Saturday, February 07, 2015

I'm always generating some new details to help homeowners get through tough winter storms. In this segment, we'll review the difference a whole house generator can make when the power goes out.

John Lucera of Connecticut-based Wesson Energy says that an automatic standby whole-house generator provides a reliable and safe back up to the electrical system that operates regardless of whether or not anyone is in a home.

Within seconds of a power outage, the generator automatically supplies power directly to a home’s electrical circuit breaker box, Lucera says. After the utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off.

These little power plants operate on natural gas or liquid propane gas and are usually located outside the home under weather safe and visually appealing covers.

Lucera says during a utility power outage, an automatic standby generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator; and they come recommended by The American Red Cross as a safer way to provide immediate backup power.

A properly installed generator, located outside, reduces the risk of deadly carbon monoxide entering the home – a common hazard with portable generators that we touched on in a previous segment this month.

Mike Sawisch of Electric Generators Direct of Bolingbrook, IL offers a range of Generac brand generators from the top selling Generac QuietSource 48 kW model for about $14,400, to a similar 22kW unit, which is actually the company's top rated for around $8,700.

For homes with smaller needs, mygenset.net recommends the 15 kW IntelliGen or the 7 kW Empower by Briggs and Stratton - both highly rated, along with the 14 kW Kohler 14RESAL.

According to Lucera, there is never a need for monitoring as automatic generators provide 24/7 protection regardless if a home is occupied or not, and they automatically shut off when utility power returns - an additional advantage that saves fuel and unnecessary wear and tear.

To ensure safety and adherence to all local, state and national electrical codes Lucera recommends finding an authorized dealer of trusted generator brands like Generac, or a licensed contractor for installation requirements in your region.

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