As the colder weather starts to settle in and our furnaces kicks on, we need to be extremely vigilant when using gas burning appliances to prevent deadly exposure to the serious hazards of carbon monoxide (CO).

Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” because we  cannot see it, smell it or taste it. It is an invisible, odorless gas that can poison, and even kill you. Breathing in carbon monoxide can make you feel sick, and feel as if you have the flu. You may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath. Your family most at risk are infants, small children, pregnant women, elderly people, and people with heart or lung problems.

Carbon monoxide gas is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels. It can be released by gas furnaces, hot water heaters, cars, fireplaces, wood stoves and kerosene heaters. Faulty burners or clogged chimneys are often part of the problem. To avoid the production of CO, you should have your chimney, furnace and gas-fired appliances checked yearly.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/on-demand-hot-water-heater-carbon-monoxide-death-airdrie-1.4526132

A carbon monoxide detector is the best way to protect you and your family. Install CO alarms where they can be easily heard, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. When installing a CO alarm, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or hire an electrician. Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace batteries according to manufacturer’s instructions.

To reduce the chances of you or a loved one getting carbon monoxide poisoning, follow these tips:

• Eliminate CO at the source. Make the maintenance of your furnace, fireplace, and all fuel-burning appliances an absolute priority. Have them checked and cleaned each year.
• Install a certified carbon monoxide alarm on every floor in your home and check it regularly to make sure the battery is working.
• Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. If they appear, it is important to get everyone, including pets, outside to fresh air immediately.
• Never heat your home with a gas stove.
• Never use a barbeque, charcoal or hibachi grill in the home or in an enclosed area.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow.
• Never use a gas-powered generator inside your home.

If your CO alarm sounds, make sure to get out of your home immediately and call 911 from a safe place.

We have CO detectors that are also fire alarms. Call us to install them for you.

Did you know that a regular outlet can take up to 24 hours to charge your electric vehicle (EV), but a dedicated charging outlet can charge it 3-4 times faster?

There are three ways to charge your electrical vehicle:

1. Regular 120 V outlets are best used when you can park your car for up to 24 hours.
2. 240 V outlets found at some homes and businesses charge faster at 3-4 hours for plug-in hybrid or 6-8 hours for battery electric vehicles.
3. Direct current fast charger (DCFC) may be costlier but it charges the fastest.

Many EV owners have opted for a dedicated charging outlet that is 240-volt but please hire a qualified electrician to ensure your Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is safely installed.

Factors to consider for EV charging at home:

• How much current (amps) will your EV use when charging?
• What’s your existing electrical service panel capacity (e.g. 100 amp, 200 amp, etc.)?
• Is there a 240-volt circuit already installed and available for use, and if not, is there room in the panel for a new 240 V double-pole circuit breaker?
• Will the EVSE charging station be direct-wired or plugged in using a 240-volt receptacle?
• How much will it cost you to change your home’s wiring?

Call 403-250-9301 or submit your request online.