Generator: What Type Do You Need?
Posted January 13th, 2009 by tinaWhile not an expert on generators, I recognize how critical they are for home owners during power outages. We’ve had several outages in New England these last 2 months, so I’ve been wanting to do further research and share my findings … as #1, you MUST insure proper ventilation so the fumes from the generator don’t get into your home which can be deadly.
Right now I’m writing my January newsletter on Home Improvements, Cost versus Value. I was surprised, and thankful, to see they’ve included a home generator on their list of home improvement projects. Maybe you’ll be more comfortable investing in this new home feature once you realize that on resale, you can expect to recoup more than 50% of the cost?
Here is the the description of the Back-Up Power Generator, in Remodeling Magazine’s 2008 Cost vs Value Report.
“Install Guardian or similar electrical back-up system with capacity for providing 70 amps of emergency power in two 240-volt circuits and six 120-volt circuits. Assume existing LP gas supply. Include generator mounted on 2×4 concrete or composite pad; automatic transfer switch, load center; exterior disconnect, and grounding rod. Include 30 feet of conduit and electrical cable for generator connections; grounded cable for circuits; 5 feet of flexible fuel line for connection to existing rigid gas supply line; and automotive-type storage battery.”
Tags: backup power generator, generator, power outage, preparing for emergency
We have no choice, our sump pump would stop if we lost power and the basement would flood. So we had to have one when we built the house. As it turns out, I was very happy to have a generator during the ice storm recently. We were the only house on our street to have power. We would have been without power for 48 hours without it. In my opinion, it was worth the investment.
During the last two major storms we had our snow blower out of commission at the service place. When they brought it back I spoke to the delivery man and he said that there were about 30 generators that still needed to be repaired. Here are the questions I asked; what was the major problem; what what can be done to avoid this. His answers: the major problem was that people who have generators don’t start them and drain the gas. It seems that gas lasts about two weeks without the proper additives.Gas can stay in the tank if this additive is there. The generator should be started once a week. So–get the additive for your generator or drain the gas, and start it up once a week all year long!