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CO Alarms

Having certified, working, properly installed and maintained alarms will warn you of rising CO levels, giving you time to take potentially life-saving actions.

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New rules for carbon monoxide alarms. Effective January 1, 2026

Attention Homeowners & Landlords

New carbon monoxide (CO) alarm rules are coming for existing homes — includingdetached and semi-detached houses, townhomes, and cottages. Find out aboutthe updated safety requirements taking effect January 1, 2026.

    Things to know about CO Alarms

    A CO alarm works much like a home smoke alarm and beeps loudly when the sensors detect carbon monoxide. They will warn you of rising CO levels, giving you time to take potentially life-saving action.

    You must have carbon monoxide alarms if:

    • You have a fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace, water heater, or stove)
    • You have a fireplace
    • You have heated air that comes from a fuel-burning appliance not located inside your home

    Where to install CO alarms:

    • Adjacent to each sleeping area (near all bedrooms)
    • On every storey of your home, even those without bedrooms

    Types of Alarms

    When buying a CO alarm, make sure it has the logo of a recognized standards testing agency to ensure they meet Canadian performance standards. Some examples of recognized standards testing agencies and their logos include:

    • Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
    • Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC)
    • Intertek (ETL)

    Under the Fire Code, carbon monoxide alarms are permitted to be:

    • Hardwired (connected directly to an electrical system).
    • Battery-operated (portable or permanently mounted).
    • Plug-in devices (plugs into a standard electrical outlet). 
      ◦ Many devices on the market are combined units that include both a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in one device.

    Who’s responsible?

    • Homeowners – for owner-occupied homes
    • Landlords – for rental properties

    Need Clarification?

    For questions about CO alarm requirements that may apply to your home, please contact your local fire department. They are the authority responsible for enforcing the Fire Code in your area.

    Or for more info visit Ontario.ca/CarbonMonoxide 

Remember – you need both: an inspection and alarms

Alarm Yourself

Test once a month. Change batteries annually. Replace unit when required.