Carbon monoxide is a serious safety risk associated with improperly operating or vented fuel-burning appliances. Because it is colourless and odourless, working carbon monoxide alarms and proper appliance maintenance are important parts of home safety.
EasyFix has provided appliance repair service in British Columbia since 2014. In that time, we’ve seen how proper maintenance and awareness can prevent dangerous situations. This guide covers everything you need to know about safely using gas appliances in BC, from legal requirements to practical tips you can implement today.
Understanding Gas Appliance Regulations in British Columbia
British Columbia has regulations governing gas appliances and regulated gas work under the Safety Standards Act and Gas Safety Regulation. These requirements are intended to help ensure gas appliances and systems are installed and serviced safely.
Certification Requirements for Gas Appliances
Under Section 31 of the Gas Safety Regulation, gas appliances installed in BC must meet applicable certification requirements. Gas appliances such as stoves, furnaces, water heaters, dryers, and fireplaces should bear an approved certification mark or otherwise meet the requirements applicable to the equipment.
If you’re purchasing a new gas appliance, check that it has the appropriate certification or approval required for installation in British Columbia.
Who Can Work on Gas Appliances in BC?
This is important: EasyFix technicians performing regulated gas work hold the applicable Technical Safety BC certification required for the work being performed.
To perform regulated gas work in BC, the person performing the work must hold the appropriate certificate of qualification for that work. Technical Safety BC issues different gas certifications with different scopes of work, including Gas Appliance Service Technician, Gas Piping, and other gas certification classes. The certification required depends on the type and scope of work being performed.
You can review the different gas certifications and their permitted scopes of work through Technical Safety BC’s gas certification information.
Homeowner Permits: What You Can and Cannot Do
BC allows eligible homeowners to apply for permits for certain types of gas work on their own property, but specific eligibility requirements and restrictions apply. Technical Safety BC determines whether a homeowner is eligible for a homeowner gas permit based on the property and the work being performed.
Homeowner gas work is subject to Technical Safety BC’s permit and inspection requirements. Eligibility and requirements depend on the property and the type of work being performed. Before attempting any gas work, homeowners should confirm the current requirements directly with Technical Safety BC.
Our recommendation: Even when a homeowner is eligible to obtain a permit, gas work carries serious safety risks. If you do not have the appropriate knowledge and experience to perform the work safely, hiring a properly licensed gas contractor with appropriately certified technicians is the safer approach. Improper gas work can create fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide hazards.
Carbon Monoxide Risks in the Home
Carbon monoxide (CO) is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, which means people cannot detect it with their senses. A working carbon monoxide alarm is therefore an important part of protecting people in homes with fuel-burning appliances.
Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause serious illness. Exposure to high concentrations can cause loss of consciousness and death.
How Carbon Monoxide Forms
Carbon monoxide can be produced when carbon-based fuels such as natural gas or propane do not burn completely. Problems such as insufficient combustion air, improper venting, burner issues, or appliance malfunctions can increase the risk of carbon monoxide being produced or accumulating indoors.
Potential sources in the home include gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas stoves and ovens, gas fireplaces, and gas dryers. Fuel-burning appliances can create a carbon monoxide risk if they malfunction, are improperly vented or installed, or are not properly maintained.
Recognizing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The early symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure can resemble other illnesses, which can make exposure difficult to recognize. According to Health Canada, symptoms can include:
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness or tiredness
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Chest pain
Higher levels of exposure can cause loss of consciousness and death. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, leave the building and follow emergency guidance from your local authorities.
When Carbon Monoxide Risk Increases
Carbon monoxide can build up when a fuel-burning appliance malfunctions, is not properly vented, or has not been installed or maintained correctly. Because carbon monoxide has no smell, taste, or colour, a problem may not be obvious without a working carbon monoxide alarm.
Health Canada recommends properly maintaining fuel-burning appliances and using certified carbon monoxide alarms in the home.
Source: Health Canada, Carbon Monoxide: Overview
Never Use Your Gas Stove or Oven to Heat Your Home
This warning is important: never use a gas stove or oven as a source of home heating. Doing so can increase the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide exposure, which can cause serious illness or death.
The Government of British Columbia specifically advises residents never to use a gas range, stove or oven to heat a home.
Every winter, especially during power outages or when heating systems fail, some people may consider using a gas oven as a heat source. This can create serious safety risks. Here’s why:
Gas Ovens Are Designed for Cooking, Not Home Heating
Gas ovens and ranges are designed for cooking, not space heating. Using one to heat a home can increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure and other safety hazards. Follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions and never use a gas range, stove, or oven as a substitute for a home-heating system.
Open Flames and Hot Surfaces Pose Fire and Burn Hazards
Leaving an oven door open can create additional risks. Children and pets can be burned by hot surfaces, and nearby combustible materials can create a fire hazard. Gas cooking appliances should only be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Safe Alternatives During Heating Emergencies
If your furnace fails or you lose power during cold weather, consider safer alternatives:
Arrange appropriate heating-system service: If your heating system has failed, contact a qualified heating professional or your gas utility when appropriate.
Use approved portable electric space heaters: Use them only according to the manufacturer’s instructions and keep them away from combustible materials.
Use approved home-heating appliances as intended: If your gas fireplace is designed for supplemental heating, use it only according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stay somewhere warm: If your home cannot be kept at a safe temperature, consider temporarily staying with family, friends, or at an appropriate warming location.
Contact your gas utility when appropriate: Your gas utility can provide guidance for gas-related emergencies and service concerns.
