A homeowner turned to the r/Generator Reddit community for advice after their carbon monoxide alarm detected high levels of toxic gas in their house.

The original poster wrote that their 22-kilowatt Generac generator ran for 28 hours straight before the alarm detected carbon monoxide levels of 60 to 80 parts per million in their ceiling and attic. The fire department said that the CO was likely coming from the generator exhaust.

The OP mentioned that a third-party generator service provider recommended foaming the vented soffits to resolve the problem. They also shared a photo showing where the generator was placed outside.

One commenter pointed out that the generator placement may not be following clearance requirements. 

"This wouldn't even be legal where I live," another homeowner said, advising the OP to move the generator away from their house.

Gas-powered generators may produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, can be fatal at higher concentrations. They also contribute to pollution.

If you're considering cleaner ways to power your home and protect against blackouts, solar energy paired with a battery backup is a viable option. TCD's Solar Explorer can guide you through budget-friendly options and help you save on installations.

The OP's predicament has garnered attention because it highlights how failing to follow clearance requirements can pose home safety risks, such as exposure to toxic gas.

According to Florida Power Solutions, national building codes recommend placing standby generators at least five feet away from windows, doors, or vents. Generac follows this rule, requiring its generators to be at least five feet from wall openings.

Switching to a cleaner option, such as solar energy, can help you avoid exposure to toxic gas and lower utility bills. With battery storage, solar can also make your home more resilient amid grid failures.

Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly 😥 Sometimes 😟 Not really 😐 I don't know enough about them 🤷 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

TCD's Solar Explorer can simplify your transition to solar by connecting you with trusted partners. With concierge-level service and flexible subscription options, TCD's partners can help you maximize savings. 

You can save up to $10,000 on installation with competitive bids from vetted local installers, or choose $0-down subscriptions for a budget-friendly option. For example, Palmetto's LightReach program can help you benefit from retired federal tax credits for individual solar buyers and reduce your utility rate by as much as 20%.

For more solar guidance, EnergySage helps homeowners explore solar panel options, access incentives, and compare quotes from trusted installers.

You can also combine solar panels with electric HVACs to further reduce your utility costs. 

TCD's HVAC Explorer simplifies finding an HVAC system that suits your home and budget. Even taking simple steps toward a more energy-efficient home can be rewarding with the free Palmetto Home app, which lets you unlock up to $5,000 in rewards for home upgrades.

In the Reddit thread, some homeowners offered advice.

"Get your generator company to turn your generator 90 degrees, pointing your exhaust away from the house," one user suggested.

"Having a stack higher than the gutter is what came to my mind," another chimed in. "Other than that, some sort of exhaust pipe extension to aim it away from the house."

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.