Colorado Association of Realtors has recently fielded a number of inquiries regarding the Carbon Monoxide Act. There has been some confusion in the language of the Act about what exactly constitutes a carbon monoxide alarm and how they must be installed. 

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS MUST:

• Detect Carbon Monoxide and produce a distinct, audible alarm;
• Conform to standards recognized by independent product-safety testing laboratories;
• Be installed in all homes with a fuel-fired heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage;
• Be installed within 15 feet of the enterance to each room lawfully used for sleeping.

THE ALARMS MUST ALSO BE:

• Battery powered; ORA Carbon Monoxide alarm may also be combined with a smoke detecting device if the combined device has signals that clearly differentiate between the two hazards.
• Plug into a home's electrical outlet and have a battery backup; OR
• Wired into a dwelling's electrical system and have a battery back-up; OR
• Be connected to an electrical system via an electrical panel.

The Carbon Monoxide Act went into effect on July 1, 2009. Colorado law requires that Sellers assure their property has an operational carbon monoxide alarm(s) installed within fifteen feet of the entrance to each bedroom.