Hurricane Preparedness: Generator Tips
Hurricane season begins in a few weeks, and now is the time to prepare. In the event of a major hurricane, it is wise to have a backup generator to help keep your family safe and comfortable if the power goes out for an extended period.
Although running a generator might make you forget that the electricity is out in your neighborhood, it’s important to take precautions to keep your family safe.
Our electricians discuss how a backup generator can help you be prepared during hurricane season.
No Need to Stock Up on Fuel for a Generator
While a portable backup generator needs fuel to run, a permanent backup generator works with a transfer switch. When your power does go out, the transfer switch disconnects the utility line and connects your house to power from the generator. This can restore power to your home in seconds!
No longer will widespread power outages and gas station shutdowns be an issue, a permanent backup generator ensures that you have power regardless.
Related: What to Do When the Power Goes Out During a Storm
Portable Vs. Permanent
Portable generators often are kept in the garage, but permanent backup generators are generally installed as close to existing electrical service entrances to the home without getting too close. Be sure to follow local guidelines before installing, as gas and electric utility companies have specific requirements for clearances between their equipment and a generator.
While Portable generators can make life easier during power outages, beware — they can be deadly without proper ventilation. Generators emit toxic, undetectable carbon monoxide gas, so if you use them, always use these machines in a well-ventilated place! When you run the generator, place it in a level, dry, well-ventilated area and secure it to prevent high winds from turning it into an airborne projectile.
This is why we recommend installing a permanent backup generator because they run on natural gas or liquid propane, and sit outside your home just like a central air conditioning unit, thus being safer for you and your family.
Weather the storm with Axiom Power. We are licensed to help power your home or office through even the worst storm. Contact our contractors today — (813) 203-9328!
Be Efficient With Your Appliances
A generator to power your appliances is a wonderful convenience, but it shouldn’t be used excessively. Be cautious about the amount of wattage being used, and don’t exceed your backup generator’s capacity. Use appliances sparingly to conserve gas and energy.
Power’s Out
If you are using a permanent standby generator, it automatically turns on when power is lost, and then off when it returns. If you have a portable backup generator, it must be powered on and off manually and trying to predict when electricity returns is practically impossible. A permanent backup generator will shut on and off when the power goes out, so no need to check on the neighbors to see if their electricity is back on; yours will turn on automatically.
Learn more: Protecting Your Home's Electrical System in a Storm Surge
Don’t Forget the Essentials
A generator is one tool in hurricane preparedness, but don’t skip other preventive measures such as having an emergency kit packed with first-aid supplies, extra batteries, hygiene items, etc. With a permanent backup generator, you no longer have to worry about running an extension cord through a window from a portable generator, because your generator will safely deliver power right to your home’s electrical panel.
At Axiom Power, we know it is important to feel safe during an extended power outage. Call us today to install a permanent standby generator to keep you and your family safe!
Preventive Maintenance Before and After the Storm
Don’t wait until a hurricane is approaching to power up your generator. Test it well in advance of the first storm; that will give you time to troubleshoot any issues and repair if necessary.
If you have a gasoline-powered backup generator, you need to perform maintenance on it before and after a hurricane to ensure that it starts up again when you need it most. A permanent backup generator needs less maintaining and can last up to 10,000 to 30,000 hours. With proper preventative maintenance like changing the oil, oil filters, and maintaining cleanliness, a permanent backup generator can conceivably last 20 to 30 years.
When the portable generator is in use you should:
Keep pets and children away from the unit.
Use protective gear such as gloves when operating it.
Stand on dry ground when operating it and avoid starting or touching it with wet hands.
Start the generator before plugging anything into it.
Plug items in one at a time to avoid overloading the generator.
When shutting the unit down, unplug appliances one at a time.
When refueling, turn off the generator and give it a few minutes to cool down to prevent accidental combustion.
Check the oil when you refuel.
Before storing your portable backup generator for a long period after hurricane season ends, you should:
Drain the fuel and consider adding a fuel stabilizer to keep the carburetor clean.
Change the oil after you have allowed the generator to cool down.
Clean the air filter.
Cover the generator with a tarp and store it in a cool, dry place for next year.
Just think, you could avoid most of this maintenance by installing a permanent backup generator! What are you waiting for?
Don’t Be Left in the Dark
Be ready this year. Prepare early and have a plan in place for your backup electricity needs. Portable or permanent standby generators can help keep the lights on when the power goes out.
Never be without power again during a storm or electrical outage — call Axiom Power to discuss installing a standby backup generator for your home. Our local Tampa electricians are happy to answer your generator questions -- (813) 203-9328.