Getting generator can be good move
With hurricane season active through November, the greater Houston area is always at risk to be affected by either a hurricane or a tropical storm. This risk, combined with Houston’s devastating storms and power outages earlier this year, may lead some homeowners to consider whether purchasing a generator for their home may be a good idea.
Certainly, a generator could help during a major emergency when electricitymay be out for an extended period of time, but it also can be helpful during shorter blackouts or even for outdoor events, such as camping.
There are many options, whether you prefer a portable generator or a standby, stationary generator that will power your entire home during a crisis.
As you evaluate whether investing in a generator may be beneficial for your home, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips:
• Do your research. Make sure you are purchasing the generator from a reputable retailer and check BBBHouston.org for information on the types of complaints and customer reviews the business may receive. Also, check return policies before you buy.
• Examine your needs for the generator. Will you want the generator to power your entire home or only specific things, such as a refrigerator or only particular rooms in your home? Do you prefer a generator fueled with gasoline or propane? All of these variables will affect the price as well, so you will want to determine what type of generator best fits your needs and budget.
• Check local regulations. Permitting rules for installing generators may vary depending on where you live and the type of generator you will use. For instance, the City of Houston has a permit and inspection process if you are installing a standby generator. Visit www.houstontx. gov to learnmore about these requirements.
• Hire licensed professionals, as installing a generator can be difficult and unsafe, you should hire professionals, specifically licensed electricians and possibly plumbers too, to perform the work for you; these professionals alsomay be necessary for permitting and inspection requirements. You can verify electrician licensing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at www.tdlr.texas.gov, and plumber licensing with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners at the site www.tsbpe.state.tx.us.
You also can check with the BBB for reports on electricians and plumbers.
• Conduct regular maintenance and ensure safe operation. In advance of a stormor a time when you need it, test the generator on occasion to make sure it is working properly, and follow instructions in the manual to determine other necessary maintenance checks.
For safety, make sure the generator is never operating indoors or in an enclosed space, as itmay cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.
There are many options, whether you prefer a portable generator or a standby, stationary generator...