Last Updated: January 4, 2026
New Ontario Fire Code rules effective January 1, 2026 expand mandatory carbon monoxide alarm requirements, and Ottawa homeowners with furnaces, fireplaces, or attached garages must now have CO detectors installed near every sleeping area and on every level of their home—including storeys without bedrooms.
Carbon monoxide kills more Canadians each year than any other poison, with approximately 300 deaths and 200 hospitalizations nationally. The colourless, odourless gas provides no warning signs until it’s too late, making properly installed and maintained CO alarms the only reliable defence. Ontario’s Hawkins-Gignac Act has required CO alarms since 2015, but the 2026 updates strengthen protection by mandating detectors on all floors, not just near bedrooms with fuel-burning sources.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ontario requires CO alarms on every floor and within 5 metres of all sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. New 2026 rules expand coverage to all storeys regardless of bedroom placement. Fines reach $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for landlords who fail to comply.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Law Effective | Since 2015, updated January 2026 |
| 📍 Where Required | Every floor + near sleeping areas |
| 💰 Fines | Up to $50,000 (individual) |
| ⏰ Replacement | Every 5-10 years per manufacturer |
| 🏠 Triggers | Furnace, fireplace, attached garage |
| 🔧 Standard | CSA 6.19 or ULC certified |
Understanding Carbon Monoxide Risks
A properly installed CO alarm near the bedroom provides critical early warning of dangerous gas levels.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fuel-burning appliances don’t completely combust their fuel. Common sources in Ottawa homes include gas furnaces, wood-burning fireplaces, natural gas water heaters, gas stoves, and vehicle exhaust from attached garages.
Why CO is called the “silent killer”:
- Completely colourless and odourless
- Early symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness) mimic the flu
- Exposure during sleep can be fatal before waking
- Levels can build gradually or spike suddenly during equipment malfunction
In 2008, Hawkins and Gignac, a Woodstock, Ontario family, died from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a blocked furnace exhaust. Their deaths prompted the provincial legislation requiring CO alarms—now known as the Hawkins-Gignac Act—that has since saved countless lives across Ontario.
Ontario CO Alarm Requirements (2026 Updated)
The Ontario Fire Code mandates carbon monoxide alarms in all residential buildings where CO sources are present. The 2026 updates clarify and expand these requirements.
When CO Alarms Are Required
Your Ottawa home must have CO alarms if any of these conditions apply:
| CO Source | Requirement Triggered |
|---|---|
| Gas furnace | Yes |
| Oil furnace | Yes |
| Gas water heater | Yes |
| Wood-burning fireplace | Yes |
| Gas fireplace | Yes |
| Pellet stove | Yes |
| Attached garage | Yes |
| Generator use | Yes (if used indoors/attached) |
Important note: Even if you have an all-electric home, an attached garage triggers CO alarm requirements because vehicles can produce carbon monoxide.
Where to Install CO Alarms
Correct CO alarm placement includes every floor and within 5 metres of all sleeping areas.
Required locations under 2026 rules:
-
Within 5 metres of every sleeping area - Measured from bedroom doors along the path someone would walk to escape
-
On every storey of the home - Including basement, main floor, and upper floors—even if those floors don’t have bedrooms
-
Near fuel-burning appliances - While not explicitly required, additional alarms near furnace rooms, attached garages, and kitchens with gas appliances provide extra protection
Height placement:
- CO mixes with air, so alarms can be placed at any height
- Most manufacturers recommend ceiling mounting or high on walls
- Follow your specific alarm’s installation instructions
Where NOT to install:
- Inside garages (exhaust fumes can trigger false alarms)
- Near windows or doors (drafts affect readings)
- In humid areas like bathrooms
- Behind furniture or curtains
New 2026 Building Code Updates
For new construction in Ontario, the 2026 Building Code introduces additional requirements that Ottawa builders and renovators must follow.
Interconnected Alarm Systems
New homes built after January 1, 2026 must have interconnected smoke and CO alarms. When one alarm sounds, all alarms throughout the home activate simultaneously.
Interconnection options:
- Hardwired: Alarms connected through electrical wiring (most reliable)
- Wireless: Battery-powered alarms that communicate via radio frequency
This requirement applies to new construction and major renovations. Existing Ottawa homes aren’t required to upgrade to interconnected systems, but doing so significantly improves safety—especially in larger homes where a basement alarm might not be heard on the third floor.
