Denver, Old Houses, Gas Stoves

[ForeverBlowingBubbles]

So recently I just took a job out in Denver. I've been living in Wrightsville Beach for the past 4 and a half years. It's quite a change, but one I was ready for!

I moved into a house where I now live with other young professionals. The house is in Washington Park and its extremely old. I love old neighborhoods and houses, so I didn't have a problem with it.

A few things are wrong though I've noticed after I moved in, and before I bring it up, I wanted to make sure I'm correct.

1) The ventilation seems to be broken... at least on the second floor there is no air flow (where my room is). I'm a big fan of clean non-dusty air and I'm thinking ventilation may be one of those things that a landlord is required to keep in working order.

2) We have a very old gas stove, and the blower is broken. I've been told in the past numerous times its dangerous to run a gas stove w/o turning the blower on. In fact, when I tried to use it for the first time last night, the whole kitchen (which is pretty big) wreaked of gas. I'm in a month-to-month lease (which was important to me being that I could move out if I didn't like it).

Basically I have no contact with the landlord and have to bring this up to other roommates who do. I'm not 100% sure that my concerns are valid and want to get some advice on if they are before bringing it up. I'm thinking the landlord probably doesn't want to fix anything - the house is for sale and whoever buys it will more than likely knock it down and build something new.

On another note, Denver's been awesome so far for the 2 weeks I've been here. Heading up to Vale this weekend to do some snowboarding for the first time. I did have to watch the national championship game with a bunch of butler fans (don't know where they came from), but it made the win that much sweeter.

Thanks for any tips, I want to make sure I'm not going to get blown up!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Don't know about the rules, but I would sure have my own CO detector in, or just outside, my bedroom. Make sure there is one in the kitchen, too. And remember, CO sinks, so have it low to the ground, not on the ceiling.

[Jim3k]

Don't know about the rules, but I would sure have my own CO detector in, or just outside, my bedroom. Make sure there is one in the kitchen, too. And remember, CO sinks, so have it low to the ground, not on the ceiling.


Talk to a City fire inspector and find out the rules. Gas reeking from the stove seems to be a major hazard. As for ventilation, ask the inspector about that, too. If you have forced air heating and the ducts are blocked that could be hazardous as well.

As for whether an inspection is appropriate, I think I'd err on being safe over whether you have a landlord angry with you.

[Jim3k]

On second thought -- perhaps a call to the gas utility -- Public Service Co. of Colorado, IIRC?

[CLT Devil]

When you say the 'blower is not working' are you talking about a vent hood? If so, don't think a vent hood is required for a gas range. One mistake people make is they cut the burner to the desired level, say 'medium' when you are supposed to cut it all the way on to the 'ignite' level. I did this at my brothers and stunk up the whole house with gas...just a force of habit.

[hurleyfor3]

On another note, Denver's been awesome so far for the 2 weeks I've been here. Heading up to Vale this weekend to do some snowboarding for the first time.

Well, I guess you'll learn to spell it soon enough.

I'll probably by joining you in a couple months if I don't find a job somewhere else first. Denver, that is, not your beat up house.

[Reisen]

Vail, not Vale.

I would love to be out there, especially since they just emailed me saying they got 2 feet in the past 48 hours.

Only one ski trip this season, to Stowe. First season in a long time I haven't been out West.

Going to have to make up for that next year...

Maybe one of these days I'll join you (ie. move) out to Denver.