Follow 5 tips for buying a generator
With the 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 power outages earlier this year due to the winter storm, may lead some homeowners to consider whether buying a generator may be a good idea for their home.
Certainly, a generator could help during a major emergency when electricity may be out for an extended period of time, but it can also be helpful during shorter blackouts or even for outdoor events, such as camping. There are many options available, 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 these five tips:
• Do your research
and plan ahead. 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. Customers on the search for generators are being told that there is approximate a six-month delay. You will likely not get a generator in time for this hurricane season, but it could be ready for future storms and issues. Also, check on 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. You may visit www.houstontx.gov to learn more 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 may also 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 www.tsbpe.state.tx.us. You may also check with the BBB for reports on electricians and plumbers.
• Conduct regular maintenance and ensure safe operation. Test the generator on occasion to make sure it is working properly, in advance of a storm or a time when you need it, 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 that may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.