According to the InterNACHI standards of practice, an inspector is not required to test Carbon Monoxide alarms. However, they are safety devices that is required in every home in Colorado.
They are required within 15 feet of each bedroom entry door.
One CO alarm or combination CO/smoke alarm on each level of a multi-level dwelling unit including the basement.
One CO alarm or combination CO/smoke alarm within each bedroom containing a fuel-burning appliance.
Where a fuel-burning appliance(s) serve(s) multiple residences, one CO alarm or combination CO/smoke alarm within the enclosure housing the appliance(s), placed within 25 feet of the appliance(s). The CO alarm or combination CO/smoke alarm must be integrated with the base building fire alarm system. (Requires a City and County of Denver permit)
At HouseMaster, our practice includes noting the required locations, testing a representative number of units and judging if the units are in need of replacement if we think they are more than 10 years old as required by the state.
These alarms are so common in our lives that we often forget about how important they are. These things do save lives.
