Understanding What Can Safely Be Powered by a Permanent Home Standby Generator
When the power goes out, a permanent home standby generator can be a lifesaver, keeping your home running smoothly until the electricity returns. However, it’s essential to understand what you can safely power with your generator to ensure you don’t overload it or compromise the safety of your home. Here’s a guide to help you get the most out of your generator while keeping everything safe.
Essential Appliances
Refrigerators and freezers are among the top priorities during a power outage. A standby generator can keep your food from spoiling, saving you the inconvenience and cost of replacing groceries. Keeping the lights on is also crucial for safety and comfort, and your generator can easily power essential lighting throughout your home.
If you have an electric water heater, it’s vital to ensure it continues working, especially during colder months. Additionally, if your home has a basement or is prone to flooding, the sump pump is an essential device that your generator should support to prevent water damage.
For people whose health relies on an an electrically powered medical device, such as a nebulizer, ventilator or electric wheelchair charger, backup power can literally be a lifesaver. Several utilities offer rebate programs for residents who require the regular use of electrically powered medical devices, although they typically only cover a rechargeable backup battery and not a permanent generator.
Heating and Cooling Systems
A gas or oil furnace usually requires minimal electricity to operate, which a standby generator can typically handle. However, it’s important to ensure that your generator is compatible with your heating system.
Central air conditioning systems require more power, so it’s crucial to check that your generator has the capacity to run your AC unit. Smaller window units are more likely to be supported by a generator, although it always depends on how many other appliances are simultaneously being powered by your generator. Fans and space heaters can also be easily powered by your generator, providing a temporary solution to maintain comfort in your home.
Home Security Systems
Keeping your security system operational during a power outage is essential for the safety of your home. A standby generator can keep your security cameras and monitoring systems running smoothly. While many smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are battery-powered, having your generator power any wired systems ensures you remain protected at all times.
Electronics and Communication Devices
If you work from home or need to stay connected, your generator can power your computer, modem, and router, ensuring you remain online. You can also safely power your television and radios, providing you with entertainment and important news updates during an outage. Keeping your phone charged is crucial for communication and emergency purposes, and your generator can handle this as well.
Kitchen Appliances
A microwave uses relatively low power and can be supported by most generators, making it easy to prepare quick meals. If you have an electric stove, it’s important to know its power requirements. Some generators can handle them, but this varies based on the model. Additionally, small kitchen appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders can usually be powered without issue, allowing you to maintain some normalcy during a power outage.
Laundry Appliances
A washing machine can typically be powered by a standby generator, especially if you prioritize it over other high-demand appliances. However, dryers, especially electric ones, consume a lot of power. You may need to check if your generator can handle the load, and consider air-drying clothes as an alternative during an outage.
Key Considerations for Using a Home Standby Generator
Before an outage occurs, familiarize yourself with the power capacity of your generator. Most generators are measured in kilowatts (kW), and this determines how many appliances you can run simultaneously.
During a power outage, prioritize the essential appliances that you need to keep running. This helps prevent overloading the generator and ensures critical devices remain operational.
Above all, to ensure your generator operates safely and efficiently, regular maintenance is crucial. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and have your generator serviced by a professional as needed. Finally, a transfer switch is essential for safely connecting your generator to your home’s electrical system. This prevents backfeeding, which can be dangerous for utility workers and your home.
Conclusion
A permanent home standby generator provides peace of mind during power outages, but understanding what can safely be powered is key to maximizing its benefits. By knowing your generator’s capacity and prioritizing essential appliances, you can ensure your home remains comfortable and safe until the power is restored. Regular maintenance and proper installation further enhance the reliability and safety of your standby generator, making it an invaluable asset for any homeowner.
The Generator Experts at Duthie Power Services specialize in installing and servicing larger, commercial generators for homeowners and business owners across Southern California. If you live in a smaller home, we would be happy to help connect you to a certified installer in your area. Give us a call at 800-899-3931 or send us a message through our website.
