During the summer, a blackout can turn your comfortable home into a sweltering oven in a short amount of time. Your refrigerator becomes a ticking clock for your groceries. Fans also stop providing that much-needed breeze. Having a generator ready to go is like having an insurance policy for your indoor comfort. It allows you to maintain a sense of normalcy when the rest of the neighborhood is sitting in the dark. Plus, it keeps your family safe until the utility crews can fix the lines.
Choosing the Best Spot for Safety
Setting up your generator in the right location is critical. The exhaust fumes from the engine are invisible and very dangerous. You must keep the machine at least 20 feet away from your house. You should always point the exhaust pipe away from any windows, doors, or vents. Some people mistakenly think that a garage with an open door is a safe spot. However, the heavy carbon monoxide gas can still get trapped inside and seep into your living area. If you place the unit too close to a bedroom window, the fumes could enter while you’re sleeping and cause serious health problems.
Prioritizing Your Essential Appliances
Unless you have a whole-house system, you can’t run every single light and appliance at the same time. So, you have to be smart about what you plug in first. Your refrigerator and freezer should be at the top of your list. Losing hundreds of dollars in spoiled meat and dairy is a huge blow to any summer budget. After the kitchen is secure, you might want to power a few portable fans or a small window air conditioning unit to prevent the house from becoming dangerously hot for children or elderly relatives. Then, leave room for a charger for your phone so that you can get help if an emergency occurs.
Following Safe Fueling Habits in the Heat
Handling gasoline during a summer blackout requires a steady hand and a lot of caution. The generator’s engine gets extremely hot while it’s running. You should never try to pour more gas into a running machine. A single splash on the hot muffler could cause a sudden fire that puts your home at risk. It’s much safer to turn off the engine and let it sit for at least 10 minutes so that the metal can cool down before you open the fuel cap.
Protecting Your Electronics From Surges
Modern generators provide a lot of power. However, the electricity they create can sometimes fluctuate. This might be hard on sensitive items, such as tablets or laptop computers. Use high-quality surge protectors for any electronic devices you plan to charge so that a sudden change in engine speed doesn’t fry your expensive gear. If you’re using long extension cords to bring power into the house, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use and heavy enough to carry the electrical load without getting hot to the touch.
Having a solid backup power plan is the ultimate way to stay in control when the grid goes out. You can turn a potentially stressful blackout into a manageable situation for your whole family. When you need generator installation services in Houston, TX, contact Village Plumbing, Air & Electric.
