The State of Minnesota requires carbon monoxide alarms in your home. There are plenty of misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding CO alarms. Let me explain.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that can be generated by combustible (fuel-fired) appliances in your home. Exposure to carbon monoxide at lower levels can make you feel tired or sick. At higher levels of exposure, carbon monoxide can result in death.
Individuals with the highest risk are the elderly, unborn babies, and small children. People with respiratory problems, heart conditions, anemia, and immunity issues are also at a higher risk of death due to exposure to carbon monoxide.
CO vs. CO2
People often refer to carbon monoxide as CO2. CO2 is carbon dioxide. It’s what we exhale, and it’s used to make your pop fizzy. Remember, carbon monoxide is abbreviated as CO.
Alarm vs. Detector
A CO alarm is a device typically placed in a home. It has its own power source and sounds an alarm that will alert inhabitants in the event of elevated CO levels. A CO detector is basically the same type of device, but it may or may not include an audible alarm function.
A CO detector is a common tool utilized by a home inspector to determine if furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, etc. are potentially leaking CO into the living space.
Minnesota Carbon Monoxide Codes and Statutes
There’s a lot of code language, so let me try to summarize the basics:
· The device must be listed with UL 2034
· A device is required in new homes that utilize fuel-fired appliances
· Mandatory when there’s an attached garage with an opening to the living space
· Added to existing homes when listed additions, alterations, or repairs are made
· Must be on every level, within 10 feet of sleeping areas
· Located within the sleeping area if a fuel-fired appliance is present
· Combination smoke/CO alarms are acceptable
· Unless retrofitting, an alarm must be hardwired
· For multiple alarms, unless retrofitting, alarms must be interconnected
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Again, this is just a summary. Read the full carbon monoxide code requirements and statutes:
Minnesota carbon monoxide code requirements can be found here:
· Section R315 of the MN Residential Code.
Minnesota carbon monoxide statutes can be found here:
· Sections 299F.50 and 299F.51
Additional guidance from the EPA regarding carbon monoxide alarms:
· https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-about-carbon-monoxide-detectors
· https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/where-should-i-place-carbon-monoxide-detector
Summary
Tragically, people are still dying every year due to the lack of or non-existence of carbon monoxide alarms. These devices are easy to acquire, easy to install, and are required to help keep us alive. For the safety of your family, make sure you have them properly installed and replaced if they are old or not functioning. Check your carbon monoxide units to make sure they are not past their service life. They usually need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer.
Also, be aware of the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, feeling sick, and/or lack of energy. Low levels of carbon monoxide in small areas may produce these symptoms in some people before the alarm alerts you of a bigger problem.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or utilize our online “Schedule Now” feature to set up an appointment.