Blog, News

Carbon Monoxide Bill Signed into Law – Get a free Carbon Monoxide detector for your Colorado Springs Real Estate

Governor Ritter signed HB 1091 into law earlier this week.  The new law will cover all new residential construction and existing single-family housing units offered for sale, transfer or rent.

Beginning July 1, 2009, a seller of residential real property containing a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage will be responsible for assuring that a carbon monoxide alarm is property installed within 15 feet of the entrance to each room lawfully used for sleeping.  No person shall have a claim for relief against a property owner or their authorized agent if a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions.

In January, CAR Legislative Policy Committee Vice-Chair, Sunny Banka, testified to urge lawmakers’ support of amendments related to REALTOR liability, sellers’ duties, and adequate notification.  CAR President Amy Dorsey, Education Foundation Chair Fran Krumpholz, and CEO Bob Golden participated in the signing ceremony on Tuesday.

I have done business with Brad Grogg at State Farm Insurance for many years.  Brad is offering a free carbon monoxide alarm to individuals receiving an insurance quote for their residence.  Learn more about Brad

Please read the article below from Your Home Safe Home by Nancy Harvey Steorts to learn more about Carbon Monoxide.

Preventing Poisoning and Protecting Your Air

Carbon Monoxide

One of the greatest threats to you and the quality of air in your home is carbon monoxide (CO).  It is a subtle yet dangerous threat that is intensified by the fact that the gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.  The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates there are on average 171 non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning deaths each year associated with consumer products under CPSC jurisdiction.  Thousands of other people probably suffer the effects of this gas without even realizing it.

When Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risk is Greatest

The most dangerous time for carbon monoxide poisoning is during the fall and winter.  Because the symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, irregular breathing, and fatigue, many cases of poisoning probably go undetected.  If you have any of these symptoms, open all the doors and windows and go outside.  If you feel better once you are outside but the symptoms reappear when you return inside, you could have carbon monoxide poisoning.

What to Do if You Are Experiencing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

If you suspect that you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, do the following things:

• Get fresh air immediately
• Open windows and doors for increased ventilation
• Turn off any combustion appliances
• Leave the house
• If you do nothing, you could die from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Contact a doctor immediately and tell him or her that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning

Checking Your Home

Certain clues can signify a problem with carbon monoxide gas.  Check to see if you have any of these problems:

• Rusting or water streaking on a vent or chimney
• Loose or missing furnace panel
• Sooting
• Loose or disconnected vent or chimney connections
• Debris or soot falling from chimney, fireplace, or appliance
• Loose masonry on chimney or moisture inside of windows
• If you have these problems in addition to the aforementioned symptoms, contact a service technician, a medical professional, or a city official such as a fire official immediately

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by safety-proofing your house.  Follow these tips and purchase a carbon monoxide detector:

• Ensure proper functioning of gas ranges, fireplaces, heaters, furnaces, and gas stoves
• Install appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation of appliances and heat sources
• Annually inspect and service the heating system, including chimneys and vents
• Examine chimneys and vents for improper connections, visible rust, or stains
• Check for signs of improper appliance operation such as decreasing hot water supply, furnace running constantly or unable to heat, sooting, or an unfamiliar or burning odor
• Do not service your own appliances without proper knowledge, skill, and tools
• Never use the gas range or oven for heating or a gas-burning appliance in a closed room
• Never burn charcoal indoors or in a garage
• Do not run an automobile in a closed garage for even a second

Purchasing a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide detectors are devices that you install in your home to detect the  presence of carbon monoxide.  They act much like a smoke detector does as an early warning detection device.  You should buy more than one because it is important to put them on each floor of your home and near the bedrooms, garage door, the kitchen, the furnace and/or other combustible heat sources.  Carbon monoxide detectors should meet standards set by Underwriter’s Laboratories. Some detectors have been overly sensitive, and false alarms have occurred.  New models are more reliable and if carbon monoxide levels are actually high, the alarm will sound.  Detectors can be either plugged into electrical outlets or supported by batteries, just like most smoke detectors.  If battery operated, change batteries at least twice a year.