Anyone in a home with an appliance that burns fossil fuels should be aware of the risks of exposure to carbon monoxide, the number one cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America. But there’s no reason to fear if you take the right precautions.
Read on to learn more about how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and keep you and your loved ones safe.
Humans can’t sense carbon monoxide, but a carbon monoxide detector can, and will sound an alarm to alert you. If a carbon monoxide alarm in your home goes off, do the following:
- Immediately exit your home and move to fresh air; make no attempt to locate the source of the carbon monoxide.
- Once outside, dial 911, your local fire department or emergency services.
- Re-enter your home only after a professional has fixed the problem.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and colourless gas produced when anything that contains carbon (e.g., fossil fuels like gas, oil, wood and coal) doesn’t burn fully. Because carbon monoxide is lighter than air, it can move freely throughout your home. If inhaled, carbon monoxide may replace the oxygen in red blood cells, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
The fact that you can’t see, smell or taste carbon monoxide makes it especially dangerous. The early signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, tiredness and dizziness that improve when you’re away from the area for a period of time. Carbon monoxide poisoning can feel a lot like having the flu at first, so many people overlook these signs.
In high enough concentrations, exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to loss of consciousness, coma or death.
What causes carbon monoxide in a house?
Heating equipment that runs by burning fuel can create carbon monoxide as a by-product. Equipment that’s installed properly and maintained regularly will produce very little carbon monoxide, while equipment that’s damaged, has blocked ventilation, or isn’t operating according to manufacturer specifications poses a higher risk. For example, carbon monoxide can escape from a defective heat exchanger in a furnace and mix with the air circulated through the ductwork in your home. Fireplaces and wood stoves can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide if your chimney flue or venting is blocked.
Most Canadians heat their homes with appliances that run on burning fuels (e.g., furnaces, wood stoves or boilers), which means the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in many homes is higher in the winter.
Other sources of carbon monoxide in a house include:
- Charcoal grills
- Gas-powered/propane cooking appliances
- Gas-powered/propane dryers
- Gas-powered/propane generators
- Gas-powered/propane water heaters
- Vehicle exhaust (e.g., in a poorly ventilated garage)
What can I do to prevent carbon monoxide in my home?
By following these best practices, you can minimize your risk of carbon monoxide exposure and harm.
Install carbon monoxide alarms
Well-placed and working carbon monoxide detectors are essential for any household at risk of carbon monoxide exposure — that is, those that have at least one fuel-burning appliance. In Ontario, this has been mandated by law since 2014.
Install carbon monoxide alarms in hallways outside bedrooms as well as near any heating equipment, such as the furnace in your basement. You can find carbon monoxide detectors in most home improvement stores.
Test carbon monoxide alarms regularly
Test every carbon monoxide alarm in your home regularly to ensure it’s working. It’s important that everyone in your home can recognize a carbon monoxide alarm, so test your detectors while everyone is around.
Manufacturers recommend a schedule for replacing batteries the device uses, whether for primary power or as backup. Also note the expiry date printed on the alarm itself and replace the device before that date.
Schedule regular appliance maintenance and inspections
Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances will help prevent carbon monoxide from releasing into your home. Before the cold season, schedule inspection and cleaning of any fuel-burning appliances by a qualified technician.
It’s also important to keep an eye on any gas-powered appliances all year round and call a professional at the first sign of an issue. Look for leaks, cracks, blocked vents and corroded or disconnected venting pipes. Also inspect your chimney and any vents for cracks and blockages (e.g., nests, twigs, old mortar) as well as corrosion or holes. If you have a fireplace, check regularly for closed or blocked flues.
Pay special attention to exhaust vents both during and after a snowstorm, when ice, snow or debris can block or cover them.
Avoid using fuel-burning appliances indoors and letting gas-powered vehicles idle
To minimize your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, abide by these essential “don’ts”:
- Don’t use stovetops, ovens, barbecues or other appliances powered by gas or coal to heat your home.
- Don’t burn charcoal inside your house, garage, vehicle or tent.
- Don’t leave a vehicle running in an attached garage, even if the door is open.
- Don’t use unvented fuel-burning appliances indoors.
- Don’t operate gas-powered tools or portable generators in or close to your house, garage or other enclosed space.
Plan for proper ventilation for home renovation projects
Any fuel-burning appliance installed in your home, such as a tank water heater, tankless water heater, boiler or furnace, must follow strict venting requirements set out by the manufacturer. To ensure those specifications are met, it’s best to work with a gas-licensed professional.
Also engage a licensed professional for any home renovation that would enclose gas heating or hot water equipment due to gas code and minimum required clearances. A professional will be able to make sure there’s adequate air in the space for proper combustion.
Working with gas-licensed professionals
A gas-licensed professional can help you take the necessary precautions with your existing fuel-burning equipment and put your mind at ease. They also have the qualifications to install, inspect, repair, service or remove hazardous gas or propane-powered appliances to meet Ontario safety standards.
Looking for a gas-licensed professional? Give Enercare a call at 1 855 642-8607.
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