New Ontario Fire Code rules require additional carbon monoxide alarms in homes

Ontario has new rules for carbon monoxide alarms. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk explains who has to buy the safety features and when they will be required by law.

Changes to the Ontario Fire Code will see more carbon monoxide alarms in residential spaces.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, alarms targeting the silent killer will be required on all storeys, not just near bedrooms, in residences with potential sources of the deadly gas.

“With it on every storey, you’ll get that alert quicker and you can get out of the house quicker,” said Jamie Kovacs, executive director of the Fire Marshal’s Public Safety Council.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that comes with serious consequences.

In December 2023, a 25-year-old man died and six people were hospitalized from an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning caused by an idling car in a Kitchener, Ont. garage.

“We’re still seeing people pass away,” said Kovacs. “And they have found that having the extra alarms is what will save your life.”

The current regulations apply to residential spaces with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. The new rules will also include those heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance that isn’t inside the home, such as a furnace in a building service room. Public corridors in apartments and condominiums will also require alarms starting in the new year.

Kovacs reminded residents the alarms must be replaced every five to 10 years. He also warned they shouldn’t be placed inside attached garages.

“CO alarms and smoke alarms won’t work in a garage,” he said. “There’s a lot of humidity, there’s a lot of dirt, and honestly, when you start your car, that will set the alarm off.”

The alarms are often sold in hardware stores, with prices ranging between $40 and $80.

“We have a pretty good selection of them,” said Lauren Bell, the hardware seasonal manager at Swanson’s Home Hardware in Kitchener. “There’s probably six or seven different models here.”

The alarms can be battery-powered or hardwired, and can be mounted to a wall or ceiling, or plugged into an outlet. While some may be higher tech than others, they all serve the same purpose.

“All the other ones are going to chirp at you if they detect carbon monoxide,” said Bell.

When residents hear the four beeps, they’re urged to get out immediately and call 911.

Kovacs urged people get ahead of the new rules and check their alarms now and install any additional units before the new year. Any questions can be directed to residents’ local fire departments.