Combination Smoke/CO Alarms
Modern combination units detect both smoke and carbon monoxide, reducing the number of devices needed while maintaining protection. These are permitted under Ontario code and often preferred for their convenience and reduced maintenance.
Compliance for Ottawa Landlords
Ottawa landlords must install and maintain CO alarms in all rental units with fuel-burning sources.
Landlords in Ottawa face specific obligations under the Ontario Fire Code and Residential Tenancies Act.
Landlord responsibilities:
- Install CO alarms in all required locations before occupancy
- Test alarms regularly (recommended monthly)
- Replace batteries annually (or as needed for sealed units)
- Replace units before expiration date (typically 5-10 years)
- Document compliance in case of inspection
Tenant responsibilities:
- Notify landlord of any alarm issues
- Do not disable or remove CO alarms
- Allow access for inspections and maintenance
- Test monthly and report malfunctions
Fines and Penalties
| Violation | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|
| Individual homeowner non-compliance | $50,000 |
| Corporate/landlord non-compliance | $100,000 |
| Repeat offenses | Additional penalties possible |
Fire inspectors can issue orders requiring immediate compliance. Failing to comply with an order can result in prosecution under the Provincial Offences Act.
Choosing the Right CO Alarm
Not all carbon monoxide alarms are created equal. Ontario requires units that meet specific standards.
Required Certifications
CO alarms installed in Ontario must be certified to one of these standards:
- CSA 6.19 (Canadian Standards Association)
- ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada)
Look for the certification mark on the packaging and the unit itself.
Types of CO Alarms
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery-powered | Easy installation, works during power outages | Requires battery changes | Existing homes, renters |
| Hardwired | Reliable power, interconnection capable | Requires electrician installation | New construction, renovations |
| Plug-in | Easy to install, no battery changes | Occupies outlet, no backup during outage | Supplemental protection |
| Combination smoke/CO | Two protections in one unit | Slightly higher cost | Most efficient option |
Recommended Features
- Digital display: Shows current CO levels, helpful for detecting low-level exposure
- Peak level memory: Records highest detected level for review
- End-of-life warning: Alerts when unit needs replacement
- 10-year sealed battery: Eliminates annual battery replacement
Maintenance and Testing
Proper maintenance ensures your CO alarms function when needed.
Monthly Testing
- Press and hold the test button
- Alarm should sound within seconds
- If no sound, replace batteries or the unit
- Test all alarms in your home
Annual Maintenance
- Replace batteries in non-sealed units (use quality alkaline or lithium batteries)
- Vacuum dust from alarm vents gently
- Verify expiration date printed on the unit
- Test after any power outage to confirm functionality
Replacement Schedule
CO alarms have limited lifespans—chemical sensors degrade over time:
- Replace every 5-7 years (standard units)
- Replace every 10 years (sealed lithium battery units)
- Check manufacturer date printed on the back of the alarm
Never ignore the end-of-life chirp. This intermittent beeping indicates the alarm can no longer reliably detect CO and must be replaced immediately.
What to Do if Your CO Alarm Sounds
When a CO alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911 from outside the home.
A sounding CO alarm demands immediate action—do not investigate or try to find the source.
Emergency response steps:
- Evacuate everyone from the home immediately, including pets
- Count heads once outside to ensure everyone is out
- Call 911 from outside the home or a neighbour’s
- Do not re-enter until emergency responders declare it safe
- Seek medical attention if anyone shows symptoms (headache, nausea, confusion)
Symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Headache (often the first symptom)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
Even if the alarm stops or you feel fine, have the Ottawa Fire Department check your home. CO can continue accumulating from a malfunctioning appliance.
Common CO Sources and Prevention
Understanding where carbon monoxide originates helps Ottawa homeowners prevent dangerous accumulation.
