Sunday, April 20, 2008

WHAT IT IS: A device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, potentially lethal gas produced by incomplete combustion. Such detectors can stand alone or come as part of a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

WHAT IT COSTS: First Alert and Kidde sell battery-powered versions for about $40. Plug-in versions are also available. Those two brands are "essentially equivalent in price and quality," said Rebecca Morley, executive director of the National Center for Healthy Housing. In any case, detectors shouldn't cost more than $60 each.

WHO NEEDS IT: Anyone who has a covered garage or combustion-fueled appliances such as those that run on gas, oil or wood. At minimum, a detector should be installed near sleeping areas, Morley said.

WHERE TO FIND IT: Home centers, hardware stores and online retailers.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Buy a CO detector with a digital display that has a peak level recorder, which tracks the highest readings, and a battery backup, Morley said. "Combined smoke alarm and CO alarms are nice, but you lose the peak level display and the recorder," she said. Other new models enable you to record a message. For example, a parent could record a message for children that says, "This is a carbon monoxide emergency. Get out of the house and call 911," she said.

-- Mary Ellen Slayter