Published: November 2025
Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors This Winter In Barrie & Collingwood
As homeowners across Barrie, Orillia, Midland, and the Collingwood-Owen Sound region prepare for another long Canadian winter, it’s easy to focus on keeping the house warm and comfortable. But there’s one critical safety task that should be on every homeowner’s checklist — testing your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
When furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves run more often, the risk of carbon monoxide exposure increases. Ensuring your detectors are working properly is one of the simplest and most important ways to protect your family. A professional home inspection from AmeriSpec of Barrie, Collingwood & Owen Sound can also confirm that your heating and ventilation systems are operating safely before the deep freeze arrives.
Why Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Essential In Ontario Homes
Carbon monoxide — known as the “silent killer” — is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious illness or even death. In Ontario, where winters are long and cold, homes are tightly sealed to conserve energy and reduce hydro costs. Unfortunately, that same airtightness can also trap harmful gases indoors if heating or ventilation systems fail.
Common Co Sources In Ontario Homes Include:
- Malfunctioning furnaces or boilers
- Gas fireplaces, stoves, or dryers
- Blocked chimneys or exterior vents
- Idling vehicles in attached garages
In fact, Ontario law requires working carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. It’s a simple precaution that can save lives.
Homeowner Checklist: How To Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Before the snow piles up, take a few minutes to make sure your CO detectors are ready for the season:
✅ Test the Alarm Button — Hold down the “test” button until the alarm sounds. If you don’t hear it, replace the batteries or the detector.
✅ Replace Batteries Each Fall — Mark a date on your calendar every autumn to make it part of your seasonal routine.
✅ Check Proper Placement — Detectors should be near bedrooms, on every level of your home, and at least 4–5 metres (15 feet) from fuel-burning appliances.
✅ Clean the Sensors — Lightly vacuum or wipe away dust that could block the sensor.
✅ Check Expiry Dates — Most detectors last 5–7 years. Replace any unit older than that to ensure proper function.
How Amerispec Helps Keep Homes In Barrie & Collingwood Safe
Since 2011, AmeriSpec of Barrie, Collingwood & Owen Sound has provided trusted inspection services to homeowners across Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Alliston, Innisfil, Thornbury, Collingwood, and Owen Sound. Our experienced inspectors help ensure that your home is safe, efficient, and compliant with local safety standards.
During a winter safety inspection, our team will:
- Verify that all carbon monoxide detectors are correctly placed and operational
- Inspect furnaces, water heaters, and other gas appliances for leaks or improper venting
- Examine chimneys, flues, and ventilation systems for blockages
- Identify any potential CO hazards and recommend maintenance or repairs
Our goal is simple: to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home and family are protected — something homeowners have come to expect from Canada’s Leading Home Inspection Company.
Winter Safety Tips For Ontario Homeowners
Carbon monoxide incidents are most common in Ontario between November and March. If you use a backup generator during a power outage, keep it outdoors and away from windows, doors, or vents. Also ensure that snow and ice don’t block exterior vents, furnace intakes, or chimneys — especially during heavy storms in Simcoe County.
A few minutes spent testing your carbon monoxide detectors can make all the difference this winter.
Stay Safe And Warm This Winter With Amerispec
Protect your family and your home this season. Schedule a professional home inspection with AmeriSpec of Barrie, Collingwood & Owen Sound to make sure your detectors, heating systems, and vents are in top condition.
📞 Call 705-722-5876 or visit 🌐 ontariohomechecks.ca to book your inspection today.
AmeriSpec — providing peace of mind since 2011 to homeowners throughout Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Thornbury, and Owen Sound.