How Yellowknife is built
- Before 1961 3%
- 1961–1990 54%
- 1991–2000 21%
- 2001 or later 22%
Why it matters in Yellowknife
Yellowknife has no piped natural gas for homes, so combustion appliances here are mostly oil, propane or wood, and each needs its own venting check.
The risk rises after air sealing: a tighter house plus a strong exhaust fan or dryer can pull exhaust back down a chimney. That's why advisors test for spillage during an evaluation and why it should be repeated after serious tightening.
The CO alarm rule in Northwest Territories
We found no NWT requirement for CO alarms in existing homes; the territory's fire regulations adopt the national codes for new construction.
What the check involves
- Worst-case depressurization: exhaust fans and the dryer on, doors set to make the appliance room as negative as it gets.
- A spillage and draft check at each appliance, with a CO reading.
- A plan if anything fails: often a sealed-combustion appliance or a fix to the venting, done by a licensed gas or oil technician.
NRCan-licensed service organizations serving Yellowknife
In the Northwest Territories, the Arctic Energy Alliance, a non-profit, is the licensed service organization for Yellowknife.
Energy advisors check for combustion spillage during an evaluation; fixing a venting problem is work for a licensed gas or oil technician.
- Arctic Energy Alliance
Combustion safety test in Yellowknife: common questions
Are CO alarms required in Yellowknife homes?
We found no NWT requirement for CO alarms in existing homes; the territory's fire regulations adopt the national codes for new construction.
Who does combustion safety testing?
Energy advisors check for spillage during an EnerGuide evaluation. Repairs to venting or appliances are done by a licensed gas or oil technician.
I have CO alarms. Isn't that enough?
Alarms warn you once CO is already in the house. A spillage test finds a venting problem before it produces CO.