General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Restarting heating is a useful reminder to review home safety. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless toxic gas associated with fuel-burning appliances. Prevention includes maintenance, suitable ventilation and following the instructions for each appliance.
Before restarting fuel-burning heating, arrange for a qualified professional to check and maintain heating equipment, hot-water systems and flues. French health authorities recommend this at least once a year, including in second homes.
Air rooms for at least ten minutes every day, even in cold weather. Keep air inlets, outlets and grilles clear, and ventilation systems working. Blocking a vent to retain warmth interferes with the fresh-air supply that fuel-burning appliances need.
For a portable fuel-burning heater, follow the instructions and use only the specified fuel. The health authorities’ statement of 26 November 2025 sets a maximum of two hours of continuous use. Do not use a cooker, oven or cooking stove to heat a room.
Generators, braziers and barbecues must stay outside enclosed spaces and away from doors, windows and air vents. A garage or cellar is not a suitable place to run them. This also applies during a power cut: temporary need does not make indoor use safe.
Headache, marked tiredness, nausea, vomiting or dizziness are warning signs, especially when they appear quickly near a fuel-burning appliance and affect several people or pets in the same place. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, official guidance is to ventilate immediately, stop fuel-burning appliances if possible, leave without delay and call emergency services. In France, call 15, 18 or 112; 114 is available for people with hearing difficulties. This situation requires an urgent response.
For everyday prevention, note the questions you want to discuss about your habits and health. If you are aged 18–25, 45–50, 60–65 or 70–75, the Mon bilan prévention page explains this appointment. Arrange technical heating maintenance separately with a qualified professional.
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Your health review
Review your health
Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.