You May Be Shocked to Know That Gallup Reported in 2016 That One in Eight U.S. Adults Say They Smoke Marijuana. You May Not Be Surprised That the CDC Reported in 2016 that 37.8 Million U.S. Adults Were Current Cigarette Smokers. According to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, 81.5% of the U.S. population lives under a […] The post Cigarette & Pot Smoke on Your Walls Results in Dangerous Thirdhand Smoke appeared first on ECOBOND® OdorDefender® | Smoke Odor Eliminator | Fire Smoke Odor Restoration Removal Products. Related posts:
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When summer days start to fade away, it’s time to start prepping your pool for the cooler months. Read this guide to learn the steps for winterizing in-ground and above-ground pools. After a fun summer in the pool, you’ll want to make sure you “winterize” it properly before closing it up for the season. Taking these steps is a part of proper pool maintenance and will help ensure that your pool is in tip-top condition when you open it back up again. When to Start Prepping Your Pool for WinterStart the winterizing process after the season is over, when the temperature consistently dips down to 65 degrees F or lower. If you start too early, you may encounter problems with algae, which thrives in warmer temps. Give yourself a week to complete this process, as several steps need to be performed over the course of a few days. Steps for Winterizing an In-Ground PoolFollow the steps below to prep your pool for the winter months. Step 1: Remove pool accessoriesStart by removing accessories such as skimmer baskets, cleaners, ladders, steps, and solar blankets from the pool. Hose off any dirt and algae, let the items dry, and store them in a safe place for the winter. Step 2: Deep clean the poolMake sure your pool is as clean as possible by removing all leaves, silt, and other debris. This will make it easier to balance the water chemistry and prevent mold and algae growth. Use skim nets to clean the pool’s surface, and a pool vacuum to remove all debris from the bottom. Then thoroughly brush the pool’s floor and sides. Keep your clean pool covered between the next steps so that it doesn’t get dirty again while you’re in the middle of winterizing. Step 3: Adjust the water chemistryA week before closing the pool, test the water chemistry to make sure the alkalinity is between 80 and 150 parts per million (ppm), the pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6, the calcium hardness level is between 175 and 225 ppm, and the chlorine level is between 1 ppm and 3 ppm. Adjust as necessary, making sure you balance the alkalinity before you work on the pH level. Err on the higher side for each of these measurements, as the levels will naturally decrease as time passes. Step 4: Lower the water levelIf you aren’t using a skimmer cover and you live in an area where the water will freeze during the winter, you’ll need to lower the water level of your pool before closing it up. The water level should be about a foot below the skimmer if you have a mesh cover, and about half a foot below the skimmer for solid covers. Depending on how you’re removing the water from your pool, this process may take a day or two. Step 5: Drain and store the equipmentIt’s important to drain all the equipment so the water won’t expand and cause damage when temperatures fall below freezing. Clear the water from the pool lines using a blower, then plug them up with expansion plugs. If you want to be extra careful about preventing burst pipes, consider adding pool antifreeze. Drain every filter, pump, and heater (most of this equipment will have drain plugs). In addition, all filters should be removed and cleaned. If possible, store the filter and pump indoors for the winter. Step 6: Add shock and algaecideBefore covering up the pool, add shock, which kills bacteria, and algaecide, which kills algae. You may have to do this a few days before you officially close the pool, depending on the type of shock you buy. Follow the package directions, and make sure you distribute the chemicals around the pool evenly, instead of pouring them in just one area. If you’re using chlorine shock (vs. non-chlorine shock), don’t add it at the same time as the algaecide. Step 7: Cover the poolIt’s finally time to put the cover on the pool! There are two types of covers: safety covers and winter covers. Safety covers must be anchored down, and they provide the greatest protection from debris, as well as people or animals accidentally falling in. Winter covers offer less protection, but you won’t have to deal with the extra step of securing them. No matter which type of cover you use, make sure it’s tight-fitting and doesn’t have any holes or tears. Winterizing an Above-Ground PoolThe steps above can also be applied to winterizing an above-ground pool, except that in step 5, you’ll want to disconnect the hoses and plug the outlets (instead of clearing water from the pool lines, which only applies to in-ground pools). Additionally, before you put a cover on an above-ground pool, install an air pillow at the center (and keep it anchored there) to absorb the expansion of ice within the pool and keep the snow that piles up on the cover from exerting too much pressure. Adobe
