Anyone have any experience with CO detectors? Brand recommendations? I've heard good and bad, but nothing specific. I'd like to have some while using my generator (the location for the generator is outside, but I'm worried about drafts / AC carrying exhaust back inside).

Groo:

If you have your outside air intake damper closed on a window unit, it will not suck anything in from the outside.

If you have central air and do not have an outside air mixing intake, the central air does not use outside air, but simply keeps recirculating what is in the house.

For information on CO detectors, I would recommend "Consumers Reports", which is printed by non profit Consumers Union. There is a lookalike magazine out there published by a for profit group, so beware!

Bountyhunter

I use a First Alert model like this one. Its battery operated, portable, and has a long battery life.

I agree with you. For the cost of a CO alarm, its not worth the risk while running the generator. I placed mine between the garage (where the generator was running, and the main living quarters. Felt much better having it in place.

Incidently, 3 people were in serious condition following carbon monoxide poisoning in Boynton Beach, FL during the onslaught of Hurricane Frances. Seems thay did not know that you can't run a generator in an enclosed area. I am still amazed that someone would not realize this.

Craig.

I went to the link and it says the monitor is a "tabletop" model, that can be put on a table or shelf. I didn't think about it until I read it on this forum, but you should put a CO2 monitor on the ground.

Robert