CALIFORNIA REQUIREMENTS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

In case you were not aware, as of January 1, 2013, if you live in multi-housing you need to be aware of the new state law requiring the installation of a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm.  Single family homes and multi family homes, not exceeding 4 units were subject to this law effective July 1, 2011. This California law requires the installation of a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm or a combined CO/Smoke detector.  

Carbon Monoxide (CO), also known as the “Silent Killer”, is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, with over 500 per year and sends another 20,000 annually to emergency rooms nationwide.  Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas produced whenever any fuel is burned.  It can enter the home from sources such as a gas or wood-stove, fireplace, household appliances, vehicles and other devices that burn fuel.

According to the law, detectors must be installed in all dwelling units that contain fossil fuel burning heaters and appliances, as well as a fireplace.  It also applies to dwellings that have an attached garage.  The definition of fossil fuel is “Fuel derived from prehistoric organisms: any carbon-containing fuel derived from the decomposed remains of prehistoric plants and animals, e.g., coal, peat, petroleum natural gas, gasoline and firewood.”

Effective Dates for CO Alarm Installation:

July 1, 2011 - all existing single-family dwelling units intended for human occupancy.

January 1, 2013 - all other existing dwelling units intended for human occupancy, e.g. condominiums, apartments and hotels.

Approved CO Alarms:

New Construction must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected.

Existing homes may be battery operated, plug-in with battery backup or hardwired with battery backup.

Installation Location:

Carbon Monoxide alarms must be installed outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s), and on every level of home, including basements.

Fines:

According to California law, if you do not comply with the new law, you may face a maximum $200.00 fine.  However, residents will receive a 30-day notice to correct, before fine will be imposed.

For further information, please click here.

If you are interested in getting Carbon Monoxide alarms installed in your home, apartment or condo, please give Steve’s Handyman Service a call.

NEW YEARS HOME MAINTENANCE/REPAIR CHECKLIST

Has the New Year heightened your desire to start making improvements around your home wherever possible?

Someone once said that “little things after a while get to be bigger things, so now is a time to start a Home Maintenance Checklist”.  Once you have your list together, it enables you, the homeowner, to plan out repair, maintenance and improvements for the coming year.

Here are some basic repairs/improvements to include on your home maintenance and improvement checklist:

1    Change out your light bulbs for some energy-saving light bulbs.  They really aren’t that much more expensive and they will save you on your energy bill.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

2      Do something about your clutter…I admit, I am guilty here.  We tend to have a lot of clutter around the house and garage.  Start going through your stuff, throw out what you don’t need and maybe have a garage storage system installed, pull-down attic stairs, or another type of storage unit installed in your house/garage to organize what you plan on keeping. 

3     Get your gutters cleaned and have some gutter shields installed so there won’t be so much buildup the next time around.

4    Seal windows, doors and cracks with caulking.  Weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to use and a way to help keep the cool air outside and the warm air inside and yet another way to help you save on your energy bill.

5    Updating a room at a time…whether you decide to apply a fresh coat of paint or some simple trim around the window, this is a cost-effective way to spruce up your home…one room at a time.

Dirty and clean filter

6    Change your filters – these should be cleaned or replaced every three months.  If your filter is dirty, not only are you breathing in the dust and other particles that can’t come through the filter, but it is making your furnace run harder which makes it less energy efficient.

 7   Check the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors.  I like to do this at the begi
nning of every year as it’s an easy way to remember when the last time it was done. 

 8    Popcorn Ceilings are stale…not much more dates a house than having a popcorn ceiling.  Removing popcorn from your ceiling not only updates your home but adds value as well.

Before and After Popcorn Removal

 9   Check all your faucets and toilets for leaks and replace as necessary.

10  With all the damp weather we are having, have you noticed some green buildup on your sidewalk, decks, siding?  Having your decks and other areas of your home power washed will not only remove all the grime and dirt, but will make these areas of your home look newer.

So, what is at the top of your home improvement/maintenance checklist?  If you need some help crossing some of these items off, give Steve’s Handyman Service a call.  I would love to help out…and remember, No Job is Too Small!!!

Happy New Year!!