My gas don't stink...

The State of Washington (as of April 1st) just enacted a law that requires all residential properties to have a working Carbon Monoxide alarm installed before OR at the time of closing. Carbon Monoxide, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It has been shown to be toxic to humans and animals when encountered in higher concentrations.

No one has a problem with this measure  however people are not understanding that unlike smoke detectors, Carbon Monoxide is a slightly lighter than air gas by product that builds from the floor up. A detector needs to be mounted within two to three feet of the floor to detect concentrations. Seven out of Ten people who contract Carbon Monoxide Poisoning get it while laying in bed while asleep. 

While visiting two homes last week with clients, I found both home owners had mounted carbon monoxide detectors right next to the smoke detector on the ceiling.  By the time these detectors would have notified the inhabitants; they would've been deceased.  The other thing that scared me about these detectors was that they were both battery operated. There's nothing wrong with that except you have to stay on top and have a good supply of batteries. After owning both, I prefer the plug in variety, with battery back up.  I immediately contacted the listing agents of both houses to ensure the proper installation.

My wife and I installed Carbon Monoxide detectors years ago.  We were surprised the first time the alarm sounded.  My son had a 1966 Mustang that needed to be warmed up or it would not run. He would open the outer garage door and let the car warm up for nearly 10 minutes each morning. There were no signs of blue smoke, just steam. That alarm went off about the third morning we owned it.  It really opened our eyes to the dangers of carbon monoxide.

This law should protect our clients for years to come.  Even without a law, this would be a great closing gift idea for your clients...

This post was authored  by Paul Henderson ©2012, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA.