Do You Need a Generator this Winter?
AccuWeather.com Chief Long-Range Forecaster Joe Bastardi has predicted a wintry battle zone for areas of the mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Residents in these areas may experience ice storms during the winter.
During ice storms, ice can build up on power lines and trees. The result is often lines that are pulled down, leaving people without electricity.
One option many people consider is if they should buy an emergency generator for the times they lose power. There are many things to take into consideration before purchasing one.
Generators come in two types, portable and standby units. Each of these generators have benefits and drawbacks to consider according to the Smps.us website.
The least expensive kind are the portable gas models. One that generates 4,000 watts of power costs about $350. These generators are portable and can be run on several different fuels. They can run on gasoline, diesel, natural gas (NG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly called propane gas. This type of generator will power a refrigerator, television and maybe a lamp.
The drawback to the portable generators is that they are not good for long-term power outages due to their need to be refueled frequently.
Standby generators are generally whole-house generators that are hooked up to the existing fuel lines at your home. These generators can be set to come on automatically with a loss of power and turn off when the power is restored.
The drawbacks to standby units are that they are very expensive and require professional installation. The prices for these generators range between $1,850 for a 7-kilowatt unit to between $12-$13,000 for a 28kwh unit.
A 10kwh unit is able to run a refrigerator, freezer, a few emergency lights and a fan. To run everything in the house, a person would need a generator rated at between 28 kwh and 48 kwh.
Once you have purchased a generator, it is important to read the manual for all safety instructions. All generators should never be used inside of the home. The engines produce carbon monoxide emissions which are fatal if inhaled, according to The Restoration Resource website.
Generators should be used outdoors in a well ventilated area away from all openings to the house. This precaution will keep you and your family safe.
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