This article explains what the Oregon and Washington home inspector Standards of Practice have to say (or not say) about smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, highlights what some of the requirements are about each for real estate transactions (which have nothing to do with inspectors), and how Nickelsen Home Inspections, LLC handles smoke/CO detectors and alarms. At the end, we include links that may be important to you. By reading this material and checking the links, you will know what is included and not included in the inspection process and what is required during real estate transactions.

You may have found in your home inspection report a note about the typical design life of the furnace, AC or heat pump being close to or nearing the end of its intended design life. What is being said here?

How often should furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boiler systems, ductless heat pumps, and the like be serviced? Most inspectors and HVAC contractors/specialists will advise that your furnaces, air conditioners and the like be serviced annually. American Home Shield, Angie’s List and others concur, especially in areas with 3+ distinct seasons, which is what we see here in the Pacific Northwest.