All that heavy snow from last winter is just a memory here in the Twin Cities area, and now it’s time to face up to something even worse — those heavy thunderstorms that can knock out power for hours — and even days.
It’s not just inconvenient when the lights go out. It’s costly when you have to throw out all that perfectly good food in the freezer or you can’t get your work done at home, because you can’t use your computer.
Have you ever considered buying a standby generator? We’re not really talking about the portable, loud, gasoline-fueled generators that you hear going sometimes when the power is out, but instead, a permanently installed standby generator that is ready to go.
Permanent standby generators have engines, and they’re connected to either a natural-gas line or a liquid-propane tank. They generate electricity as long as their fuel systems aren’t interrupted.
A permanently installed generator uses an automatic transfer switch to monitor utility power, so if you’re stuck somewhere in the storm and can’t make it home right away, your standby generator will kick on and then shut off automatically when your electricity comes on.
If you decide on the home generator, you’ll have to decide if you want to power your whole house or just essential parts. Home generators won’t restore power to a whole large house, unless you have the right size, which can be very expensive.
And don’t forget, the generator will also be good in the winter, when you’re shivering after one of those ice storms that knocks out the power — and the ability to use your furnace.
For more information on generators that will suit your needs, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, the Twin Cities’ finest air-quality control company. Founded in 1974, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning has made a commitment to bettering air quality for its customers for more than 36 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. To get started, check out our website.