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New rules set to come into effect in 2026 mean many Ontario homeowners and landlords will have to add carbon monoxide alarms to their New Year’s to-do list.
Starting Jan. 1, changes to the Ontario Fire Code will require a working carbon monoxide alarm on every level of any residence with a gas-burning appliance, including a furnace, water heater or stove.
Under the current rules in place until the end of 2025, a carbon monoxide detector is required only outside every sleeping area.
Matt Hepditch, a deputy chief with London’s fire department, said the new rules are intended to provide better protection against a deadly gas that can’t be seen, smelled or tasted.
“The only way you’re going to know that there’s carbon monoxide in your home is if you’ve installed a carbon monoxide alarm,” he said.
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, oil, propane, wood or coal are burned. At high concentration levels, carbon monoxide reduces the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, which can quickly affect brain and organ function and lead to death.
The danger is magnified when combustion gases are not properly vented to the outside.
People exposed to carbon monoxide often experience flu-like symptoms along with fatigue, shortness of breath and impaired motor functions.
Depending on the concentration, carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness quickly, and death can occur within minutes.
Missing, non-working alarms are common
According to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, carbon monoxide poisoning causes, on average, more than 50 deaths a year in Canada. Most of the victims died while sleeping and nearly two-thirds of carbon monoxide poisonings happened during the colder seasons of fall and winter.
While a carbon monoxide detector is the best defence against accidental poisoning, Hepditch said it’s common for London fire inspectors to find both carbon monoxide and smoke alarms not working correctly, or not installed at all.
“I would say we run into that on a daily basis, unfortunately,” he said.
He said the holidays are a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Each alarm should be checked to ensure the batteries are still good. Models also have a set lifespan, and older models may need to be replaced, regardless of working condition.
“Fire does not take days off, fire doesn’t recognize the holiday season or New Year’s, so this is a good time to check that you’ve got those alarms in operating condition,” he said. “Check them and test them before you start having people over.”
As for which alarm to buy, Hepditch said homeowners should ensure the device is certified for use in Canada. Health Canada has recommendations here about what to look for, including the logo of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
Alarms can be powered by a battery or hard-wired with a battery backup. There are also models that can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet.
Some models are also dual-function alarms, with the ability to detect both carbon monoxide and smoke.
Ivan Picott, general manager of Harris Home Hardware in London, Ont., said the store is posting signs in the aisles to ensure staff and customers are aware of the new rules.
“The plug-in alarms with battery backup are really popular,” said Picott. He said plug-in models tend to be less expensive (in the $40 range) than ceiling-mounted models (about $75).
He also said the plug-in electric models are easier for customers who may be uncomfortable with ladders.
Other tips
Different sounds. Hepditch said carbon monoxide alarms have a different alert than smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms have four short beeps followed by a long pause. Smoke alarms have a long, continuous series of beeps.
Alarm sounds? Don’t mess around. Hepditch said that if a carbon monoxide alarm sounds in your house, get everyone outside right away; don’t waste time trying to turn off the alarm or find the cause. Also, 9-1-1 should be called whenever an alarm sounds so firefighters can check carbon monoxide levels in the house. “Four quick beeps means it’s time to get out,” said Hepditch. “Our fire crews will use gas meters to check the appliances in your home for carbon monoxide.”
Check appliances regularly. Hepditch advises that fuel-burning appliances be inspected every year by a licensed technician. Appliances that aren’t working properly can be a source of carbon monoxide. “Those can produce incomplete combustion and that’s when we start to have problems with carbon monoxide,” said Hepditch.
Check venting. Improper venting of furnaces, water heaters or stoves can be a source of carbon monoxide in the home. “Always make sure that the vents outside your house are clear of ice and snow,” said Hepditch. “Even below the vent it can pile up.”
