Carbon Monoxide Safety in a Winnipeg Winter
Furnaces, boilers, water heaters and fireplaces all burn fuel. In a sealed-up winter house, any fault that produces carbon monoxide is dangerous.
Request an HVAC technicianWhat CO is
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas produced by burning fuel. It can cause illness and death.
Alarms
Install CO alarms on every level and near bedrooms, and test them monthly.
Symptoms
Headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion, often affecting several people at once.
If an alarm sounds
Get everyone outside, then phone 911 from outside.
Blocked vents
Snow-blocked furnace and water heater vents can push exhaust back into the house.
Never indoors
Never run generators, barbecues or camp stoves indoors or in an attached garage.
Annual service
Have fuel-burning appliances serviced every year by a licensed technician.
More help
See furnace tune-ups.
Test regularly
Press the test button on each alarm once a month and replace batteries on schedule.
Water heaters
Gas water heaters vent combustion gases too. A blocked or disconnected vent can spill exhaust into the basement, so include them in yearly checks.
Power outages
During outages, people sometimes turn to generators and fuel heaters. Keep generators outside, well away from windows and doors, and never use outdoor heaters indoors.
Alarm lifespan
CO alarms wear out. Check the date on the back and replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually every several years.
Attached garages
Never warm up a car in an attached garage, even with the door open. Exhaust can seep into the house.
Fireplaces
Have chimneys and gas fireplaces checked yearly, and open the damper before lighting a wood fire.
Who's at risk
Babies, older adults, pregnant people and people with heart or lung conditions are more vulnerable. Pets often show symptoms first.
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