In Colorado, homes with a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage need carbon monoxide alarms within 15 feet of each sleeping room’s entrance when the home is sold, rented to a new tenant, or has certain permitted work. Smoke alarms belong in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. New homes and many permitted remodels need hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup, where the work makes that possible.
Where smoke alarms go
- Inside every bedroom.
- Outside each sleeping area, in the hallway.
- On every level, including basements.
Keep them away from kitchens and bathrooms where cooking or steam causes false alarms.
Where CO alarms go
Colorado requires CO alarms within 15 feet of each sleeping room’s entrance in homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage when the home is sold, rented to a new tenant, or has certain permitted work. Many homeowners also add one on each level.
Hardwired vs battery
New homes and permitted additions generally need hardwired smoke alarms on the home’s power with battery backup, interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound. In an existing home, a permitted remodel can trigger updated alarms; where the work doesn’t open up walls or ceilings, battery alarms may be allowed in the existing areas.
Replace on schedule
Replace smoke alarms 10 years from the manufacture date printed on the back. Replace CO alarms when the manufacturer says; check the label. Test them monthly.
See smoke and CO alarm installation.
Get it checked in Loveland and Northern Colorado
Eggers Electric is a locally owned Loveland electrician, here since 1973, with a Google 4.9 rating from 400+ Google reviews. Every visit includes the repair, installation or service you called us for, plus the $89 Eggers Safety Inspection: a licensed electrician finds the cause and gives you a written price before work starts, and the $89 is credited toward the job when you go ahead. Call 970-669-1883 (7 days, 7am–8pm) or Schedule Service.
Frequently asked questions
Does Colorado require carbon monoxide detectors?
Yes, in homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage: within 15 feet of each sleeping room’s entrance when the home is sold, rented to a new tenant, or has certain permitted work.
Do smoke alarms need to be hardwired?
In new construction and many permitted remodels, yes, with battery backup and interconnection. Older homes can keep working battery alarms unless work triggers an update.
How often should I replace smoke alarms?
10 years from the manufacture date on the back. For CO alarms, follow the manufacturer’s label.
Can you install interconnected alarms in an older home?
Yes. We install hardwired or listed wireless-interconnected alarms so all of them sound together.