When temperatures drop and heating systems run longer hours, carbon monoxide (CO) safety becomes more important than ever, with over 63% of carbon monoxide-related cases in Canada occurring in the fall or winter. This invisible, odorless gas is one of the leading causes of accidental poisoning in homes, but with regular maintenance and awareness, it’s entirely preventable.
Whether your home or business relies on a gas furnace, boiler, or fireplace, proper inspection and ventilation are crucial to ensuring comfort and safety. Below, we’ll cover what carbon monoxide is, why it forms, and the essential steps every property owner should take to keep their heating systems safe this winter.
Understanding Carbon Monoxide and How It Forms
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete fuel combustion. When appliances like gas furnaces, boilers, water heaters, or fireplaces don’t burn fuel efficiently, aren’t properly ventilated, or malfunction, they can release CO into your building’s air. Because CO is colorless and odorless, leaks often go unnoticed until symptoms occur.
Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide
The primary fuel types that generate CO include: Natural Gas, Propane, Oil, Gasoline, Coal, Wood, and Wood Pellets. Common examples of these CO producing sources include:
- Nonelectric Combustion Based Heating Systems:
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- Furnaces, boilers, and gas water heaters
- Fireplaces and woodstoves
- Fuel-burning space heaters
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- Indoor Cooking and Household Appliances:
- Gas ranges and ovens
- Gas washers and dryers
- Idling Vehicles with Combustion Engines:
- Cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles
- Gas-Powered Tools:
- Portable generators
- Chain saws, compressors, lawn mowers, and snowblowers
- Outdoor Appliances (Never use indoors):
- Barbecues and grills
- Gas lamps and camping stoves
- Other Sources:
- Fire (from any source)
- Tobacco smoke (cigarettes, cigars)
Common Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Early signs of carbon monoxide exposure include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
- Vomiting
- Unexplained weakness/tiredness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Chest pain
In high concentrations, exposure can quickly become life-threatening. That’s why prevention through inspection is key, especially during cold weather when windows are sealed and heating systems are running continuously.
CO Poisoning Symptoms in Pets
Our beloved animals are often more sensitive than us humans are. Watch for these symptoms that your pet is detecting a carbon monoxide leak before you are:
- Sudden irritability/aggression/anxiety
- Vomiting
- Uncoordinated movements
- Refusal to come inside
- Difficulty breathing
- Bright cherry red lips, ears, and gums
- Drowsiness or lethargy
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips Every Home & Business Owner Should Follow
Keeping your business, or home, safe from carbon monoxide involves more than just system checks. Consistent monitoring and awareness makes all the difference.
Here are key steps to help protect your family, visitors, and clients:
- Install CO alarms/detectors on every floor and near bedrooms. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
- Never block vents or air intakes. Clear snow, leaves, or debris around outdoor exhaust pipes.
- Avoid running vehicles or fuel-burning equipment (like generators) in enclosed spaces such as garages.
- Use fireplaces safely—ensure the damper is fully open before lighting, and have chimneys cleaned annually to remove soot and obstructions.
- Schedule annual professional maintenance for all gas-burning appliances with a licensed HVAC technician.
These simple but essential habits can prevent emergencies and ensure your heating systems operate safely all winter long.
Am I required to have a Carbon Monoxide Detector/Alarm in BC?
BC Building code requires CO alarms in all new builds, major renovations, as well as existing businesses and assembly occupancies (e.g. schools and places of worship), that have fuel-burning appliances or attached garages (even if there is no fuel-burning appliance).
Some cities, like Vancouver, have even stricter requirements that apply to new and old dwelling units, so check your local bylaws
The City of Kelowna currently follows the general BC requirements for businesses and general dwelling units, but Kelowna also requires secondary rental suites within a single-family dwelling (containing a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage) to have proper CO alarms installed.
West Kelowna has a similar rule as part of their Fire Safety Requirements for short-term rental owners: “[are required to install] hardwired and interconnected carbon monoxide detectors on every floor within 5m of each bedroom unless dual head installed (for properties that contain fuel fired appliances and attached garages)”.
How Regular Heating System Maintenance Prevents Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Your heating appliances are designed to safely vent combustion gases outdoors. However, blockages, corrosion, or damage in your system can disrupt that process. Routine furnace maintenance, boiler inspections, and gas fireplace service, helps ensure everything is functioning as intended.
Professional inspections of your furnace, boiler, and fireplace typically include:
- Vent and flue inspections: Ensures exhaust gases are properly venting and not leaking back into living spaces.
- Burner and ignition checks: Confirms complete combustion and correct flame color (a healthy flame burns blue, not yellow or orange).
- Heat exchanger examinations: Detects cracks or corrosion where CO could escape into your home’s air supply.
- Gas pressure and connection tests: Identifies leaks or irregularities that could affect combustion efficiency.
By scheduling annual maintenance before the heating season is over, you not only reduce CO risks but also improve system efficiency and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Plus, there are tons of other benefits to regular HVAC maintenance.
How Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling Keeps Your Home Safe
At Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling, safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our certified technicians provide thorough inspections and maintenance for gas furnaces, boilers, and fireplaces across Kelowna and surrounding areas (West Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Summerland, Peachland, and more).
During a carbon monoxide safety check, our team:
- Uses advanced diagnostic tools to test for leaks and proper ventilation.
- Examines burners, heat exchangers, and flue systems for signs of wear or damage.
- Verifies combustion efficiency to reduce emissions and improve energy performance.
If we detect any potential hazards, we’ll provide clear recommendations and fast, reliable repairs to restore your peace of mind.
Whether it’s your annual tune-up or a mid-season inspection, you can trust Vision to keep your heating systems safe, efficient, and ready for winter. Book your service today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Monoxide & Heating Systems
How often should I schedule a carbon monoxide safety check?
It’s recommended to have your gas furnace, boiler, and fireplace inspected by a professional once a year—preferably before winter begins.
Where should I place carbon monoxide detectors in my home?
Install them outside each sleeping area, on every level of your home, and near any gas-burning appliance.
What should I do if my CO alarm goes off?
Leave your home immediately, call emergency services, and have your heating systems inspected before returning.
Can I test for carbon monoxide myself?
While CO detectors provide monitoring, only certified HVAC technicians can perform a complete system inspection and identify hidden risks.
Are modern gas furnaces safer than older models?
Yes, newer systems are designed with advanced safety features—but they still require yearly maintenance to ensure safe operation.
Is a Carbon Monoxide Detector Required in British Columbia (BC)?
Yes. The BC Building Code mandates CO alarms in all new residential builds and major renovations that contain a fuel-burning appliance or have an attached garage. This requirement also applies to existing businesses and assembly occupancies (like schools). While the provincial code sets the baseline, cities like Vancouver have stricter local bylaws that may require CO alarms in older residential units. Always check your local municipality’s specific fire and safety regulations.
Are Carbon Monoxide Alarms Mandatory in Kelowna?
The City of Kelowna enforces the general BC requirements, but also has specific rules for secondary suites. Kelowna requires both the main dwelling and any secondary rental suite within a single-family home to have proper CO alarms installed and interconnected if the property includes a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Neighbouring municipalities, such as West Kelowna, also have stringent fire safety rules for short-term rentals, often requiring hardwired and interconnected detectors on every floor within 5 meters of bedrooms.
