Guide urges Algerians to air homes and check heaters this winter

Carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that cannot be seen or smelt, killed 130 people in Algeria in 2025, according to Civil Protection.

Algérie 360 has published a winter guide on avoiding poisoning from heaters and water heaters. The guide says most poisonings happen from mid-November, when homes heat more and keep their windows shut.

In Algerian homes, the gas mostly comes from heaters, water heaters and bath heaters. Gas stoves called tabouna, often used in closed rooms, are also a frequent cause.

A car engine running in a closed garage also produces it.

The risk rises when an appliance is poorly maintained or when a room has little air. That is why most poisonings happen in winter.

Keep air flowing

The first step is never to block air vents and ventilation grilles, even when it is cold. These openings let carbon monoxide escape.

Closing them to keep warm is a common and dangerous mistake.

Homes should also be aired for at least 10 minutes a day by opening windows, as Civil Protection recommends. This renews the air without cooling the house for long, and it matters most in rooms with a gas appliance.

Heaters should be switched off after use, especially before going to bed. Carbon monoxide often strikes at night, during sleep, when no one can react.

Gas stoves, braziers and tabounas must never be used to heat a closed room. They are not designed for this use and consume the oxygen in the room.

The Ministry of the Interior regularly repeats these instructions, including in a call for care with heating appliances.

Check appliances before winter

A poorly maintained appliance burns its fuel badly and produces more carbon monoxide. It is best to have heaters and water heaters checked by a professional before winter.

The smoke exhaust pipe must stay clean and clear.

A gas water heater must not run in a closed room without ventilation, such as a small bathroom.

A yellow or orange flame, instead of a blue one, shows poor burning. Black marks around the appliance should also be a warning sign.

New public housing in programmes such as AADL, LPA and social housing now includes central heating, which has become the norm.

This system limits the use of extra heaters in living rooms. It does not remove the need to maintain the boiler.

Fit a detector

A carbon monoxide detector sounds an alarm as soon as the gas reaches a dangerous level. It is the only way to spot the gas, since it cannot be seen or smelt.

It is best placed near bedrooms and heating appliances.