EDMONTON – As winter approaches and the temperatures dip outside, homeowners will be cranking up the furnace inside. And with that, comes a warning from ATCO Gas about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO).
“With the fall and winter heating season upon us, we want homeowners to be aware of potential sources of carbon monoxide in their homes and know what they can do to prevent and detect it,” said Bill Stephens, president of ATCO Gas.
Often referred to as the silent killer, CO is an odourless, colourless and toxic gas, that can cause sudden illness and sometimes death. It can be produced through incomplete combustion of a fuel. This can occur when appliances – such as a furnace or hot water heater – are not maintained, vents are blocked or damaged, or when a vehicle is left running in an attached garage.
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“Taking a few simple steps, such as changing your furnace filter regularly and installing a CO detector will help keep your family safe,” Stephens explained.
ATCO Gas is encouraging Albertans to take the following steps to prevent and detect CO:
- Have fuel-burning appliances, such as a furnace or hot water heater, inspected regularly according to the manufacturer’s specifications
- Check the furnace filter monthly and clean or replace when dirty
- Clear debris, snow and ice from vents and chimneys
- Ensure areas around fuel-burning appliances are clutter-free
- Check the flame of all natural gas appliances; it should be blue
- Don’t idle vehicles inside an attached garage or near appliance/furnace intake vents
- Open a window near a wood-burning fireplace
- Install and maintain a CO detector according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Visibly mark CO detector’s expiry date on it with a marker
- Replace CO detector’s battery annually
- Vacuum CO detector monthly
A free, downloadable checklist on how to keep your home safe is available on ATCO’s website, and has been posted below:
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