CO alarm triggered or suspected carbon monoxide
Do This Now
- Evacuate everyone immediately — do not stop to gather belongings
- Leave doors open as you exit to ventilate
- Call 911 once outside
- Do not re-enter the building
- If anyone has symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea), seek medical attention immediately
- Call a licensed gas fitter once fire department has cleared the building
Common Causes
- Cracked heat exchanger (most serious — combustion gases enter the air stream)
- Blocked or disconnected flue vent
- Backdrafting due to negative pressure from exhaust fans or fireplace
- Failed or missing CO detector (false alarm from battery issue)
- Gas appliances in an attached garage running with garage door closed
When to Call a Pro
- Any time a CO alarm sounds — treat as an emergency
- After CO alarm investigation — do not use the furnace until cleared by a certified technician
Alberta Gas Fitting Regulations
All gas line and appliance work in Alberta must be performed by a holder of a valid Gas Fitting Certificate issued under the Safety Codes Act. Unlicensed gas work is illegal and voids home insurance.
As ticketed journeyperson plumbers, we hold gas fitting certification — one call covers both trades. We serve Innisfail, Red Deer County, and all of Central Alberta.
Alberta Context
Alberta requires CO detectors in all homes with fuel-burning appliances, within 3 metres of every sleeping area. This has been required under the Alberta Building Code since 2010. A CO detector older than 7 years should be replaced — the electrochemical sensor degrades over time. A cracked heat exchanger is the most dangerous condition and typically requires full furnace replacement.