As temperatures drop and Coloradans fire up their furnaces, fire places and other flame-fueled appliances, it’s more important than ever to make sure every home and rental unit is properly equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.

In fact, last spring, Colorado legislators passed a bill requiring that all rental properties and all homes sold after July 1, 2009 are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors.

Ace Hardware offers Colorado homeowners the following tips for selecting and installing a carbon monoxide detector:

o Install at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor and within 15 feet of the entrance to each sleeping area.

o Do not install carbon monoxide detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, or within 15 feet of a bathroom, heating unit or cooking appliance.

o If you select an alarm that plugs into an electrical outlet or is wired into your electrical system, make sure it also has a battery back up.

o Look for a detector that offers a peak-level memory reading. This feature records the highest level of carbon monoxide present over a period of time, which is helpful to emergency personnel.

o Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 5 years.

o Specific installation locations vary based on the detector. Always read and follow the manufacturer instructions.

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, turn off all fuel-burning appliances and immediately circulate fresh air by opening doors and windows. Call a repair technician to have the problem fixed before restarting appliances. If anyone in the home is showing signs of dizziness, headaches or vomiting, call 911.