Colorado Springs Home Sellers: You Now MUST Have Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home

If you are looking to sell your Colorado Springs home, you now need to make sure that you have Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors in your homes.

Carbon Monoxide Diagram

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can have harmful – fatal effects on humans and pets.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

“Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.” (EPA.gov)

“Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. This odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas is known as the “Silent Killer.” The Centers for Disease Control estimates that carbon monoxide poisoning claims nearly 500 lives, and causes more than 15,000 visits to hospital emergency departments annually.” ( eMedicineHealth.com)

What IS the new Carbon Monoxide Detector Law?

Colorado House Bill 1091 (HB-1091):

“Requires any existing single-family dwelling or dwelling unit of  an existing multi-family dwelling offered for sale or transfer on or after July 1, 2009, that has a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage to have an operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within a specified distance of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes.”

What does this mean for Colorado Springs home sellers?

If you are looking to sell your Colorado Springs home, you will need to install (or have installed) a Carbon Monoxide detector. Here are the basics of this new law.

A Carbon Monoxide detector …

  • must be installed 15 feet of every room lawfully used for sleeping, and
  • must be hard-wired or plugged into a non-switch outlet and have a battery back-up, and
  • must produce a distinct, audible alarm.

Read ALL the Requirements Here: Colorado House Bill 09-1091

Right now, Colorado Springs Realtors® may be able to get some great discounts on Carbon Monoxide detectors for their Seller clients. If your home is currently listed, ask your agent for how they can help.

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Posted By: Mariana Wagner - Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent - Wagner iTeam
The Wagner iTeam is a power team of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Colorado Springs Real Estate and Monument Real Estate
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Posted on June 27th, 2009 by Mariana Wagner

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 at 6:15 pm and is filed under Colorado Springs Homes, Colorado Springs Real Estate, Homeowner Tips, Real Estate General, SELLERS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  1. U.S. Inspect said at July 2nd, 2009 at 11:00 pm

    A good article. It highlights the necessity of carbon monoxide detectors in Colorado Springs home.These detectors will alert the people of the presence of the poisonous carbon monoxide gas which if otherwise not detected can prove to be fatal.

  2. Mariana Wagner said at July 3rd, 2009 at 7:24 am

    Absolutely! This is a great bill and I am glad that it passed.

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