Study of Carbon Monoxide with Dr. Michael Larranaga

In today's episode of the Safer Vacation Rentals podcast, we delve into the topic of Carbon Monoxide in the vacation rental industry with our expert guest, Dr. Michael Larranaga. As a fire protection engineer and former university professor, Dr. Mike has a wealth of knowledge on loss prevention and safety measures.


One key aspect of vacation rental safety is the proper installation and placement of carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when fuels like gas, oil, and wood do not burn completely. It is important to have carbon monoxide alarms in your vacation rental to detect this gas and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly. Dr. Mike recommends placing these alarms lower than smoke alarms, or using plug-in versions that can be plugged into outlets.


Dr. Mike also shares a cautionary tale in the form of a case study of a multiple fatality incident that occurred due to carbon monoxide buildup in a vacation rental. In this incident, the water heater had been vented into the attic and did not have a fresh air supply, leading to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the house. This tragedy underscores the importance of proper installation and education in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of vacation rental properties.


Tune in to this episode to learn more about the role of carbon monoxide alarms in vacation rental safety, and how to ensure the safety of your property.