Never use outdoor fuel-burning equipment such as BBQs, camp stoves, or generators indoors or in an enclosed space, including a garage. These devices can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Essential Gas Appliance Safety Practices
Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms
BC’s Building Code includes carbon monoxide alarm requirements for residential occupancies where applicable, including homes with fuel-burning appliances. Depending on the configuration, alarms may be required inside bedrooms or outside bedrooms within 5 metres of the bedroom door. Follow the current BC Building Code and the alarm manufacturer’s installation instructions for your home.
Health Canada also recommends installing certified carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas. Choose alarms that meet applicable Canadian certification standards and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Test your CO alarms regularly, replace batteries as recommended, and replace the alarm itself according to the manufacturer’s instructions and end-of-life indication.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance and Inspection Schedule
Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and inspection schedule for each gas appliance. If you notice unusual flame appearance, ignition problems, soot, odours, or other signs of improper operation, stop using the appliance when appropriate and have it inspected by a qualified professional.
Depending on the appliance and the service being performed, professional inspection and maintenance may include:
Checking gas connections and fittings for leaks
Inspecting burners and combustion performance
Testing applicable safety devices and shutoff controls
Examining vents and flues for blockages or damage
Checking ventilation and combustion air requirements
Checking gas pressure when appropriate for the appliance and service procedure
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Gas appliances require appropriate ventilation and combustion air according to their design and installation requirements. Never block or cover required air vents, intake grilles, or combustion-air openings.
When cooking with gas, use ventilation according to the appliance and ventilation-system manufacturer’s instructions. A range hood that exhausts outdoors can help remove cooking pollutants and combustion byproducts from the kitchen.
Keep Vents and Exhaust Clear
Exterior vents for furnaces, water heaters, dryers, and other vented appliances can become blocked by snow, ice, leaves, nests, or other debris. Keep accessible exterior terminations clear according to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. If you suspect a venting problem or cannot safely access the vent, have it inspected by a qualified professional.
Know the Warning Signs of Appliance Problems
Contact an appropriately qualified technician if you notice:
Abnormal flame appearance: A persistent change in burner flame appearance, especially when accompanied by soot, poor combustion, unusual odours, or other operating problems, should be investigated according to the appliance manufacturer’s guidance or by a qualified technician.
Soot or black marks: Soot around a gas appliance or vent can indicate a combustion or venting problem that should be investigated.
Unusual odours: A rotten-egg or sulphur-like smell may indicate the presence of odorized natural gas. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area and follow your gas utility’s emergency instructions.
Pilot light or ignition problems: Repeated ignition failures or a pilot that repeatedly goes out may indicate a problem that requires diagnosis.
Unusual noises: Persistent popping, banging, rumbling, or other abnormal noises from a gas appliance should be investigated, especially when accompanied by other operating problems.
What to Do in a Gas Emergency
If You Smell Gas
Do not operate electrical switches, appliances, phones, or anything that could create a spark
Leave the building immediately
Once you are safely outside, call 911 and your gas utility’s emergency line
Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders or the gas utility say it is safe
If Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sounds
Get everyone out of the home immediately
Call 911 from outside
Do not re-enter until emergency responders confirm it is safe
Follow the instructions of emergency responders regarding inspection or servicing of fuel-burning appliances before using them again
If anyone is experiencing symptoms that may be related to carbon monoxide exposure, tell emergency responders immediately.
Hiring a Licensed Gas Contractor in BC
When you need regulated gas work performed, choosing an appropriately licensed contractor and qualified technician matters. Here’s how to verify who you’re hiring:
Check Their Technical Safety BC Licence
BC licensed contractors advertising regulated gas work are required to include their company name and Technical Safety BC licence number in applicable advertising. You can use Technical Safety BC’s contractor search to verify that a contractor is licensed and in good standing.
Ask Whether a Permit Is Required
Permit requirements depend on the type and scope of gas work being performed. When a permit is required, a properly licensed contractor should obtain the applicable permit and complete the work in accordance with BC requirements.
Ask the contractor whether a permit is required for your specific job and how the applicable permit and inspection requirements will be handled.
Ask About Licensing and Insurance
For regulated gas work, verify that the contractor holds the appropriate Technical Safety BC contractor licence. You can also ask about liability insurance and other protections applicable to the work.
Protect Your Family with Proper Gas Safety
Gas appliances provide heating, hot water, cooking, and other everyday functions, but proper installation, operation, ventilation, and maintenance are important for safe use. Understanding BC’s requirements, maintaining your appliances, using carbon monoxide alarms, and knowing when to call a qualified professional can help reduce gas and carbon monoxide risks in your home.
Remember these key points:
Regulated gas work should be performed by appropriately qualified individuals working within the scope of the required BC certification and licensing requirements
Never use your gas stove or oven to heat your home
Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms according to applicable requirements and manufacturer instructions
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance and inspection schedule for your gas appliances
Know the warning signs of gas and carbon monoxide problems and what to do in an emergency
Need Gas Appliance Service in Greater Vancouver or Victoria?
EasyFix Appliance Repair provides professional gas appliance service throughout Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Victoria. Applicable gas-appliance work is performed by technicians with the appropriate Technical Safety BC certification. Same-day or next-day appointments are often available, and completed repairs include a 90-day limited parts and labour warranty, subject to our warranty terms.
About the Author
This guide was prepared by the team at EasyFix Appliance Repair, a BBB Accredited appliance repair company serving Greater Vancouver and Victoria, BC. Our technicians bring more than 20 years of combined appliance repair experience, and applicable gas-appliance work is performed by technicians with the appropriate Technical Safety BC certification. We’re committed to providing homeowners with practical information about the safe use and servicing of gas appliances.