When storms hit Syracuse and other parts of New York, power outages can last hours or even days. For many homeowners, a generator is the go-to solution for keeping lights on and essential appliances running. But with generator use comes the serious hazard of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. 

Home Power Systems has spent years helping New York residents prepare for outages with safe, reliable generator setups. Knowing how to reduce carbon monoxide risk during a power outage is critical for protecting your home and family. 

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Risks with Generators 

Generators produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of burning fuel. This gas is colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly if it builds up in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Because CO is undetectable without a monitor, people often do not realize there is a problem until symptoms appear. 

Early warning signs of CO exposure can include headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. In severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to unconsciousness or death. During prolonged outages in Syracuse, especially those caused by winter storms, homeowners may run generators continuously to power heating systems, refrigerators, and sump pumps. Without proper precautions, CO can seep into living spaces through door gaps, open windows, or HVAC intakes. 

Even partially ventilated spaces like attached garages, covered porches, or basements with open windows are unsafe for generator operation. Wind direction during a storm can push exhaust toward your home, increasing the chance that CO will accumulate indoors. 

Key Generator Safety Tips to Reduce Carbon Monoxide Risk 

To operate your generator safely during a power outage: 

• Place generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents. This distance helps prevent exhaust gases from entering the home, even during windy conditions. 
• Install battery-operated or plug-in CO detectors with alarms on every floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas. 
• Never run a generator in garages, basements, or enclosed porches, even if doors or windows are open, since CO can linger and build up quickly. 
• Use a transfer switch to safely connect the generator to your home’s electrical system and avoid back-feeding, which can complicate CO safety by forcing improper ventilation setups. 
• Never attempt to modify a generator’s exhaust system without professional guidance, as this can trap gases or cause dangerous leaks. 
• Schedule regular professional inspections from Home Power Systems to ensure your generator’s exhaust system and safety features are functioning properly. 
• Keep extra fuel stored safely, along with spare CO detectors and fresh batteries, so you are ready before the next outage.

These steps greatly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide entering your home and give you time to respond if CO levels begin to rise. 

New York-Specific Considerations 

Syracuse winters bring unique challenges to generator safety. Heavy snow can pile up quickly, blocking exhaust outlets and trapping CO around the generator. Lake-effect snowstorms can create drifts several feet high, which may block vents within hours. Ice buildup can also create slippery conditions, making it harder to maintain a safe clearance. 

In neighborhoods near Onondaga Lake or in older parts of Syracuse where power infrastructure is aging, outages can happen more frequently and last longer, requiring extended generator use. Homeowners should routinely check the exhaust pipe for obstructions and clear snow away from the unit at least once every few hours during a storm. 

During subzero temperatures, some residents may be tempted to place generators in partially enclosed spaces for warmth. This is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make, as CO can accumulate within minutes. Always prioritize safe placement, even when conditions are extreme. 

Why Choose Home Power Systems for Generator Safety 

Home Power Systems has built a strong reputation for helping homeowners in Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and surrounding areas prepare for outages without compromising safety. Our team specializes in installing and maintaining generators that meet both performance needs and strict safety standards. 

We conduct detailed inspections that include checking ventilation paths, ensuring proper exhaust clearance, and testing CO detection systems. For homeowners with older setups, we can retrofit equipment to meet current safety codes and improve protection against CO exposure. We can also help you choose a generator with features like low-CO emission technology, automatic shutdown if exhaust is obstructed, and integration with your home’s transfer switch system. From ensuring proper ventilation to recommending the best CO detection solutions, we provide services tailored to New York’s weather patterns and housing layouts. 

If you want to reduce carbon monoxide risk during a power outage, our experts can design a system that is both reliable and safe for your family. Call Home Power Systems today to schedule a safety consultation, set up preventive maintenance, or prepare your home’s generator for the upcoming season.