When the Lights Go Out

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

A portable generator keeps the lights on when a storm leaves you in the dark.

A power outage is often an unfortunate after-effect of a storm.  Whether it's due to a tornado, ice storm, thunderstorm, or hurricane, an electrical loss can range from merely inconvenient to life-threatening.  When the lights go out, many businesses and homes rely on a generator to get them out of the dark.  There are a range of generator sizes available, depending on your needs.  A portable generator can handle important items like a refrigerator or freezer for a limited amount of time.  These generators run on gasoline and must be frequently refueled.  Another option is a whole-home generator.  It is permanently installed outside of a home and uses liquid propane or natural gas for fuel.  It is designed to kick on seconds after a power loss so the home will continue running as normal. 

Which is right for your home?  It depends on your needs.  There are several online calculators to help you narrow down the size and style of generator that would be most beneficial for your needs.

There are some important safety measures to keep in mind when considering a generator for your home.  Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the primary dangers of improper generator usage.  Carbon monoxide is produced as generators burn fuel.  It is odorless and colorless, and in enclosed spaces, it can be deadly.  Always make sure a generator is well-ventilated and kept at least 20ft from the home.  It must be outdoors, so do not put it in your garage!  Some more-modern portable generators have built-in sensors to shut off the generator in the event of too much carbon monoxide.  This is incredibly beneficial, but it's important to set up your generator in the proper location before first use! 

A portable or whole-home generator is a great standby source of electricity during a power outage.  They also save you money during a prolonged outage by keeping your refrigerator and freezer operational, preventing major food loss!  Be sure to buy the correct size generator for your home to prevent overloading it.  Keep a gasoline-powered portable generator away from your house to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.   Use it properly and keep it maintained so the next time your neighborhood has an outage, you can be the light in the dark!