CO2 Generators + Burners

A CO2 generator lifts carbon dioxide in a sealed room for plants under strong light, firing only when the controller calls for it. Pick an Autopilot LP or NG burner for grow rooms and greenhouses, and an ExHale bag for a tent or a small space.

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CO2 Generators + Burners

CO2 Generators: Propane and Natural Gas Burners, Plus CO2 Bags

A CO2 generator raises carbon dioxide in a sealed grow room or greenhouse. Burners use propane or natural gas, and bags use living mycelium. Autopilot burners cover large rooms, and ExHale bags suit tents. For ppm targets and timing, see our guide to adding CO2 to a grow tent....

CO2 generator infographic: Autopilot propane and natural gas burners, ExHale CO2 bags, output per burner count, safety

A burner needs a controller to switch it on and off at your set point, so pair it with one of our CO2 controllers and ppm monitors. Tanks, regulators and other enrichment gear sit in the wider CO2 section.

Types of CO2 Burners and Bags

Propane (LP) Burners

Autopilot LP generators come with 4, 8 or 10 brass burners. The 4-burner makes 10.6 cu ft of CO2 per hour at 9,052 BTU for rooms up to 4,000 cubic feet. The 8 and 10 step up to 21.2 and 26.5 cu ft per hour. Pick LP where a tank beats a gas line.

Natural Gas (NG) Burners

The NG versions run from a building gas line: 10.8, 21.6 and 27.7 cu ft per hour for the 4, 8 and 10 burner models. All use electronic ignition with no standing pilot, a tip-over shutoff, and a 24V AC adapter. They hang with 20 inches of clearance all around.

CO2 Bags

ExHale bags use mycelium growing on organic matter, so they need no power or controller. The Original covers 3 to 5 plants at up to 1,500 ppm for six months. The 365 suits a 4x4 tent, and the XL a 6x6 space. Hang them just above the canopy.

How Growers Use CO2 Enrichment

Run CO2 only while the lights are on and the room is closed. NC State Extension notes greenhouses hold 1,000 to 1,500 ppm in daylight. Burners also add heat and water vapor, so plan cooling. Clean, complete combustion matters, because poor burning can release carbon monoxide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a CO2 generator work?

A burner unit burns propane or natural gas, and the flame turns the fuel into carbon dioxide, heat and water vapor. A controller reads room ppm and fires the burners until the target is reached. ExHale bags work differently: mycelium breathes out CO2 as it grows.

Do greenhouses use CO2 generators?

Yes, closed greenhouses often do. NC State Extension describes natural gas, propane and kerosene units holding 1,000 to 1,500 ppm during daylight while the vents are shut. The fuel must be clean-burning and essentially free of sulfur, since ethylene and sulfur dioxide harm plants at very low levels.

Do CO2 bags work in grow tents?

They work best in small, recirculated spaces. ExHale rates its Original bag at up to 1,500 ppm for 3 to 5 plants, depending on room size and airflow. Exhaust fans pull CO2 out, so in a tent that vents constantly the effect drops. Hang the bag above the canopy and keep air moving.

Are CO2 burners dangerous?

They are safe with the right setup. Incomplete combustion can make carbon monoxide, so keep burners clean and bring in enough outside air. Autopilot units add a tip-over shutoff and lockout lights. Use a ppm monitor with an alarm, and ventilate the room before you work in it for long.