Backup generator takes the worry out of storms

The summer storm season is almost upon us, and power outages will soon become a part of life. But your family doesn't need to experience them with backup electric generators that are available at a variety of prices that can fit into most budgets.

For many people, having something that runs the refrigerator, a few lights and some fans is sufficient to weather the outage for a day or more. In that case, a portable generator may do the trick.

But if your area is prone to frequent outages, you travel or you have special needs such as the use of medical equipment for an ailment, a whole-house, stand-alone backup generator may be the answer.

Regardless of which scenario fits you, severe weather along with an aging utility infrastructure almost guarantee you will face an outage this summer.

Storms grab the headlines, but the national power grids haven't seen any significant investments since the 1960s, so they are old and stressed.

The amount of storms and their severity in the past year and a half have seen a growing demand for generators, and Generac has increased its manufacturing to keep up with the demand.

Part of that continual level of demand is due to the lower entry cost to buy a generator, and the increase in technology these units feature. one of the newer Generac products is the LP 5500 portable generator that runs on propane. It uses the same type of propane tank as an outdoor grill.

The LP 5500 unit has a MSRP of $799, while its gasoline fueled counterpart is $689, both reasonably priced entry-level portable units.

While portable generators are sufficient for many homeowners, more and more are starting to look at permanent backup generators with automatic transfer switches to ensure the power always stays on. In many areas of the country, builders are even making these standby generators standard equipment in new home developments.

By comparison, that homeowners can get an entry-level, natural gas-powered, stand-alone backup generator that will power a dozen circuits, including heating and a window air conditioner, for $4,000 installed.

"Many units today have technology systems built in so homeowners can monitor and control the generators from a computer or smart phone," These systems work with Android, Black Berry and Windows-based phones and computers, and they will also soon be available for the i Phone, i Pad and Apple computer systems.

Every year the demand for standby generator systems grows, and homeowners really need to make sure they have these systems installed properly.

You can find an inexpensive backup generator, but you will have problems if it isn't installed right. That includes getting the right electrical transfer switch and a properly installed gas line. A majority of the time, a home's natural gas meter will need to be changed to accommodate the generator, and people need to make sure the contractor pulls both an electrical and mechanical permit for the installation.

Homeowners who already have a permanent backup generator that it needs annual maintenance to ensure it will run properly when the power goes out.

We do most of our maintenance in March before the storm season, where we change the oil, filter and plugs and test the unit. "But if people haven't maintained it yet, there is still time to get that done before the serious storms hit our area."