I’m looking to buy a CO detector. What types are good and which ones should I stay away from. Any ideas out there???
I have a TIf 8900. It works great. I have detected aprox 6 gas leaks since I started. It is essential for home inspectors.
The Tif 8900** doesn’t** detect CO… it only detects **Combustible **compounds…
http://www.inspectortools.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TI8900&gclid=CMP-wbGJvbMCFcxAMgodAgcAlA
Partial List of Detectable Compounds w/minimum detectable concentration
- Acetylene 50 ppm
- Iso-Butane (R600a) 500 ppm
- Methane 500 ppm
- Ethane (R170) 500 ppm
- Propane (R290) 500 ppm
- Ethylene 500 ppm
- Hydrogen 500 ppm
- Methyl Ether 500 ppm
- Vinyl Chloride 5 ppm
- Methyl Chloride 5 ppm
- Hydrogen Sulfide 5 ppm
- Acetone 50 ppm
- Methanol 50 ppm
- Ammonia (R717) 20 ppm
- Gasoline 1 ppm
- Chlorine 1 ppm
Okay great I will look into it further thanks for the info.
Hmm never really thought about that. The TIF 8900 will detect leaks from heat exchangers, flues, natural and propane gas lines. I can’t imagine you need anything more. From what I have heard, some inspectors don’t have anything!
I use a rattler. Works great and I can hook it to my belt.
http://www.indsci.com/t40/
I’ve never owned one. I’m still alive and so are my clients.
Don’t work in unfinished, rarely used, sealed off for the winter, basements very often, do you? 
When was the last time you saw an article about a home inspector who died from CO while doing an inspection? Even getting sick?
The last person I am worried about regarding this topic is myself…
As Juan has stated, I am more concerned about my clients, but to address your question… no article, but it has happened to me (sick not died), and to another inspector that I personally know, in my general area. And NO, it wasn’t a Meth house.
Crucify me and attack me all you want but home inspectors should be morally compelled to detect for gas leaks.
Interesting thread. Someone should do a poll to see how many HIs use a CO detector. I’d be interested in knowing. Maybe I’m way off.
I do check for fuel gas and often find leaks.
Go for it.
I don’t believe there has ever been a death from CO because of a cracked heat exchanger…many CO deaths from other causes such as blocked venting, BBQing indoors, cars left running in garages, etc.
I’d like to be proven wrong so send me a link to a reliable article if you have one.
PS - If you do a search on gas detectors you will see previous posts on the problems they can create for you.
There’s a first time for everything. Do you want to be the first inspector in line for this to happen to?
i bet they have caused plenty of headaches… just saying…
Was that a pun?
I agree, and most here prolly thought it was “just” a headache!