More Power Outages to Come?

The lights flicker, and then… darkness. No clocks, no television, no nothing. You fumble for flashlights and candles, hoping the power will soon be back on. That’s the way it’s always been. But is that the way it will always be?

You’ve heard the stories of America’s overtaxed power systems – and the promises of new power plants within a few decades. But how many power outages will you face until then? For many, the answer to the unknown is a home generator. Sales are skyrocketing. Before you join the pack, keep these things in mind:

• Safety first! Improper use puts you, your neighbors and power workers at risk. Only a qualified, licensed electrician should connect a generator to your power system.

• Before the purchase, make sure that the appliances you’ll need in an emergency can be run safely with the size generator you’re buying. Examples are the refrigerator, furnace, lights, freezer and TV/VCR.

• Choose a fuel that is easily available – and make sure there’s adequate ventilation.

Maybe springtime will bring only beautiful weather, but in case of seasonal storms and power outages, these electric “security blankets” can keep your home humming. But how do you know which one is right for you?

 
Choosing the Right Generator

Home generators provide your home with a constant source of energy when destructive storms or overuse threaten your traditional means of power. When looking for a home generator:

1. Determine your emergency energy needs. Most who buy a home generator want to power their refrigerator, lights for a few rooms, furnace, water heater, air conditioner, home security system and medical equipment.

2. Unless you have a large house with greater-than-usual heating or cooling needs, an eight-kilowatt generator should do the job.

3. Pick a generator that runs on appropriate fuel. Home generators typically use natural gas, propane, gasoline or diesel fuel. Natural gas is the most economical; propane is the second cheapest option. If neither is easy to get, choose diesel or gasoline.