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Carbon Monoxide detector
Hi
Our Co-star carbon monoxide detector has failed prematurely. The sticker on the unit  says replace by May 2021.

As far as I can tell, Co-Star is out of business. So the question is have any of you replaced your detector?  What brand?

I have seen in the archives a discussion about house units (cheaper) vs RV units ( pricey).  Any further feedback about that?

Thanks for your help as always!
Corky
2013 TK

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #1
house unit ones work just as well as far as I can tell, and honestly over all they are all not that expensive unless you get a fancy lp and co2 detector or other bells and whistles.

however if you're getting a new one, I would suggest to NOT get a 2 in one, the co2 detector works best high close to the ceiling, and the lp gas detector works best low to the ground.

about to purchase a co2 one, so I'm also interested to know if anyone has any recommendations on brands
1995 23.5 Rear Lounge

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #2
CO detectors, single function or combined in one ceiling or high wall-mounted unit with a smoke detector, are different from LPG detectors. LPG detectors are installed near floor level, but, as far as I lnow, LPG detectors have one function, i.e., to detect a propane leak. Both detector types have a lifespan, usually a maximun of 5 years; the recommended replacement (or manufacturing date) is stamped on the unit.

(Just a clarification: CO - carbon monoxide
CO2 - carbon dioxide.)

2003 TK has a new home


Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #4
however if you're getting a new one, I would suggest to NOT get a 2 in one, the co2 detector works best high close to the ceiling, and the lp gas detector works best low to the ground.

 No need to mount a CO detector close to the ceiling; instead, mount at a height that is convenient for you to read the display and operate the controls. The instructions will tell you this, and here is what the EPA says:

"Where Should I Place a Carbon Monoxide Detector? Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. "
Where should I place a carbon monoxide detector? | Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)...
2005 Jayco 24SS

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #5
I'm using this alarm, both in my house and Lazy Daze.  Kidde C3010D - Battery Power Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Digital Display  I like having a readout to display any CO reading, even if it doesn't reach the alarm level.  RonB

Many thanks! This unit looks good and having a readout would be handy to have. Bonus! It is cheaper than the one we were considering and has more features! Thanks Ron!
2013 TK

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #6
Mine is sitting on the desk sans battery with the 05/2021 date.  Probably from the same batch as Corky. I found Costar replacement online for $110 which expires 2023, which is still out there online.
I thought Ron's suggestion would look odd on the ceiling.  Then I realized I am not required to try to use the same screw holes.

Half the price,  twice the range,  and the company is still in business. 
Hmm, decisions, decsions...
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #7
I went out and looked just to make sure, but in my floorplan, the smoke detector was originally on the ceiling, and just nearby the CO detector was originally high up on the wall of the closet (TK) near the smoke detector.  The original screw holes of the COStar were covered up by the new Kidde CO detector. Without removing it, I seem to remember re-useing one of the holes, so I only had to patch one old hole.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #8
I'm using this alarm, both in my house and Lazy Daze.  Kidde C3010D - Battery Power Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Digital Display  I like having a readout to display any CO reading, even if it doesn't reach the alarm level.  RonB
Hi  Ron!

We just ordered the Kidde 3010D Carbon Monoxide Alarm.  Will let you know how it works out in our TK.  Thanks again for the recommendation!  We are ordering it from walmart.com and it seems to be a good price.  It certainly will have more functionality than the original unit.  ;D

2013 TK

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #9
Has anyone tried this CO detector?  It appears that many of the detectors will read out at low levels, but often info is lacking as to when the unit actually alarms.  Some I've seen alarm only when levels have been as high as 400ppm for several minutes!  Personally, I'd rather be notified a lot sooner than that.

Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Atwood 32703 RV Carbon Monoxide Detector - LCD...
Lance & Barb
2003 Lazy Daze 26.5' Mid-Bath; 2006 Saturn toad

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #10
"Has anyone tried this CO detector?"

Yes, I have that exact one in the bedroom of my '04 30'IB, mounted at eye level. My 'smoke' detector resides on the ceiling near the coach door. My LP detector can be found within inches of the floor in the kitchen area.

You should not confuse the difference between these three, as Joan has already pointed out!   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #11
Has anyone tried this CO detector?  It appears that many of the detectors will read out at low levels, but often info is lacking as to when the unit actually alarms.  Some I've seen alarm only when levels have been as high as 400ppm for several minutes!  Personally, I'd rather be notified a lot sooner than that.

Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Atwood 32703 RV Carbon Monoxide Detector - LCD...

Looks like a repackaged Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector | Digital Display | Battery Operated |... but with an "RV Brand" it's 2 1/2 times more costly.

Linda
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #12
Hi Linda B; that is the CO monitor, standard, not RV, that I've been using for years now in the TK. When cooking with vents closed, I'll get a small reading, single digits. The cooktop isn't far away from the detector.  I try to remember to crack the FFvent a bit. It also isn't far away.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

 

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #14
When the previous CO detector started shrieking and beeping, I replaced it with this combination smoke and CO sniffer:

Amazon.com: First Alert Powered Alarm SCO5CN Combination Smoke and Carbon...

Yep, that’s what mine has. I believe it is factory original.
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #15
This particular smoke/CO unit may be 'factory original' in later models, but LDs in the more 'vintage' categories just had a Costar CO detector. The detectors (including the LPG detector) need replacing about every 5 years at best.
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Carbon Monoxide detector
Reply #16

Hi Joan. The CO detector I use in my house, rentals, and motorhome referenced in reply #11, has a ten year life for the sensor. The batteries 'AA' need replacing yearly (or so).  Quote:  "It has a 10-year life and a 10-year limited warranty."  That reference is in 'Description'   Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector | Digital Display | Battery Operated |...      Since I already have holes in the wall (CO detector) and holes in the ceiling nearby (smoke det.), I just go with the extra redundancy of two separate units. When one alarms you have to check to see which one it was. Both are easily silenced.  We sleep in the king bed with eyes under the smoke detector, so I watch the LED blinks when falling asleep.    I appreciate the digital readout on the CO detector, and reset the number, knowing that it is detecting cooktop/ oven CO on a regular basis.  I've had dirty burners elevate the reading.   RonB

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB