A propane generator is known for its ability to provide clean power, and its exhaust will be much cleaner than gasoline generators. But does it contain carbon monoxide? The gas can be deadly if inhaled for long enough. Despite propane generators’ cleanliness, can they be dangerous to your health? This article is for propane generator owners.
The main point of this post is to answer the question, “Do propane generators produce carbon monoxide?”. We will know if there is CO present in the exhaust of the propane generator and what makes it so risky. Moreover, we will also discuss how you can minimize the risks related to carbon monoxide.
Will Propane Generator’s Exhaust Contain Carbon Monoxide?
Well, yes, the exhaust from a propane-powered generator will have the presence of carbon monoxide. But, be relieved. The amount of carbon monoxide will be much less. This advantage makes this generator the safest one, and we can use it daily without any concerns. Propane is the most eco-friendly and economical fuel you can use.
Over gasoline or diesel, propane offers many advantages, and that is why it is becoming quite popular day by day, and many homeowners are making the transition to propane generators.
Read more: The Dos and Don’ts of Home Generator Maintenance
Propane as A Fuel
Propane is the best fuel nowadays, and it doesn’t only burn clean but is also cost-effective with a bunch of other advantages.
First of all, the cost-effectiveness, it doesn’t cost as much as gasoline does. This factor will reduce the operating cost of the generator, and you will save much on your fuel costs per year. Moreover, it is also an efficient fuel, so you can expect it to last longer than any other fuel.
The low cost and the fuel efficiency will make it a solid and economical choice. When it comes to the maintenance of propane generators, there will be a minimal need for that. With little care, your generator will be up and running in an emergency whenever you need it.
Another benefit of propane is its long shelf-life; you can store it for up to 10 to 12 years without worrying about any degradation in its quality. You won’t even need any stabilizers in it.
So, if a storm hits, you won’t have to travel to the nearest gas station for gas; a propane cylinder will be at your service. It comes in cylinders of different sizes, and if you desire to store more, you can install a custom-made tank at your house.
Propane generators are quiet and don’t make noise that disturbs your daily activity or neighbors. Propane also has some disadvantages, like the power output, and it won’t be as much as a gasoline generator can generate. And, in distant locations, propane cylinders might not be easily accessible.
What Makes Carbon Monoxide so Hazardous?
The fact that you will be unaware of its presence makes it so dangerous. It will be impossible to detect the presence of carbon monoxide accumulation without CO detectors. The reason being its odorless, tasteless, colorless form. You won’t even know that you are breathing CO until the symptoms show up.
It is highly dangerous when inhaled in an enclosed space; even a low concentration can harm your health. It affects mainly older people, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses. When there is a high level of CO present in the room, it can result in heavy and permanent damage and might cause death in a short time.
The CO will get in your bloodstream, and it will replace the oxygen in your blood. The continuous exposure to CO will reduce the oxygen level below what your body needs to function.
If you don’t go out in the open air, the CO keeps building up, and you show symptoms of low oxygen level like headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. We know this as carbon monoxide poisoning. If this keeps up, you will faint in no time and will need immediate medical assistance.
You may want to read: What Size Generator Do I Need for a Construction Site?
Why is Carbon Monoxide So Common Inside Homes?
The generators are not the only source of carbon monoxide; every appliance that burns some fuel generates carbon monoxide. It includes furnaces, water heaters, clothing dryers, fireplaces, burning of wood, incomplete combustion of natural gas, etc. This reason is why carbon monoxide is more common in houses.
Note that these appliances are correctly designed to keep the exhaust out of your house and release it into an atmosphere, but it might not be possible in certain instances. CO can creep inside through cracks and air vents. That’s why you must install a CO detector inside your house.
These sensors can detect leaks and back drafting and warn you. They give you time to go out before the damage; then, you can call the professionals to find the source and repair the problem.
How to Reduce the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide?
A simple way to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation inside a house is by keeping the generator far away. The generator should be sufficiently away from your home so that no fumes can creep in from doors or windows. You can’t run the generator inside. Even inside the garage while keeping the door open.
Moreover, we should place the generator for air to flow around all sides of it freely. The ventilation will allow the exhaust to be dispersed in the environment and not accumulate.
Other than that, you can install the carbon monoxide detectors, and they will warn you when they will detect the CO. It is vital to have them as you can’t say if there is CO in your house or not, so keep you and your family safe, install them.
Conclusion
As we discussed, yes, the propane generators produce carbon monoxide but in a tiny quantity. It shouldn’t be a problem because a generator will always run outside. Besides, propane is the cleanest fuel which has a meager impact on the environment.
There are tons of benefits of using propane as a fuel that also we have discussed. The use of a propane generator ensures better health for you, your family, and the globe. Of course, it makes a slight difference, but sums of minor differences will lead to a significant change.
I hope the topic “Propane Generators Run Clean But Do They Produce Carbon Monoxide?” does help you a bit. Let us know what you think in the comment below! Thank you and hope to see you around soon!
