A new law in Wisconsin that became effective on February 1, 2011, requires that most homes in Wisconsin have carbon monoxide detectors.
What you need to know is that all single family homes with an attached garage, a fireplace, or fuel burning appliances (including a gas forced air furnace) must have carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home. For new construction the carbon monoxide detectors will need to be hardwired, but for existing homes the carbon monoxide detectors can be battery operated.
One note however, there currently is no fine or penalty for not having carbon monoxide detectors. But if you are selling your home, home inspectors are required to look for carbon monoxide detectors and make note when they absent.
Even if you don’t want to install a carbon monoxide detector until you decide to sell your home, you should install the carbon monoxide detector now for the safety of everyone in the house.
Bob Beisbier, owner of BK Home Inspection, is a Certified Master Home Inspector who has been providing professional and thorough home inspections in southeast Wisconsin for over 12 years. Bob is Infrared certified, DILHR Certified, and provides Home Energy Tune-ups, Environmental Data Reports, Pre-sale Home Inspections and Pre-offer Home Inspections.
