Backup generators a power protector
Most people with a cottage know that having a generator can be a saving grace. When you pair unreliable power sources and cottage-country weather, having a generator just makes sense to protect your home in case of a lengthy outage. Having a generator at home as well as your cottage can be your insurance policy against extreme weather and power outages.
WHY HAVE A GENERATOR?
Havi n g a sustained power outage can lead to a lot of issues. There’s the concern that everything in your fridge and freezer will spoil — but there’s a lot that many homeowners may not think about. Without power, your sump pump may stop working, and you could find your basement flooded. And of course, because homeowners may be trying to heat their home using alternate sources — the threat of carbon- monoxide ( CO) poisoning increases.
Having a generator at home isn’t just about convenience. In the event of dangerous weather or driv- ing conditions, you want to avoid leaving your house if you can. Having a safe source of power to operate your home means protecting your family.
ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL
Once you’ve decided you need a generator, you need to determine whether you can make do with a portable generator or install a standby generator. There are a lot of tools online that can help you determine what size generator you need based on what you need to supply power to. The number and size of appliances you want to power will determine how much wattage you will need from your generator. If you want to keep the lights going, make some coffee, or use the radio, you can probably make do with a portable generator. Personally, in the event of a sustained power loss, I want to make sure I’m covered completely, so I would opt to install a home standby generator.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
You c an ge t a home st a ndby g e nerator bi g enough to produce enough power to run your home in the case of an outage. That includes using the furnace in the winter and the air conditioner in the summer. Standby generators provide the best coverage because they constantly monitor your home’s electrical supply. If there is any kind of power interruption, it automatically kicks in and starts to pro- vide power directly to your home’s electrical system through a transfer switch — like the power that comes in from the grid. And because it’s hooked right to your natural gas or propane system, it doesn’t need refuelling — which I love.
Like your air conditioner, a home standby generator is permanently installed in a location outside your home. Generally mounted on a pad, they must be in an open area away from window and doors. Because all generators produce carbon monoxide, you want to make sure that CO doesn’t seep into your home. Installing a standby generator isn’t a DIY project. The generator directly connects to your electrical panel and gas supply, so the installation process must be handled by a licensed electrician and a gas fitter.
A standby generator is a great investment for when you’re away from home for long periods of time. Since it can detect outages, it will kick in, and the major appliances you count on to keep your home safe and secure, like your sump pump or security system remain working without interruption.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
There are a few safety rules for properly using your generator. Installing your generator isn’t a DIY job, so hire a professional to set it up. Always make sure you are operating it safely.
If you have a portable unit, never operate it in- doors, in your garage or near any open areas where fumes can get into your home, because the engines give off CO. Make sure your CO detectors are in proper working order. If they aren’t hardwired, change the batteries twice per year. I do mine when the clocks change.
As mentioned before, keep your generator as far away from any doors and windows as possible.
Before using your generator, always read the owner’s manual first. Each system will have different safety precautions, and you want to make sure you are operating your unit safely.
Having a backup generator just makes sense. Whether it’s for your home or the cottage, it can provide peace of mind in the event of a major power failure that and it will keep your home safe, and running smoothly. And to me, that’s making it right.