Gas-powered generators can be dangerous for several reasons, especially when installed incorrectly, as one homeowner unfortunately experienced.
In the r/Generator subreddit, the original poster shared that they had to call the fire department after their carbon monoxide alarms went off one night. After inspecting the system, they found that carbon monoxide exhaust was getting sucked underneath the house, which was on piers, and making its way inside. The firefighters suggested either relocating the generator or redirecting the exhaust.
However, when the OP initially contacted Generac, the contractor said the unit was installed correctly and didn't appear overly concerned.
"He said exhausting the generator 'is not a thing,' the OP explained. "...To be honest, I have lost all confidence in him after this."
When Generac came out for a follow-up, the company determined the generator was actually not installed properly, as the OP suspected. Fortunately, the installer returned to move the system and pipe the fumes away from the home. The homeowner wasn't hurt during the incident.
Carbon monoxide detectors and alarms save lives. The Consumer Product Safety Commission stated that it's important to make sure yours are working properly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you're looking to protect your home from outages while avoiding gas generators entirely, check out TCD's Solar Explorer. It provides all the information you need to switch to solar with confidence. It can connect you with vetted partners who can find the right solar and battery backup system for your home and budget as well.
One Solar Explorer partner, Palmetto, offers a LightReach leasing program that lets you access the benefits of solar without upfront costs. It provides $0-down subscription options and up to 20% reductions in your utility rate. If you'd rather purchase your own system, EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on solar setups and installations by curating competitive bids.
Save $10,000 on solar panels — or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you. |
"If orig installer wants to correct it, maybe get another installer to inspect afterwards, be safe OP, glad ya survived," one commenter said in the Reddit thread.
"Extending the exhaust on a generator is most definitely a thing," another suggested. "Extend it out from under the building and then vertically up the side and above the roof, preferably higher than the peak."
|
Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Majorly 😥 While you're shopping for money-saving, energy-efficient power sources, you might consider pairing a heat pump with solar to further reduce energy bills. TCD's HVAC Explorer makes it easy to find the right system and installer for your home's energy needs.
By making simple lifestyle swaps to reduce energy consumption, you can unlock up to $5,000 in rewards with the Palmetto Home app, which you can use toward other home upgrades.
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.
Cool Picks