Furnace and Heating Systems
- Schedule annual professional inspection before heating season
- Replace filters regularly
- Never block vents or exhaust pipes
- Clear snow and ice from outdoor exhaust vents
Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually
- Use only dry, seasoned wood
- Ensure damper is fully open before lighting
- Never close damper while embers remain
Attached Garages
- Never run vehicles in attached garages, even with door open
- Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves in garages
- Ensure door seal between garage and house is intact
- Consider weatherstripping improvements
Gas Appliances
- Have gas stoves, water heaters, and dryers inspected regularly
- Never use ovens or stovetops for heating
- Ensure proper ventilation during use
- Check pilot lights periodically
Ottawa-Specific Resources
Ottawa Fire Services and the City of Ottawa provide resources for residents concerned about carbon monoxide safety.
Ottawa Fire Services:
- Non-emergency line: 613-580-2424
- Home safety inspections available (schedule through 311)
- Fire prevention education programs
Ottawa Paramedic Service:
- Responds to CO exposure calls
- Can assess symptoms on scene
Enbridge Gas (natural gas emergencies):
- Emergency line: 1-866-763-5427
- Available 24/7 for gas leaks or suspected CO from gas appliances
For related home safety information, see our guides on emergency preparedness in Ottawa and winter safety tips.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a CO alarm if I have an all-electric home?
If your home has an attached garage, you still need CO alarms because vehicles produce carbon monoxide. If you have a fully detached garage and no fuel-burning appliances whatsoever (including gas stoves, fireplaces, or oil/gas heating), CO alarms aren’t required—but they’re still recommended as an extra precaution.
Q: Can I install combination smoke and CO alarms to meet Ontario requirements?
Yes, combination alarms that are certified to both smoke detection (CSA 531 or ULC S531) and CO detection (CSA 6.19 or ULC) standards satisfy Ontario requirements for both. Many Ottawa homeowners prefer these for reduced clutter and simplified maintenance.
Q: How often should I replace my carbon monoxide alarm?
Most CO alarms last 5-7 years; some sealed lithium battery models last 10 years. Check the manufacture date printed on the back of your alarm and replace before the expiration. When the unit chirps intermittently (not the low-battery chirp), it’s reached end-of-life.
Q: What’s the difference between a CO alarm and a CO detector?
In residential use, these terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, a detector senses CO presence while an alarm sounds an audible warning. Consumer products labelled as either serve the same protective function in homes.
Q: My CO alarm keeps beeping but showing no CO reading—what’s wrong?
Intermittent chirping usually indicates low battery (single chirp every 30-60 seconds) or end-of-life warning (patterned chirps). Replace the battery first; if chirping continues, the unit needs replacement. A continuous alarm indicates detected CO—evacuate immediately.
Q: Are landlords required to provide CO alarms in Ottawa rental units?
Yes, Ontario landlords must install and maintain CO alarms in all required locations. Failure to provide working CO alarms can result in fines up to $100,000 and may violate the Residential Tenancies Act.
Q: Do CO alarms work during a power outage?
Battery-powered and hardwired alarms with battery backup continue working during outages. Plug-in units without battery backup do not. Since power outages often coincide with increased generator use (a major CO source), battery backup is critical.
Q: Where should I NOT install a CO alarm?
Avoid installing alarms inside garages (exhaust causes false alarms), in humid areas like bathrooms, near windows or doors with drafts, or behind furniture that blocks airflow. Also avoid areas exposed to extreme temperatures.
Q: Can pets detect carbon monoxide before humans?
Animals typically show symptoms before humans due to smaller body size and faster respiration. Watch for pets becoming lethargic, disoriented, or refusing to eat. However, never rely on pets as CO detectors—proper alarms are essential.
Q: What are the new 2026 changes to Ontario CO alarm requirements?
The 2026 updates require CO alarms on every storey of the home, not just floors with bedrooms or near fuel-burning appliances. New construction must also have interconnected alarm systems where all units sound simultaneously when one detects danger.
Final Thoughts
Carbon monoxide remains one of the most preventable causes of accidental death in Canadian homes. Ontario’s updated requirements for 2026 strengthen protection by ensuring every level of your Ottawa home has proper detection, regardless of bedroom placement.
Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting your family from an invisible threat that kills without warning. Take time this weekend to check your CO alarms, verify they haven’t expired, and install additional units if your home doesn’t meet the new every-storey requirement.
For around $30-50 per alarm, you’re buying peace of mind that no price can truly measure.
Sources: Ontario Fire Marshal, Ontario Fire Code O. Reg. 213/07, Ottawa Fire Services
