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Generator
In this day and age, there is no shortage of challenges that homeowners are faced on a regular basis.
From inconsistent energy to frequent power outages in the aftermath of natural disasters, now is the time for you to consider the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family in the event of a power outage or other emergency situation outside of calling a maintenance expert.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your family during times of trouble is installing a home generator.
A home generator can be a lifesaver and provide countless benefits, such as convenience, safety, and peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of generators in your home!
Electricity Not Working? Some Possible Causes Are…
1. Equipment Failure
It may be that your fusebox has a loose connection. Try to reset the breaker and see if the power comes back on. If not, it might be time to contact a maintenance expert.
2. Power Wire Damage
It’s not uncommon for power wires to sustain damage due to a falling tree branch or other forms of environmental hazards. If this is the case, the power company will repair the damage.
3. Overdue Electric Bill
When an electric bill is late, the power company will sometimes cease service to your home until they receive the delayed payment. If there seems to be no other plausible reason for a power outage in your home, double-check to ensure your most recent electric bill was paid.
4. Extreme Weather
Extreme weather phenomenons such as tropical cyclones, tornados, hurricanes, blizzards, and more have a track record of putting out electricity, sometimes for days at a time. A generator comes in handy during those occasions when you’re forced to wait for the power to return.
5. Energy Shortage
If your locale is experiencing an energy shortage, it’s possible that energy is being rationed and rerouted for strategic purposes. Although rare, this can certainly happen in times of economic crisis or war, depending on where you’re located in the world.
What is a Home Generator?
A home generator is a mechanical device that converts fuel energy into electric energy.
These machines have been used for years by larger establishments (such as hospitals and factories) to provide backup power in a power outage.
They also provide an alternative form of fuel for those who live in remote, outlying areas without access to traditional electricity like rural farming communities.
Home generators can be refueled with natural gas, gasoline, propane, or diesel fuel. These are a few benefits of generators
Types of Home Generators
1. Portable Generators
Portable generators are compact, lightweight, and designed for ease of use. Most are designed specifically to power your home. Still, some models can be used for other applications, including charging your batteries in an emergency and powering small electronics for short periods of time.
For example, you might use a portable generator to power a refrigerator and television during a storm or power a pair of lights during an electrical outage.
2. Inverter Generators
An inverter generator is a type of hybrid generator that can run on a variety of fuels (usually gasoline or diesel) while also being able to run on electricity and alternating current (AC). They’re also quieter and less expensive than other types of generators, such as standby power units.
Inverter generators are currently the most popular type of generator on the market due to their low cost of ownership, quiet operation, and relatively simple maintenance.
3. Standby Generators
A standby generator is a type of backup power supply for electric power in a primary electric power system interruption. In this case, it provides backup power when all other electric power has failed and the grid cannot function. It is usually used at hospitals, airports, and other facilities that use large amounts of electricity when AC service has been interrupted by electric service outages or natural disasters.
Standby generators are used to generate auxiliary output during extended blackouts. Some commercially-available standby generators use fuel cells to generate hydrogen gas which powers an internal combustion engine that drives an electrical generator (a diesel engine). This method is more suited to commercial facilities with no air quality control or waste disposal issues.
Benefits of Generators in Emergency Situations
There are many benefits of generators in emergency situations, but here are some of the most important ones!
- Essential Household Appliances Can Remain in Working Order
Refrigerators, sump pumps, heaters, air conditioning units, and more rely on electricity to function. If you’re faced with a situation where you’re without power for days on end, having a generator to power these appliances is invaluable to the safety and well-being of you and your family.
- The Chance of Burglary & Theft is Reduced
Not only does a generator allow you and your family to remain in your home during an emergency, but it also ensures your home has power even if you aren’t there. This can deter would-be burglars or looters. Plus, your homeowner’s insurance rate will likely be lower, which is another bonus.
How to Start & Use Your Generator
Reap the benefits of generators by learning some best practices for using your generator to get the most out of it during an emergency!
- Never set up the generator indoors, as fumes from the engine pose a severe threat of carbon monoxide buildup in enclosed areas. Bring the generator outside and place it at least 20 feet from your house. Ensure that its exhaust vent is pointed away from any doors and windows.
- Unplug the cords before starting (or stopping) the generator, as this might cause the generator to cease electrical flow even if it’s running.
- Turn the fuel valve on.
- Set the choke to the “on” setting. This allows the generator to warm up, and using more fuel during the initial starting phase makes it easier to start the engine.
- Turn the generator on using the ignition switch.
- If the starter button doesn’t work, pull the recoil cord.
- Once started, connect the cords to the generator outlet.
Connect all appliances to the generator outlets. Be careful not to overload a circuit breaker with too many appliances if your generator has multiple.
