How Calgary is built
- Before 1961 10%
- 1961–1990 38%
- 1991–2000 17%
- 2001 or later 36%
The rule in Alberta
Alberta requires CO alarms in new homes with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage; for existing homes the province calls them highly recommended rather than mandatory.
CO sources in Calgary homes
In the Calgary area, the main heating energy is natural gas for 73% of households (Statistics Canada, 2023). Any fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage is a potential CO source.
Single-detached houses make up 55% of Calgary's households; many have an attached garage, another reason to put an alarm near the door into the house.
What a CO check involves
- Alarms next to sleeping areas and on every storey, tested monthly and replaced by their end-of-life date (usually 7 to 10 years).
- Annual service of fuel-burning appliances by a licensed technician.
- A combustion spillage test during an energy evaluation, which catches a venting problem before it produces CO.
Our carbon monoxide guide · Combustion safety testing in Calgary
Carbon monoxide testing in Calgary: common questions
Are carbon monoxide alarms mandatory in Calgary?
Alberta requires CO alarms in new homes with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage; for existing homes the province calls them highly recommended rather than mandatory.
Where should CO alarms go?
Outside every sleeping area and on every storey, following the manufacturer's instructions. Some rules also call for one near a fuel-burning appliance or the door from an attached garage.
How long do CO alarms last?
Most have an end-of-life date of 7 to 10 years printed on the unit; replace them by then even if they still beep when tested.