How to Buy a Backup Power Generator

If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, hurricanes or tornadoes, it's a good idea to buy a backup power generator. Sometimes it doesn't even take a disaster to knock out your power. In Los Angeles a 2006 heat wave caused power failures across the region. One hundred and forty deaths were blamed on the heat.

To choose a backup power generator, take these steps.



Instructions.1.1
First assess how much energy you use. This will range from your simple compact fluorescent reading lamps to your refrigerator and other appliances. It's possible to run a single room air conditioner from a portable generator, but central air is problematic. It uses too much power. If you live in a hot dry climate, you might want to consider keeping your fans going or switching to evaporative coolers which drain a lot less power. In an emergency, a 2,000-square-foot home should get buy with a 5,000 to 7,000 watt generator.

2.2
Decide how you'll power your home. The simplest way is to use extension cords and plug your appliances directly into the generator. Make sure that the cords are grounded with three prongs with enough heavy duty capacity. Don't overload the circuits.

Another option is to plug the generator directly into your home electrical system. If you do so it is vital that you have a qualified electrician install a manual transfer switch that will power your electrical devices with either the generator or from your utility. If you were to plug in without the protection of this switch you could electrocute the utility linemen who come to your neighborhood to fix the power outage.

3.3
Determine how much you want to spend. Power generators vary enormously in cost and features. You can get a 2,500 watt generator for as little as $500. At the high end for 10 to 20 times that you can get a full standby generator that will turn on automatically at the first sign of a power outage, running on natural gas that will handle all the electrical demands of your home.

4.4
Make sure you have enough fuel. Generators are available that run on natural gas, propane and diesel, although the most popular models are fueled by gasoline. If there's a local major power outage, it's quite feasible that you won't be able to pump gasoline for either your car or a generator. If you are going to use a backup power generator, you should have enough gas to last at least for your expected outage. As an example, Homelite makes a 2,500 watt model that holds five gallons of gas that will last five and a half hours. The last major local earthquake knocked out my power for close to 24 hours. Be sure to plan accordingly.