Storms and power failures go hand-in-hand in many neighborhoods at any time of year.
Antiquated power grids and substations — many designed more than 50 years ago — can’t keep up with increased consumer electricity consumption, especially during the hot summer months.
Mature trees tower precariously over power lines, often toppling onto live wires in high-wind conditions. This often renders members of the surrounding community powerless for days until tree removal crews clear the way for repairs to begin — a common scenario after Superstorm Sandy hit the northeast on Oct. 29, 2012.
After experiencing days and even weeks without power following Sandy, more people are opting for generators to provide an emergency power source. In fact, sales of full house generators, also called automatic standby generators, have quadrupled since the storm.
There are several options to consider when purchasing a generator.
Portable generators that run on gasoline are the least expensive mode at approximately $700-$2,000. But they can also be the most inconvenient, as there must always be a person on hand to monitor and fill them with gas whenever in use. Extension cords often create a maze of wires throughout the residence. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning exists if the unit is used closer than 5 feet from any opening in a building, such as a window or dryer vent. Trying to hard-wire a generator directly into a furnace can be extremely dangerous if not properly installed. Power spikes from portable generators can also ruin electronics such as smart phones, televisions and computers.
The most common mistake people make with portable units is not cleaning them out after use. If not drained, gas and oil will congeal in the line, and it won’t work next time you need it.
The professional installation of a transfer switch that provides 10 circuits leading out of a home’s current electric panel, or wiring it into a sub panel, can help homeowners avoid some of the above-mentioned situations. The portable generator then gets plugged into the panel and can provide electricity without extension cords. (The cost for this is approximately $1,500.)
Automatic standby generators provide seamless, consistent electrical power with no need for someone to be home all the time, no extension cords and no power spikes. It is also the most expensive route, ranging from $4,800 to $10,600 depending on the size of the home. Units exist that cool, lubricate and test themselves every week and indicate if there is a problem, so there are no surprises when the power goes out.
Options in full-house generators range from smaller 8-kilowatt units that allow homeowners to run the basics such as core lighting, a furnace or air conditioner and refrigerator, depending on the size of the home, to 20-kilowatt units that run every circuit in most homes. There are largers unites that start in the megawatt and go up to gigawatts for commercial buildings.
Automatic standby generators can run on natural gas piped directly into a home, or propane gas with 500-gallon propane tanks that last for four to five days. Many municipalities allow homeowners to bury the tanks underground for aesthetics.
It could take several days for installation of automatic standby generators to be completed by licensed electricians working in conjunction with a plumber or pipefitter who installs the gas line. In some cases, gas meters must be upgraded as well. Once the township inspects and approves the completed job, homeowners are orientated on the operation of the unit.
Proper maintenance of all generators is imperative. Annual contracts can be purchased to ensure that the unit functions properly.
Due to delays in acquiring permits for gas line installations and subsequent inspections from townships that may be overwhelmed with such requests, it can be a two- to three-month wait for a full-house generator installation.