Know the sources of carbon monoxide in your home

Carbon monoxide (CO) has taken the lives of entire Canadian families, left scores of people with debilitating physical and mental handicaps, and, sent thousands more to clinics and emergency rooms. It has even inspired legislation in Ontario and the Yukon mandating the installation of CO alarms. So why are people still so slow to install the one inexpensive safety device that protects them and their family from this deadly gas?

Carbon monoxide safety comes down to awareness and education. First you need to realize the danger is very real. Second, you need to know the potential sources of CO in your home. Lastly, you need to feel confident in choosing a CO alarm that fits the style and lifestyle of your home and your life. Many times, people think they don’t need a carbon monoxide alarm because they have electric baseboard heaters. But they overlook the fact that they may have a gas or propane water heater or stove, a gas or wood fireplace, or a garage or carport attached to their house.

All these are potential sources of CO. So long as carbon monoxide is safely vented outside, there is no danger. But if appliances or heating systems are not properly maintained, or chimneys and vents become blocked or cracked, deadly CO can seep back into your home…and you won’t even know it. And since exposure to CO mimics the flu, many people make the mistake of thinking the symptoms they are experiencing will just “go away” in time. So they stay home from work or school hoping to get better, when exactly the opposite happens.

Fortunately, protecting your family from carbon monoxide in your home is relatively simple and inexpensive. You can find CSA-approved carbon monoxide alarms in any quality hardware store at an average cost of between $30 and $60. That’s about two cents a day over a new CO alarm’s lifespan.

It’s important to have one working CO alarm outside all sleeping areas. Better yet is adding one per floor, as well. Canadians prefer the latest “Worry-Free” models that feature a 10-year sealed lithium battery that never needs to be changed for the life of the alarms, plus, a continuous digital readout. Never having to replace a battery for the 10-year life of the alarm is something consumers told us was very important. The digital readout is also popular because it shows you if lower levels of CO are present in your home. This way you can take action before the gas reaches dangerous levels.