Why Do Backup Generators Cause Carbon Monoxide Problems?

Carbon monoxide forms when fuel like gasoline, propane, or diesel does not burn completely. Generators produce a steady stream of this gas while they run. The gas is colorless and odorless, so you cannot detect it without a monitor.

Your body absorbs carbon monoxide into the bloodstream instead of oxygen. That can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, unconsciousness. The risk rises quickly in enclosed or partly enclosed spaces, which is why generator placement matters so much.

The local climate, with wet winters and dry summers, means storms can knock out power when you need heat and lights most. Wet conditions may tempt you to move a generator under an overhang or into a shed for shelter, but that increases the risk.

Rain itself does not cause carbon monoxide, but it changes where you place the generator. A dry spot away from the house is safer than a sheltered spot close to it. Use a canopy or tarp only if it does not block airflow around the unit.

If a generator has caused carbon monoxide buildup in your home, air out the space fully before anyone returns. Open windows and doors, and wait until the alarm resets. See a doctor if anyone feels unwell, even if symptoms seem mild.

Water damage from a storm or from running a generator in a sheltered spot can also affect walls, floors, and belongings. If you find soaked drywall, carpet, or flooring, local water damage pros can assess what needs to be dried or removed. For serious flooding, a flood damage cleanup service handles the full scope.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.