Carbon Monoxide Detectors – What Are They and Why Do I Need Them?

Carbon Monoxide (CO): the odorless gas that no one seems to know about. Unless you saw that episode of Rescue 911 back in the 90’s where William Shatner exposes CO for what it really is, you probably want to read this post!

Carbon monoxide is produced when a fuel source like gas, oil, or wood is burned. At high levels this gas can be poisonous and cause lethargy, amnesia, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease, or even death.

Remember that scene in The Company Men when Chris Cooper’s character leaves his car running in the garage? This is a bad idea because the combustion engine in a car creates carbon monoxide. Always warm up your car outside!

CO is especially dangerous because human beings cannot detect it; it’s odorless. That is why you need a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

How do I get one? This is easy – go down to your local hardware store, Home Depot, or Lowes. Better yet just order one online. CO detectors can be hardwired into your home, plugged into an outlet, or battery operated.

Where do I put it? To comply with building standards you put your CO detectors outside of each sleeping area of the home within immediate proximity of each bedroom. This includes all levels of the home. Make sure the alarm is at least six inches from exterior walls and three feet from supply or return vents.

Do I have to get one? In California it is the law! (The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010). CO detectors must be installed in any dwelling which will be used for human occupancy. Not sure if your neighbors are human? You’ll have to take that one up with the FBI.

Landlords need to make sure CO detectors are installed and working prior to tenant occupancy. Once the tenant moves in it is the responsibility of the tenant to let the landlord know if the detector becomes inoperable.

Funny enough, this little $20 device is one of the #1 factors that delays closings or refinances. It’s always a good idea to make sure that you have a working CO detector installed before the appraiser comes to your home. He/She will be looking for it during the inspection.

I hope you found this helpful and if you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to call your local real estate appraiser!