The role of effective power generators is rapidly changing from an optional accessory to a must-have for household safety. How do you know which type to get and how environmentally friendly the available choices for the typical homeowner are right now?
Here’s a look at effective power generators you can get to maintain electrical security when the grid can’t be depended on:
Portable Generators
These smaller, gasoline-powered units have been a mainstay for decades on camping trips and at outdoor sporting events and construction sites. However, portable generators have inherent drawbacks when it comes to suitability for home use during a total power outage.
- Due to a carbon monoxide hazard from gasoline exhaust, portable units must be operated outdoors only and placed at least 20 feet from the house.
- In stormy, wet, or snowy conditions, running extension cords outdoors to the generator may be hazardous.
- A gasoline supply must be available at all times in the event of an unexpected outage.
- Most portable units are only rated to supply enough electricity to power a very few home functions.
Whole-House Units
Whole-home effective power generators are permanently hard-wired into the household circuit board. Their increasing importance speaks for itself: One major manufacturer recently reported a 50% increase in installations during a single year. Here are some reasons why:
- Whole-home generators are always ready and actuate automatically if an outage is detected — even if no one’s home.
- A typical unit is about the size and appearance of a central AC and permanently installed next to the house.
- Many whole-home generators use natural gas already piped into your house. These units do not produce dangerous carbon monoxide emissions. Also, natural gas from your local utility is usually not interrupted by power outages.
- Whole-home units generate enough electricity to power multiple circuits inside the house. Large units can supply electricity to the entire house.
- When utility power is restored, a whole-house generator automatically switches power circuits back to the grid power, then shuts down.
In this era of electrical uncertainty, Paitson Bros. has more information about effective power generators. Since 1922, we’ve been keeping you connected to the latest technology for home comfort and security.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922