Starting January 1, 2026
Now, the Ontario Fire Code will require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every storey of homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage — even on storeys without sleeping areas, and regardless of building age.
What’s New:
➡ CO alarms must now be installed on every storey of all homes, no matter how old.
➡ In multi-unit residential buildings, CO alarm requirements apply to individual units based on the presence of fuel-burning appliances or attached garages and may also apply to public corridors served by fuel-fired equipment.
➡CO alarms may be hardwired, plug-in, or battery operated, as long as they meet recognized safety standards.
➡Building owners and landlords are responsible for ensuring alarms are installed and maintained; residents and tenants must report any issues with alarms.
What Every Homeowner Needs to Know:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the silent killer — and for good reason. It’s a poisonous gas that is colourless, odourless, and invisible, making it impossible to detect without a properly installed carbon monoxide alarm. Homes in Cambridge that use fuel-burning appliances or have attached garages are especially at risk, which is why carbon monoxide safety is regulated under Ontario law.
Understanding how CO is produced, where alarms must be installed, and who is responsible for maintaining them can help protect your household from serious injury or death.
What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why Is It Dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is created when fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, or gasoline do not burn completely. Common household sources include:
➡Furnaces and boilers
➡Water heaters
➡Gas stoves and fireplaces
➡Wood-burning appliances
➡Vehicles running in attached garages
When carbon monoxide builds up indoors, it can quickly reach dangerous levels. Exposure may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or loss of consciousness — and in severe cases, it can be fatal.
Where Alarms Need to be Installed:
To provide effective early warning, carbon monoxide alarms must be installed:
➡Adjacent to sleeping areas, such as in hallways outside bedrooms
➡On every storey of the home if required by the Fire Code
Proper placement ensures that occupants will hear the alarm even while sleeping, when carbon monoxide exposure is especially dangerous.
Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to avoid improper placement or false alarms.
What to Do If an Alarm Sounds:
If your carbon monoxide alarm activates:
Leave the home immediately and get fresh air
Call 911 or emergency services from outside
Do not re-enter the home until authorities say it is safe
Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm, even if no symptoms are present.
For more info visit the City of Cambridge’s Info Page > bit.ly/45mW2sF