate on its own, but stop using that burner and have it checked. If a CO alarm sounds or you smell gas, leave.
Does a gas dryer need venting?
Yes. Gas dryers must vent outdoors through a proper duct. A crushed or disconnected duct should be fixed.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.