Did you know?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless deadly gas produced by incomplete fuel burning. While Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week has officially concluded, remaining vigilant is essential. Working CO alarms are your only true defense against this hidden hazard. Take a moment to ensure properly installed and functioning CO alarms are in place to keep your family safe.
Additionally, new requirements came into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, that expand where CO alarms must be placed in existing homes.
Where do the new requirements apply?
If you live in a home, CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS must be installed if the home:
- has a fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace, water heater, or stove that uses natural gas, propane, oil, or wood.
- has a fireplace
- has an attached garage
- is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance that is not contained within your home (e.g., an appliance in a utility shed).
Note: Common types of homes include:
- Detached or Semi-Detached Houses
- Townhouses
- Cottages/Cabins/Camps
If you live in an apartment or condo unit, CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS must be installed if any of the following applies:
- your unit has a fuel-burning appliance or a fireplace.
- the building has a service room, and your unit is located directly above, below or beside the service room.
- the building has a garage, and your unit is located directly above, below or beside the garage.
- your unit is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance that is not contained within your unit, for example, heated air coming from a furnace in a building service room.
Who is responsible for compliance?
- In Owner-Occupied homes, the Homeowner is responsible for complying with the CO alarm requirements in the Fire Code.
- In Rental Homes/Units, the Landlord is responsible for complying with the CO alarm requirements in the Fire Code.
Landlords must:
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the Ontario fire code.
- Maintain carbon monoxide alarms in operating condition.
- Maintain primary and secondary power supplies that serve carbon monoxide alarms.
- Provide the tenant a copy of the manufactured maintenance instructions.
- The same is true for SMOKE ALARMS.
Tenants must:
- Not disable the carbon monoxide alarm.
- Notify the landlord as soon as you are aware the carbon monoxide in the unit is disconnected, not operating or the operation is impaired.
- The same is true for SMOKE ALARMS.
Test & maintain CO & smoke alarms
- TEST both alarms monthly and make sure you know the difference between the two alarm sounds.
- FOLLOW your CO alarm’s manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the “end of life” warning, fault mode/unit error warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.
- LOOK on the back of the CO alarm itself; typically you will find information such as the CO alarm model, date of manufacture, information pertaining to the different types of beeps/chirps, and certification markings etc.
- Remember to always SAVE your CO alarm’s manufacturer’s instructions; if you do not have them, go online to search your model for the detailed manufacturer’s instructions.
CO Alarms: Do you know the sound they make?
It doesn’t matter whether you are a home owner, building owner, landlord or tenant… you need to know what the sound of a CO ALARM sounds like.
CO alarms: Different types of beeps & chirps
- 4 Quick Beeps and then a Pause, this is an Emergency!
- 1 Beep/Chirp every minute, this is typically a Low Battery; change the battery(s).
- Multiple Beeps/Chirps every 30 seconds, this is typically End-of-Life for the alarm.
Hear four-beeps? Act fast!
- Take action quickly if you hear a pattern of four beeps from a CO alarm!
- Go outside to fresh air immediately!
- Call 9-1-1 from a safe location!
Type of CO alarms
- CO alarms can be electrically hardwired, electrical plug-in, battery-powered or a combination.
- If you’re installing a plug-in type or electrical hardwired alarm, a battery backup is recommended in case of power failures.
- There are CO alarms that have a digital display, which shows the parts per million (PPM) of CO that is in your home. Alarms aren’t activated unless levels reach 70 PPM; however, a digital readout gives you an opportunity to have fuel-fired equipment inspected and repaired prior to an emergency occurring.
- In addition, there are CO alarms that offer sealed lithium batteries that last 10 years from activation.
- There are also combo Smoke/CO alarms available that offer sealed lithium batteries that are designed to last 10 years from activation.
Buying and installing your CO alarms
When buying CO alarms, make sure it has a logo of a recognized standards testing agency to ensure they meet Canadian performance standards. The logos (markings) should appear directly on the product—not just the packaging. Some examples of recognized standards testing agencies and their logos include:
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
- Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC)
- Intertek: Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL)
Death by CO is preventable!
Be in the know and learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the silent killer! Whether you live in a house, apartment, or condo etc., do you know which locations in your residence require a working carbon monoxide alarm? Visit: Ontario.ca/CarbonMonoxide
For specific questions regarding CO alarm requirements contact your local fire department.
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so, could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
