A Guide To Choosing And Using The Right Standby Generator
If the recent hurricanes and fires that have impacted so many people and their homes have inspired you to invest in a standby generator to protect your family in case of a similar emergency, you have probably already noticed how challenging it can be to choose the right one. Since an emergency generator is a big purchase and many people will go years or more before they need to buy a second one, it only makes sense that choosing the most appropriate unit for your current and future needs is crucial. Therefore, it is a good idea to consider the following information when making that decision.
Understanding The Role Of The Emergency Generator
One of the more common errors for homeowners to make is choosing a generator that is either too big or not big enough to meet the emergency energy needs of everyone in the home. To avoid that problem, you will first need to calculate how much energy you will need and just in case, add a bit extra to that total. It is important to note that when you first turn on an electrical item, it will use more energy to start than it will to keep running. That means that you should determine the total watt usage of all the items you plan to run at the same time, being sure to consider what emergency use consists of for the people in your family.
Determining The Extent Of Your Family's Need For Electricity After A Disaster
An air conditioner is certainly nice to have but requires a lot of electricity to run, and you may want to consider avoiding its use in an emergency situation. In addition, pumping water from your well is likely to be necessary, and breathing, CPAP, and nebulizer machines will frequently get heavy use after a disaster. Refer to your owner's manual to clarify the wattage used by every appliance to start and use, then add those numbers together and round up a bit to allow for fluctuation. Then use that information to choose a new emergency generator.
Choosing A Safe Place For The Unit
Another aspect associated with the use of an emergency generator is obviously going to be the safety associated with its use. While you may automatically assume that carbon monoxide is your big concern in the event of a disaster, it is almost as important to be sure that the generator is located in an area where you can protect it. It should be at least ten feet away to protect your family members from the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, but you will want to keep it somewhere that it does not attract the interest of less-than-reputable people who might be interested in stealing it. Given that looting and rioting are very real concerns after a natural disaster, planning for the safe and discreet use of your generator is essential.
One way to protect your investment is by choosing a permanent generator that is a permanent addition to your home and therefore cannot be stolen, although that is much more expensive. Regardless, plan for the unit to be on a flat surface and not enclosed within the home, garage, shed or other area without access to the air you will need to dissipate the fumes. In addition, use sturdy extension cords and keep the unit somewhere within visual range to protect your ownership of it.
In conclusion, choosing an emergency generator is a big purchase and it is crucial to be sure that you have opted for the most appropriate units for the current and future needs of your household. As a result, applying the facts provided above will be very helpful. Contact a company like Anderson Water Systems to learn more.