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Whole-house generators a plus during outages

Dear Jim: It’s inconvenient when the electric goes off during storms. I want to get a generator. Is it expensive to operate a whole-house generator during outages? If not, why not always use one? – Cindy H.

Dear Cindy: Many homeowners install large whole-house emergency backup generators because most activities require electricity today. The problem is not from just storms. During the summertime with high air-conditioning loads, there sometimes also are brownout on hot afternoons.

Whenever there is an electricity outage or a brownout, a standby backup generator automatically starts producing electricity as soon as its engine gets started. The delay period is very short. It may run for several minutes to several days until the electricity power is restored.

Even using inexpensive natural gas, the cost to operate a generator is more than your current electric rate. Since it runs for a relatively short time, the operating cost is not significant. Running one continuously would wear it out because it is not designed for that and there are maintenance costs.

When selecting a whole-house backup generator, determine what “whole-house” means to you. This impacts how large (output capacity) a unit you need. Having enough power for cooking, refrigeration, lighting, television, and operating a furnace blower are typical essential needs.

Electricity output from a generator is rated in KW (kilowatts). For a typical family of four, a 12-KW backup generator is adequate for most activities. By doing without some appliances and not trying to do use many simultaneously, you may get by with a smaller, less expensive unit.

To size your generator, make a list of the electric items you want to keep running. Check the wattage on each one and total them. Electric motors use more wattage briefly at startup, so add in a little extra. Since installing one is not a do-it-yourself project, contact an installer for sizing advice.

Definitely install an ATS (automatic transfer switch) with your generator. This is more convenient for you and safe for the utility company repair workers. When the ATS senses a power outage or brownout (low voltage), it disconnects your house from the electric grid and starts the generator.

Another advantage of having an ATS is it starts and runs the generator periodically just to make sure everything is functioning properly for when it is needed. This is called exercising the system.

Natural gas is the least expensive and cleanest fuel to power a backup generator. The small engine requires little regular maintenance. Propane is another clean burning fuel. Propane is considerably more expensive than natural gas and a propane storage tank is needed.

A diesel-powered generator requires more maintenance and a tank. A big advantage is if the electricity outage is very long, you can easily dump more diesel fuel into the tank to keep it running.

The following companies offer backup standby generators: Baldor, (479) 646-4711, www.baldor.com; Coleman Powermate, (888) 977-2622, www.powermate.com; Cummins Onan, (800) 888-6626, www.cumminsonan.com; Generac Power Systems, (888) 436-3722, www.generac.com; and Kohler Power Systems, (800) 544-2444, www.kohlergenerators.com.

Dear Jim: The back of our house is built into a small grade. Several of the side windows are in window wells and they don’t let in much light. What can we do to so we don’t have to turn on as many lamps? – Jim Y.

Dear Jim: One method is to paint the inside of the window well with white or silver paint. Taping reinforced foil in the window well is even more effective. Cover the bottom of the window well with crushed white rock.

This reflects much more of the natural light into your windows. Cover the window well with a inexpensive domed clear plastic cover. This keeps out dirt and leaves.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Newspaper Name, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

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