
Your CO Assessment Report
Thanks for answering! Based on your responses, you are at {{risklevel}} risk of exposure to CO. Carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems. Here is how you can help reduce your risks:
CO Risk Reduction Checklist
Having a working carbon monoxide alarm is the only way to ensure that carbon monoxide is not accumulating in your home. According to Health Canada (source), all homes and cottages should have at least one installed, preferably in hallways outside of sleeping areas.

These need to be certified for use in Canada. Check yours for Canadian certification marks such as these- that way you can know you can trust that your CO alarm meets national safety standards.If you don’t see these symbols - may be time to replace it.
{% if rawResponses["Have you tested it?"].choiceText[0].en contains 'Yes' %}Always follow the manufacturers installation and maintenance instructions. Store the manual in a safe place, and write the date on the battery or device to remind you of when it was installed and when it should be replaced. And don’t forget to replace the batteries every year!
{% else %}Best practice is to test your CO alarm frequently- just press the little button (should be on the front or side of the device) to make sure that its functional. And don’t forget to replace the batteries at least once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that plug-in alarms usually have back-up batteries too, so don’t forget to change those. That way you can be sure that your alarm will work, even during a power outage!
{% endif %} {% else %}Remember that carbon monoxide is a gas that has no colour, taste or odour. So without a working CO alarm, you could be exposed without even knowing it! According to Health Canada, all homes and cottages should have at least one installed, preferably outside of sleeping areas.
Carbon monoxide alarms are commonly found in home improvement store or online. Remember to do your research, and only purchase a model that is certified for use in Canada. Look for a mark from recognized certification bodies like the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Ready to get one? You can start here:
- CanadianTire.ca {{"fa-solid fa-up-right-from-square" | iconclasses }}
- HomeDepot.ca {{"fa-solid fa-up-right-from-square" | iconclasses }}
- HomeHardware.ca {{"fa-solid fa-up-right-from-square" | iconclasses }}
- Rona.ca {{"fa-solid fa-up-right-from-square" | iconclasses }}
- Lowes.ca {{"fa-solid fa-up-right-from-square" | iconclasses }}
Just like yours, most Canadians homes are heated by equipment that run on fuels such as natural gas, oil, propane or wood. When operating properly, the trace amounts of carbon monoxide produced get vented safely outside before they can accumulate and aren’t a cause for concern.
However, if these aren’t installed properly or if they malfunction, CO can rapidly accumulate to dangerous levels.
By ensuring that your fuel-burning heating appliances are properly maintained and inspected annually by a qualified technician, you are keeping your HVAC equipment running smoothly and safely, which not only saves you money over the long term, but also reduces your risk of exposure to CO!
{% else %}Just like yours, most Canadians homes are heated by equipment that run on fuels such as natural gas, oil, propane or wood. When operating properly, the trace amounts of carbon monoxide produced get vented safely outside before they can accumulate and aren’t a cause for concern.
However, if these aren’t installed properly or if they malfunction, CO can rapidly accumulate to dangerous levels.
The best way to protect yourself? Make sure to have your {{fuel_heating_appliance_results}} inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technican.
Find a qualified technican in your area:
This directory is for informational purposes only. Scout Environmental does not endorse or guarantee any of the listed contractors or services. {% endif %} {% if other_or_unsure %}Most Canadians have some sort of fuel-burning heat source or appliance in the home. Don’t take the risk - install at least one working CO alarm in your home, preferably outside of sleeping areas.
{% endif %}Inadequate ventilation of your fireplace or wood stove can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Without good airflow to carry it outside, this dangerous gas can build up in your home.
{% if fireplace_inspected %}So before you light that fire, make sure the damper is open, and chimney is clean and free of debris.
{% else %}Get a professional to inspect and clean your chimney every year, to ensure that your chimney, flue and vents are all functioning properly. And before you light that fire, make sure the damper is open, and chimney is clean and free of debris.
Find a qualified technican in your area on WETT.ca.
{% endif %}Most of us have at least one potential source of CO in our home.
Regularly servicing your {{fuel_appliance_string}} is a great way to keep it in top shape!
{% else %}Most of us have at least one potential source of CO in our home.
You can help prevent CO from building up in your home, by keeping all of your fuel-burning equipment well maintained. Get your {{fuel_appliance_string}} professionally serviced annually.
{% endif %}Always keep the door between your garage and house closed to keep carbon monoxide and other pollutants out of your home.
Never idle your car, or fuel-burning equipment such as barbecues, snowblowers or generators in the garage, even if the garage door is open.