I'm starting to re-think the carbon monoxide situation during the power outage

[Siwsan]

Yesterday, before the power came back on AND while the house was fully open, it alerted. We hit the reset button and all was quiet for maybe 30 to 45 minutes and then it went off, again. Now, my brother is super sensitive to CO - even the lightest exposure. He turns red, gets a blazing headache and starts dry retching. It was his reaction that alerted us about the CO situation during the week long power outage. I saw it for myself when he started the old snow blower for me, a few years back. It was a bitter cold, blustery day so he opened the garage door just a little. He got it started and was letting it run when I saw his reaction. Scary. I THREW the door open and he rushed out. Needless to say, the garage door is now fully open when the snow blower is started.

Back to yesterday. Bro left just before noon. Power came back about 45 minutes later so the generator was off. The only thing running was a fan. All was quiet until 11:30, last night, when it went off AGAIN, scaring the hell out of me and the boys. Nothing was running any sort of exhaust, save for the fan. So, I once again opened the house, save for the garage door, relocated the CO detector to end of the 'upstairs' hallway (split level ranch) and cleaned the sensor. The 'upper level' is where the bedrooms are located and is the only the part of the house that's over the basement where the furnace, etc, are located. Not a squeal.

This detector is at least 10 years old so I'm buying a new, battery operated one today. Rather safe than sorry since false alarms breed complacency. Hopefully this is the end of the saga.

[Walleye]

1. You are right to be careful. Every year we hear about people dying from this

[Siwsan]

2. Absolutely

My reaction to the exposure was it made me VERY light headed until I got out into the fresh air. I chalked it up to gas fumes and not really eating much during that ice storm outage. Neither of us had any reactions, yesterday.

I'm going to get a battery operated one so it is more useful during a short outage. Eventually I'll buy another plug in.

[2naSalit]

3. Definitely replace that old detector.

It seems, since I have moved a few times in the past ten years, the smoke and CO2 detectors get replaced every three years or so. The newer ones even tell you when they need to be replaced. Whether battery operated or plug-in, get a new one. Get two. One for the old location and one for the location near the bedrooms. I'd be spooked too.

Is it possible to relocate the generator so that it is not within the framework of the house? Maybe put it in a small, well ventilated shed of some sort so that refueling can be done out of the weather but exhaust is nowhere near the house? You might want to look into that. Maybe one of those canvas-like quansett hut things, a small one, you can put almost anywhere.

[Siwsan]

4. I just bought a smoke/co combo with a 10 year battery

I'm going to buy another one and put it in the basement.

The generator WILL be relocated, although it can't go far because of the cord length. I plug it into the house, start it up and then throw the switches on the board in the basement. Meanwhile we are thinking about coating the walls of that outside utility closet with spray insulation.

I don't have the whole house wired to it. Just the necessities (fridge, freezer, well pump, sump pump and den where the fireplace is located. It has a blower insert. I wanted to limit the drain on the generator. I figure the odds of having another 'once in a lifetime' week long power outage aren't that high but even a day, or two, without power can be pretty damaging.

Funny thing, though, during the week long outage it was SO COLD that I didn't lose anything from the freezer, in the garage, OR the refrigerator. You could see your breath in the kitchen. The only things connected to that old generator were the sump pump and the fireplace insert. I put a big curtain over the doorway. It was nice and cozy.

[2naSalit]

5. Sounds like you have a plan...

That's suited to your place. New insulation in the "room" is a good idea.

I hope that all resolves the problem. Then you can have peace of mind about it, and that's crucial.

[Siwsan]

6. I haven't hears a screech from the old CO detector since just after midnight

I know I initially slept from about 9 to 11:30, when it went off. Then slept from around 2 to 6. Which, of course, meant I was running late to feed the boys AND the ferals, but at least I slept. I think I've been forgiven.

Today is going to be a low activity day. Maybe I'll trim more garlic. Maybe not. We'll see. I keep thinking it's Saturday.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. Why does CO build up so quickly in your house

when the power is off? Snow blower in the garage, I get, but simply inside a normal house with generator off and a fan on?

[Siwsan]

8. Generator. In 2013 we kept it by the screened in porch door to avoid theft.

It seemed to be in a good, ventilated area but the wind shifted and blew the fumes straight into the house. My uncle did his own additions and that's where we think the problem might be. He was a self taught builder. Things obviously passed inspection, but then he built the additions on the back of the house some time in the 70's or 80's. They definitely would not pass now. I'd love to just remove them. At the very least, remove the sides from the screened in porch, support the roof on columns and turn it into a covered, open air patio.

I also think I need to start looking into an upgrade in the insulation.

My uncle was a wonderful man but dealing with his DIY stuff has been an ongoing struggle.