Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent, deadly gas that can seep into homes without warning. With no colour, smell, or taste, it poses a constant threat, especially during winter when heating systems are in full use. By taking simple precautions, you can keep your family safe from this invisible hazard.
CO is produced by devices like hot water heaters and furnaces that burn natural gas. Redvers Fire Chief Brad Hutton reminds homeowners to keep vents clear, as snowbanks can block air intake and exhaust.
“Sometimes they come out at ground level, make sure that snowbanks don’t build up around them,” Hutton said.
He also recommends regularly checking furnaces and cleaning furnace filters and ducts.
During winter, warming a car in an attached garage can also pose a risk. “Carbon monoxide can travel so when you open your door, you’re gonna get some of it coming into your house,” Hutton warned. It’s better to back your car out of the garage before shutting the door.
Hutton recalled incidents where a car running in the garage triggered an alarm later. “The carbon monoxide migrated down and it ended up in the basement, set off the alarm system,” he noted.
When it comes to CO detectors, Hutton advises treating them like smoke detectors: check them monthly, change batteries annually, and replace the unit every 10 years. Detectors should be installed outside of every sleeping room and in the furnace room.
“There should be one carbon monoxide detector outside of every sleeping room in your house,” Hutton added.
Newer CO detectors communicate with each other, so if one alarm sounds, they all go off. “If you’ve got carbon monoxide in your furnace room before it migrates, you’re going to get an alarm on all of them,” said Hutton.
If a CO detector goes off, treat it like a fire alarm: “Get out of the house immediately. Fire departments will also contact SaskEnergy to sniff out the source.”
Hutton also noted that headaches are a common sign of CO poisoning. “If you get a headache on weekends but none during the week, it could be a sign of a CO leak.”
He recommends inspecting vents, furnaces, ductwork, and chimneys for any issues, especially with older appliances. “Leaks can be minor but dangerous when the furnace or water heater kicks in.”