Consider generator for aging in place
Baby boomers are turning 70 and more and more Houstonians prefer to stay in their home for as long as possible. The aging in place trend has people thinking about all sorts of usability issues which may involve various remodeling projects from replacing bath tubs with showers to installing access ramps for the wheelchair bound. But what about power outages? We tend to think more about power outages during hurricane season, but only 7 percent of outages are caused by hurricanes while 67 percent of outages are caused by other strong storms.
We rely on power in so many ways throughout the day. The aging population can be especially vulnerable to outages for health reasons. Consider medical devices such as CPAP machines, oxygen machines and for the severely ill, even feeding machines. Many cancer patients are sensitive to heat and some suffering from multiple sclerosis are sensitive to temperature changes as well. Some medications even require refrigeration.
Standby generators are no longer a luxury item. They do require an investment and permitting, and professional installation are nearly always a requirement. However, there is a bit of good news in this regard.
Over time, homeowners may have been swapping out their incandescent light bulbs for LED lights, and may have upgraded their A/C units and appliances for higher SEER units which are more energy efficient. So while five years ago, an average home in Houston may have required a 22 kW unit, today a 16kW unit may do the trick. While most consumer SEER rating tags have gotten much better, the National Electrical Code (NEC) hasn’t updated their ratings or adjusted for LED lights.
Generator companies should take the time to assess the entire power profile of a property rather than simply considering the total square feet of a home. A generator company can complete an evaluation designed to help properly size a unit for each property.
If there are specific medical needs, a standby unit can be configured for essential circuits only, partial home, or the complete home. Each can be set up to be completely automatic after a short delay.
When the power is restored, the generator returns to standby mode.
If you or someone you love is planning to stay in their home as they age, consider the importance of standby power as you plan your remodeling projects. This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community. To reach the author directly, email jared@generatorind.com. For more information on this article, please contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net. To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, please visit www.ghba.org.