Home Heating Check-Up

With the cooler weather here our thoughts turn to getting the household ready for winter. Summer toys are tucked away, a tune-up and tire check is ordered for the car and boots have been bought for the kids.

Heating the house is a big part of the Canadian winter ritual and people with fuel burning furnaces should be thinking about the safety of their heating systems.

Carbon Monoxide Gas

Fuel burning furnaces and appliances (those using wood, gas, propane, oil, kerosene or other fuel) can produce carbon monoxide gas as a by-product of the burning process.

You can't see, smell or taste this gas and it is very dangerous.

Carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream through your lungs when you breathe, robbing your vital organs of oxygen. The first signs you are breathing in the gas can include symptoms like dizziness, headaches, nausea, fainting and weakness.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. The Canadian Safety Council reports that each year 200 Canadians die from carbon monoxide poisoning. If you think you have a problem with an appliance, shut it off and leave the house. Get medical attention immediately if you have symptoms.

PRINT CARBON MONOXIDE FACT SHEET

Check your appliances

Any fuel burning appliance like your stove, dryer, water heater, furnace, or space heater can produce carbon monoxide. You can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup in your home by following these safety tips:

• Be sure appliances are properly installed, vented and maintained
• Have a qualified professional service heating appliances, furnaces, water heaters and dryers every year
• Have chimney flues inspected, cleaned and maintained regularly
• Avoid the use of unvented combustion heaters indoors
• Check out any unusual odors or sounds coming from an appliance
• Know the built-in safety features of your appliance
• Install a “UL certified” carbon monoxide detector near the sleeping areas of your home.

Where can I get more information?

For more information and resources on carbon monoxide, visit Health Canada's website by clicking the link below:

Carbon Monoxide - Health Canada 

To speak to a public health professional call Your Health Connection Monday to Friday 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520).