Did you know? Installing a CO detector can mean the difference between life and death!
Carbon monoxide (CO), the colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, is untraceable without a CO detector. Inhaling low levels of carbon monoxide can lead to symptoms like headaches and impaired motor functions. Even worse, higher levels can be especially dangerous, causing loss of consciousness or even death.
It’s the Law
In 2008, Conservative MPP Ernie Hardeman addressed the CO issue by introducing a bill requiring households to install CO detectors to identify carbon monoxide. You can check out the ‘Safe at Home’ website for more details on Ontario’s CO bill, prevention programs, and safety tips.
The bill was created as a result of the deaths of Ontario Provincial Police officer Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard, and their two children when carbon monoxide seeped into their house because of a blocked chimney. The Hawkins weren’t the only family that lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning, 250 people in the province were killed by the gas over the last decade.
We Are Here to Help
As part of our commitment to home safety and comfort, ClimateCare Canada has partnered with the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation. ClimateCare will support the efforts of the foundation by educating homeowners on the imminent need for CO detectors in the household. Visit the ‘End The Silence’ website for more information on the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation and its efforts.
The Role of HVAC Maintenance in CO Safety
Beyond simply installing a CO detector, regular maintenance of your HVAC system is crucial for preventing carbon monoxide leaks. Faulty or neglected equipment, such as furnaces or gas fireplaces, can release CO into your home, putting your family at risk. A licensed HVAC professional can check, clean, and adjust your heating systems. This helps make sure they work safely and efficiently. This proactive approach helps detect potential issues early, preventing dangerous CO buildup before it becomes a hazard. By combining a reliable CO detector with a consistent HVAC maintenance plan, you’re creating a safer environment that guards your loved ones from this invisible danger.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
The number of deaths in Ontario may lessen with new provincial laws. Soon, it will be mandatory for CO detectors to be installed in every home with a fuel-burning device, attached garage, or carport. Until then, here are some ways you can protect your household from carbon monoxide leaks:
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- Get a CO detector. The detectors often cost $50 or less.
- Ensure your furnace, gas fireplace, and hot water tank are well maintained.
- Don’t let vehicles idle in the garage, and keep the garage door connecting to the house, closed.
Contact a Licenced HVAC Provider Today
Get your HVAC equipment serviced and maintained by D&B ClimateCare today and ensure your family will be safe! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
