Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and undetectable gas that is the result of burning fossil fuels including wood, gas, kerosene, coal, oil, and other petroleum or hydrocarbon products. This gas is the ‘silent killer’ resulting in illnesses and death.

California (CA) now has a law, Senate Bill 183 (SB183) aka the Lowenthal bill, which requires that homes have carbon monoxide detectors. It is known as the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 and it is similar to laws that require smoke detectors. This law was passed in 2010 and signed into law by the Governor.

About Carbon Monoxide

As I mentioned above, CO is not detectable by any of the senses. Exposure to CO can result in illnesses and even deaths. The American Medical Association (AMA) reports that CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that there are over 500 deaths and over 20,000 harmed per year because of CO. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that high levels of CO can kill within minutes. Seriously, Carbon Monoxide prevention is the duty of every home owner, landlord, and tenant.

Symptoms of CO poisoning:

Level 1

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
•  Dizziness

Level 2

• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscular control
• Loss of consciousness

Level 3

• Death

While CO is lighter than air and tends to settle on the floor, current homes with fans, A/C units and heaters can distribute this poisonous gas throughout the home. Your family might experience some of these symptoms and not even know it is being caused by Carbon Monoxide. Prolonged exposure can result in very seriousness illnesses both short term and long term. The good news, it is easy to purge the home of this danger though the usage carbon monoxide detectors. You can find these at most hardware stores and stores such as Walmart and Target.

The Law

Senate Bill 183 requires that all residences intended for human habitation to have carbon monoxide detectors if that home burns fuels such as wood, gas, and oil or have an attached garage (because you car burns fuels.). All single family residences of 1 to 4 units must have them now as the law went into affect on 7/1/2011. All other places must have detectors installed by 1/1/2013; which would include residences of greater that 4 units, apartments, condominiums, hotels, long term care units, living assistance units, dorms, and day care centers.

Failure to have installed detectors is $200 per instance. The good news is that with the first notification you will get a 30 day notice to fix the problem without having to pay the fine. CO detectors are not expensive; I have seen them advertised as low as $25 per unit. You can even buy multi-packs if your home is large enough to require several units.

About the detector

Let me state this fact in bold: consult the directions that came with the unit regarding the number of units needed to safely protect your home and for exact instructions on placement of the unit.

Please read that statement again; it is critical because each manufacturer can have different requirements. Some require ceiling mounting, some require upper wall mounting, and some require lower wall mounting. If you place it in the wrong spot you are not helping yourself. Also, there are instructions where not to place it which I will get into in a second.

In general, the CO detectors must be battery operated. If the unit is hard wired into the houses electrical system then the unit must also have a battery back up. You can purchase combo smoke and CO detector and that is permissible by law if the unit has 2 distinct audible warnings to differentiate between fire and CO warnings. These detectors must be replaced; read the manufactures instructions for how long their unit will last. Typically they are good for 5-7 years.

Placement

Again, read the manufactures instructions! However, there are some general guidelines that most detectors follow. If the manufactures instructions differ from what is stated below go with their instructions. What follows are only ideas.

Where NOT to place the units:

• Not near humid areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms
• Not within 10-15 feet of the unit that burns the fuels (cooking devices, stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, etc.)
• Not within reach of children or animals or any place where it could be easily damaged
• Not in direct sunlight or in areas with extreme temperature changes (attics, porches)
• Not installed behind anything (curtains, TVs, or bookcases.
• Not installed near ceiling fans, open windows, vents or air exchange ducts (for A/C or heaters)

Where TO place the units:

• On each level of the home (including basement)
• Near the entry door to the attached garage
• Within 15 feet of bedrooms or sleeping areas

Again, consult the manufacturer instructions for further items of where to (or not to) place the units.

Do not let this silent killer roam freely through your home. It is an easy enemy to defeat. Do not let your loved ones become on the 500 to needlessly die each year.

*Disclaimer – David Cairns is a real estate professional serving San Diego, California and is licensed by the State of California only under CA DRE lic #01890743. All information on davidcares.com is for informational purposes. Information regarding short sales, foreclosures, buying homes, selling homes or any other information is general in nature and is not intended or should be construed as legal, tax, or other advice. Every person has a unique situation; I would be happy to talk to you regarding real estate matters. You must consult a legally qualified person for advice in all other areas before taking any action. I can be contacted at david@davidcares.com

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