Automatic standby generators good backups in case of storm
The barrage of four hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004 left more than 12 million residents without power for more than a day. The outages ranged from a few hours to a few weeks, and some areas went for more than a month without power. As a result homeowners in south Florida have started a new trend in hurricane preparedness that is quickly spreading to other parts of the state. Many are choosing to equip their homes with automatic standby generators that are capable of powering their entire properly for extended periods of time.
These systems should not be confused with the gas-powered portable generators found at most home and hardware stores. While the portables are capable of running lights and fans via direct connections from extension cords, the automatic standby generators are fixed, permanent systems that connect directly to a home's existing circuits to provide power for the entire property. They offer automatic and trouble-free continuous power, and since the homeowner is not Involved with the engaging and refueling, the systems avoid the most common hazards of the portables. In addition, they are surprisingly quiet and environmentally friendly.
Prior to now, automatic standby generators have been considered a must for many businesses and facilities that cannot afford to lose their electricity, but they had never gained widespread acceptance for residential use. They could be found at lavish residences and the homes of individuals who raise animals. But most homeowners remained relatively unaware that a viable option existed for equipping their home with such a generator.
However, the number of storms and widespread outages that plagued the state in 2004 has dramatically changed Floridians' perceptions of the importance of hurricane preparedness. In addition, the housing and real estate booms in the state have brought the price of the average home up to nearly $400,000 in many areas, so owners are investigating every option at their disposal to protect their property and increase its value. Many homeowners are taking advantage of today's historically low interest rates and rising home values to obtain equity lines of credit and use the funds to improve their property.
As a result generator sales have experienced a major surge after the storms, and savvy homeowners began opting for automatic standby systems as opposed to the portables. The automatic standby generators are powered by propane or natural gas. For homes that are not connected to a natural gas line, 500-gallon propane tanks are installed underground to store and provide enough fuel to power most homes for four to eight days. The generators engage within approximately 30 seconds of an outage, and they automatically disengage when the power is restored by the power company.
These systems typically cost between $13,000 and $26,000 including installation and all of the necessary permits, so they are not for everyone. However, for those with homes valued in excess of $300,000, they represent an ideal hurricane preparedness and home improvement option that be financed at today's historically low Interest rates via an equity line.
As the awareness and popularity of automatic standby emergency Generators grows, they are likely to become one of the most desirable amenities of single-family homes in South Florida. Their ability to enhance the value of a house and protect its occupants from the disruptions caused by extended post-hurricane outages will ensure that they have a place in most every home in the state.
Image caption : Sales of residential automatic standby generators have experienced a major surge as an alternative to portables. H.J. Frank, president of Personalized Power Systems (www.generatortogo.com), says these systems typically cost between $13,000 and $26,000.
Source: GAZETTE HOMES - SEPTEMBER 2005