December 22, 2025: An incident report details multiple failures of Generac 7226/7228 home standby generators during a local power outage, leading to carbon monoxide alarms and strong propane smells in several homes. The issue was identified as a filter clogged with snow, a problem that recurred multiple times over a prolonged outage and affected at least four households in one neighborhood, with one incident requiring emergency medical services.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident occurred during a local power outage on December 3, 2025, when a Generac 7226/7228 home standby generator automatically activated. After approximately seven hours of operation, the generator ceased functioning. Shortly thereafter, the home’s carbon monoxide (CO) alarm activated, and a strong propane odor filled the residence. The homeowners immediately ventilated their home and evacuated until the alarm cleared.
An emergency service call was placed to a local Generac dealer. A service technician arrived later that afternoon and identified the problem as a filter clogged with snow. While the technician “fixed” the immediate issue, the report indicates this “clogged filter problem occurred multiple times during the 110 hours of the power outage.” The homeowner was instructed on how to clear the filter, which allowed them to perform preemptive maintenance before total generator failure. However, even with these proactive measures, the carbon monoxide alarm still sounded at times prior to the generator stopping.
Alarmingly, the report notes that four neighbors in the same area experienced the identical failure with their Generac generators. Three of these incidents also resulted in carbon monoxide alarms, and one neighbor required emergency medical services due to the incident.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several serious safety concerns associated with the Generac 7226/7228 generators when operating in snowy conditions:
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risk: The most critical concern is the sounding of carbon monoxide alarms and the need for emergency medical services in one instance. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances. Blocked generator exhaust or improper combustion due to issues like a clogged air filter can lead to CO buildup. Exposure to CO can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and can be fatal.
- Propane Leak and Fire/Explosion Hazard: The strong propane smell indicates a potential leak or improper combustion, posing a significant risk of fire or explosion. Propane is highly flammable, and even small leaks can accumulate and be ignited by a spark, leading to catastrophic consequences.
- Generator Failure During Critical Times: Home standby generators are designed to provide power during outages, often in severe weather. Repeated failures due to snow-clogged filters mean consumers are left without essential power, heat, and lighting when they need it most, potentially compromising their safety and well-being.
- Widespread Problem: The report indicates that this issue affected multiple neighbors, suggesting it may not be an isolated incident but rather a systemic design or operational vulnerability of these specific Generac models in snowy environments.
- Property Damage Potential: A propane leak or uncontrolled combustion could lead to significant damage to the generator itself, the surrounding property, or the entire home.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Generac 7226/7228 generator or a similar model, especially if you live in an area prone to snowfall, it is crucial to take the following steps:
- Immediate Action During Incidents:
* If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you smell propane, evacuate your home immediately.
* Do not attempt to troubleshoot the generator.
* Once safely outside, call emergency services (e.g., your local fire department).
* Do not re-enter your home until emergency personnel have deemed it safe.
- Check Your Product: Verify if you own a Generac 7226 or 7228 model generator.
- Install and Maintain CO Detectors: Ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test them regularly and replace batteries as recommended.
- Generator Placement and Clearance: Always ensure your generator is installed and maintained with adequate clearance from snow, debris, and any obstructions that could block air intake or exhaust vents. Never operate a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
- Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Consider professional inspections, particularly before severe weather seasons, to ensure all components, including filters, are clean and functional. If you live in a snowy area, discuss specific winterizing and maintenance procedures with your service provider.
- Monitor for Warning Signs: Be vigilant for any unusual smells (like propane or exhaust), changes in generator operation, or error codes. If you suspect an issue, contact a qualified service technician.
- Report Incidents: If you experience a similar incident with your Generac generator or any other consumer product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this report, the manufacturer, Generac Power Systems, Inc., has not provided a response to this specific incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.