Killer CO!
Carbon monoxide alarms are now required. Effective April 1,2012 RCW 19.27.930 requires the seller of any owner occupied single family residence to equip the residence with carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with State building code before a buyer or any other person may legally occupy the residence following the sale. This requirement applies to all single family homes, condominiums and manufactured/mobile homes. There are no exceptions for properties that do not have fuel burning appliances or an attached garage.
It’s a good idea to install a detector even if you aren’t planning on selling especially if you have a gas furnace, wood stove or fireplace. Today’s energy efficient homes help keep heat in AND dangerous gases. A brand new furnace can leak CO (carbon monoxide).
More information below…
If you would like a FREE CO alarm, I have some available for my clients, call me to get yours before they are gone!
CO Alarms
Carbon monoxide is produced from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.
In the home CO can be formed, for example, by open flames, space heaters, water heaters, blocked chimneys or running a car inside a garage.
CO is colorless and odorless.
What to buy. CO alarms vary in cost and function. Some manufacturers combine smoke detectors with CO alarms. In my opinion, this is not a good idea. CO alarms will not necessarily last as long as a smoke detector and the technology is still evolving. As more and more units are sold the price will continue to drop and the quality will rise. Plan on being able to buy a cheaper and better detector in the coming few years.
Most detector/alarms come with a digital display that can display the amount of CO detected and how much life is left on the unit. Some are strictly powered by battery while some are powered by an outlet with battery backup. I prefer the safety of both power sources.
Where to install. Carbon Monoxide is a gas that mixes with air, it can be found up high and down low. Units that plug in will be as effective as those installed on the ceiling or wall. Avoid placing the unit in corners where air movement is minimal.
For best protection install one unit in each occupied bedroom, one near combustion sources like furnaces and one near the garage door. When only one alarm is installed in the home, it should be located near the sleeping areas so it can be heard. Install one on each level. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How to maintain. Replace the battery every year even if it seems to be good.
All batteries lose power over time; a new battery will deliver a loud alarm for a long period of time. Simply pressing the test button will not ensure that the alarm will sound when needed. In fact ‘testing’ serves to drain the battery. When replacing the battery take note of the reading (on models that show the level) and chart this over time to help determine if a problem is developing.
Courtesy of Linnea Jones – Windermere Real Estate / Northeast, Inc. 425-765-2211
