Published: December 2025
Winter Home Safety In Ontario: Carbon Monoxide, Fire & Furnace Tips
When the temperatures drop across Barrie, Collingwood, and Orillia, most homeowners turn their attention to staying warm and cozy indoors. But winter in Ontario also brings unique safety challenges — from furnace issues to hidden carbon monoxide risks.
Taking a few precautionary steps now can help protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind all winter long. A professional home inspection from AmeriSpec of Barrie & Collingwood can help identify potential safety hazards before they become serious problems.
1. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” — a colourless, odourless gas that can be fatal if undetected. During Ontario’s long heating season, furnaces, gas fireplaces, and space heaters work overtime, increasing the risk of CO buildup.
✅ Test your alarms monthly by pressing and holding the test button until you hear a loud beep.
✅ Replace batteries at least once a year — the start of winter is a great reminder.
✅ Install detectors near bedrooms and on every level of your home, keeping them at least 4–5 metres (15 feet) from fuel-burning appliances.
✅ Replace expired units every 5–7 years to ensure accuracy.
Ontario law requires working CO detectors in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages — compliance isn’t just smart, it’s essential for safety.
2. Schedule Furnace And Heating System Maintenance
Your furnace works hardest in winter — and a malfunctioning unit can pose both safety and efficiency risks.
A certified home inspector or HVAC technician can:
- Check for cracks, blockages, or leaks in the heat exchanger.
- Confirm proper venting of exhaust gases.
- Test airflow, thermostat calibration, and combustion safety.
Changing your furnace filter regularly (every 1–3 months) can also improve air quality and reduce strain on the system.
Pro tip: If your furnace hasn’t been inspected this year, schedule it before the first major cold snap.
3. Keep Vents And Exhaust Pipes Clear Of Snow And Ice
Heavy snow and drifting ice can block exhaust pipes, fresh-air intakes, or dryer vents — causing dangerous gas buildup inside your home.
Make it part of your winter routine to check that:
- Furnace and water heater vents are free of snow or debris.
- Dryer vents are clear and venting properly outdoors.
- Ice dams or snowbanks do not obstruct exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
Blocked vents are one of the top causes of carbon monoxide emergencies in Ontario each winter.
4. Practice Fireplace And Generator Safety
Many homeowners in Simcoe County rely on wood-burning stoves, gas fireplaces, or generators as backup heat sources during power outages. These can be life-savers — but only when used safely.
🔥 Fireplace & Wood Stove Tips:
- Have your fireplace or wood stove inspected annually by a WETT-certified professional.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood — never treated lumber or trash.
- Keep flammable items at least 3 feet (1 metre) away from heat sources.
⚡ Generator Tips:
- Never operate a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
- Position it at least 20 feet (6 metres) from doors and windows.
- Use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord rated for the load.
5. Book A Professional Winter Home Inspection
A winter home inspection from AmeriSpec Barrie & Collingwood provides a complete safety overview of your property — including your furnace, CO detectors, insulation, attic ventilation, electrical systems, and more.
Your professional AmeriSpec inspector can identify issues before they lead to breakdowns, leaks, or dangerous gas exposure — saving you stress and unexpected repair costs.
Stay Safe All Winter With Amerispec
Don’t wait for an emergency to discover a problem. Protect your family and your home this season.
📞 Schedule your winter home inspection with AmeriSpec Barrie & Collingwood for complete peace of mind this winter.
Since 2011, AmeriSpec of Barrie & Collingwood has been providing Buyer’s Inspections, New Home Inspections, Energy Assessments, Commercial Building Inspections, Pool & Spa Inspections, Water Analysis, Indoor Air Quality Surveys, Septic Testing, and WETT Inspections throughout Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Alliston, and Innisfil.
We provide the peace of mind Canadians have come to expect from Canada’s Leading Home Inspection Company.
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