Many Ontarians put themselves at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
Survey finds Ontario families must be better prepared when it comes to home carbon monoxide detection
TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - A recent survey reveals that among the 81 per cent of Ontarians with a fuel-burning appliance in their home, nearly half (45 per cent) have only one carbon monoxide ("CO") alarm in their multiple level home, putting themselves and their families at risk of a potentially deadly CO leak going undetected.
Known as the "silent killer," CO poisoning is responsible for hundreds of hospitalizations and more than 10 deaths in Ontario each year.
Coinciding with Ontario's first-annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, the survey conducted by Direct Energy also shows that only 55 per cent of Ontarians with a fuel-burning appliance have had their furnaces maintained in the past year – an important step to help prevent a CO leak. Safety experts recommend installing an alarm on every level of the home and to have fuel-powered appliances maintained annually by a qualified technician to reduce the risk of CO poisoning.
The survey also tested Ontarians' knowledge and awareness about CO, and found that:
- 40 per cent with a fuel burning appliance worry about suffering from CO poisoning;
- 87 per cent have at least one CO alarm in place, but not necessarily in the right location:
- 32 per cent have a CO alarm too close (within 1.5 metres or five feet) to their furnace
- 13 per cent have it too close to their gas fireplaces
- 11 per cent have installed one too close to a window or vent
"While 79 per cent of all Ontarians believe they are able to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, this survey shows that people need to do much more to keep themselves and their family safe," says Dave Walton, Director of Home Services. "The best way to stay safe is to ensure all fuel-burning devices are properly installed and serviced. It's imperative to have a qualified technician who is trained to detect carbon monoxide levels inspect and service your furnace annually."
On October 15, the Ontario Fire Code was amended to mandate the use of CO warning devices in houses, condos, apartments, hotels and university residences that have a fuel-burning device such as a fireplace, gas stove, water heater or furnace — or if the home is attached to a garage.
While the law is a positive step to help keep people safe, more Ontarians need to take proper action and exercise caution with fuel burning appliances especially when heating systems fail, such as during power outages. Shockingly, 15 per cent of Ontarians thought it was okay to heat their home with gas appliances such as an oven or clothes dryer — an unintentional act that could expose you to a lethal amount of CO.
To ensure families stay safe this winter, Direct Energy offers this five-step checklist:
- More the merrier. Each floor in your home needs to have a CO alarm. If you live in a two-storey home, you should have three alarms – don't forget the basement.
- Location, location, location. Check that your CO alarm is in close proximity to sleeping areas of the home and not installed near windows, vents or bathrooms, or too close to heating or fuel-burning appliances.
- Testing, testing, is this thing on? Push the test button on the unit to ensure it is working. If you do not hear a constant sound your batteries could be dead or your unit is too old – your CO alarm should be replaced every five years.
- Annual check-up. Much like going to the doctor, your furnace needs an annual check-up too. Maintenance technicians are trained to detect CO levels and to ensure the safe operation of fuel-burning appliances.
- Practice makes perfect. Always be prepared with an escape plan and designate a meeting spot outside of your home.
To find out more about CO safety and how to protect yourself and your loved ones, please visit DavesCorner.ca and COsafety.ca, a website developed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority.
About Direct Energy Home Services
On October 20, 2014, Direct Energy's Ontario home and small commercial services business was acquired by EnerCare Home and Commercial Services Limited Partnership ("EnerCare Home and Commercial Services") to create a single Canadian company. EnerCare Home and Commercial Services is one of Canada's largest home and commercial services companies with more than 900 employees and provides water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and other HVAC rental products, protection plans and related services to approximately 1.5 million customers. EnerCare Home and Commercial Services is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of EnerCare Inc. ("EnerCare") (TSX: ECI) and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.
EnerCare also owns EnerCare Connections Inc., a leading sub-meter provider, with electricity, water and thermal metering contracts for condominiums and apartment suites in Ontario, Alberta and elsewhere in Canada. EnerCare Connections is the largest non-utility sub-metering company in Canada. To learn more about EnerCare and EnerCare Home and Commercial Services, please visit enercare.ca.
About Direct Energy's survey
From September 22 to September 24, 2014 an online survey was conducted among 800 Ontarians, who are also Vision Critical Canadian Community panel members. The margin of error —which measures sampling variability— is +/- 3.5%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
SOURCE: Direct Energy Home Services
For further information on home energy efficiency tips or to book an interview with Dave Walton, please contact: Jeff Lanthier, Direct Energy Home Services, [email protected], 905-943-6260; Kelly Ornelas, High Road for Direct Energy Home Services, [email protected], 416-644-2235
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