As of January 1, 2023 and going forward, one and two-family dwellings must have at least one operable, life-long, sealed battery carbon monoxide (CO) detector in the house when it is transferred (sold, donated, etc.) or leased. This law was passed in September of 2022 and went into effect on January 1, 2023. The motivation behind changing the fire and life safety requirements of one and two-family homes was to enhance the protection of life and property.

What Type of Carbon Monoxide Battery is Required?

The CO detector’s packaging needs to include the phrases “life-long” or “ten-year” and “sealed battery” or “sealed-in lithium battery”. Your CO detector can also be combined with a smoke detector.

Do Certain Homes Need More than One Carbon Monoxide Detector?

While this new law requires at least one carbon monoxide detector to be installed in every home sold in Louisiana, other factors like age, utilities, and accessories may require additional detectors. Generally, if you have gas service or inactive gas service, you may need an additional CO detector. In addition, homes built before January 1, 2023, without a generator only require one CO detector.

For homes built before January 1, 2023, with a permanently mounted, whole-home standby generator, multiple CO alarms may be required in specific locations. These specific locations include one, operable, life-long, sealed battery CO detector inside each separate sleeping area, and one in the living room, or common area.

Where Should a Carbon Monoxide Detector Be Located?

For homes that only require one CO detector, it should be positioned near a sleeping area, ideally within 10 feet of a bedroom door. For homes with multiple levels, it is recommended that a detector is placed on every occupied floor. You should also have a detector within 10 feet of an attached garage and inside any rooms located over an attached garage. When choosing a permanent location for a CO detector be sure that it is free from obstructions, as well as a place where it will stay clean and protected.

Knowing where to NOT place a CO detector is also important. Never install a carbon monoxide detector beside or above a fuel-fired, heating, or cooking appliance, or fireplace. Also, never put a detector in a humid area, like a bathroom. Lastly, CO detectors shouldn’t be near exterior doors or windows.

This new law is an important one in Louisiana, especially if you are shopping for a new home. However, the most important part of the homebuying process is finding the right mortgage loan officer. For over 90 years, the experts at Standard Mortgage (NMLS#44912) have been helping home buyers and homeowners across Louisiana.