A home warranty plan, or home service contract, protects homeowners from paying expensive repair and replacement bills for their systems and appliances. This article compares Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield on their coverage plans, reviews, and more to help you decide which is best for protecting your home. Looking for a comparison of Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield? Choice Home Warranty (CHW) and American Home Shield (AHS) are top-rated home warranty companies that offer comprehensive plans that protect a variety of home appliances and systems. Continue reading for the This Old House Review team’s analysis of Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield and determine which offers the best home warranty. Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield CoverageAmerican Home Shield offers four plans, including a Build-Your-Own Plan, and optional add-ons, while Choice Home Warranty offers two plans and optional add-ons. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these providers’ coverage options: Choice Home Warranty CoverageChoice Home Warranty offers two coverage plans: a Basic Plan and Total Plan. The Basic Plan covers 14 appliances and systems but excludes coverage for an air conditioning system, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. The Total Plan covers everything in the Basic plan, plus these four items. Choice Home Warranty also offers these nine optional add-ons:
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, call 800-495-1292 or fill out this simple form. American Home Shield CoverageThere are four American Home Shield plans: a Systems Plan, Appliances Plan, Combo Plan, and Build-Your-Own Plan. The Build-Your-Own Plan allows homeowners to select 10 or more covered systems and appliances, with each item after your tenth item costing an additional $2 per item. AHS offers coverage for these five optional add-ons:
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, call 844-529-9298 or submit this simple form. Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield CostChoice Home Warranty monthly premiums cost less than American Home Shield premiums, ranging between $36–$44 per month. Choice Home Warranty charges a $60–$85 service call fee, while American Home Shield lets you choose a service fee of $75, $100, or $125. The lower the service fee you select, the higher your monthly premium will be and vice versa. Note: The cost of optional add-ons will vary depending on the specific item purchased, typically adding about $40 to $180 per year to your overall cost. Because the cost of a home warranty will depend on your location, the coverage plan you choose, and the square footage of your home, we recommend getting quotes from both providers. Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield ReviewsAmerican Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty both received positive ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Regarding customer reviews from the BBB, American Home Shield reviews are more positive, on average, than Choice Home Warranty reviews. Our ConclusionBoth American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty offer comprehensive home warranty plans that protect your major systems and appliances. American Home Shield offers more coverage plans and customization options than Choice Home Warranty, but Choice Home Warranty plans cost less. Additionally, a class action lawsuit was filed against Choice Home Warranty in 2019 and remains ongoing. To read more about the lawsuit, click here. We recommend American Home Shield if you want comprehensive coverage from a trustworthy provider. If you’re on a budget and want basic home warranty coverage, Choice Home Warranty may be a better option. To learn what each provider would charge, request free quotes using the panel above. For additional information on these providers, read our American Home Shield review and our Choice Home Warranty review. Frequently Asked Questions About Home WarrantiesIs a home warranty worth it? A home warranty plan from a reputable provider like American Home Shield or Choice Home Warranty may be worth it for homeowners because it protects them from having to pay unexpected expenses out of pocket when a system or appliance breaks down or needs significant repairs. How does a home warranty plan work? Homeowners pay a monthly premium between $25–$60 for their home warranty. When a repair or replacement is needed, homeowners file a claim and are only responsible for a service call fee between $60–$125. Is there a waiting period for home warranty coverage? After purchasing a warranty, there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before you can request service on a system or appliance. How much does American Home Shield cost? American Home Shield costs between $49.99–$59.99 per month and lets you choose a service fee of $75, $100 or $125. The service fee you select affects the cost of your monthly premium. Do Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield cover HVAC? Yes. Both Choice Home Warranty plans cover your HVAC system, and you can get HVAC coverage from American Home Shield with the company’s Systems, Combo, or Build-Your-Own plans. Do Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield cover roofs? No. American Home Shield doesn’t offer roof coverage, but you can purchase optional roof leak coverage from Choice Home Warranty. With this coverage, you’ll be covered for the full cost of repairing a roof leak but won’t have coverage for roof replacements. To share feedback or ask a question, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected]. The This Old House Reviews team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparency and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our MethodologyThe This Old House Reviews team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparency and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. With that in mind, we created an objective rating system to score each home insurance company. Here’s what that review process looked like:
With this data, we created a rating methodology to score each home insurance company. Our rating system is a weighted, 100-point scale based on the following factors:
Our Reviews team has a full-time researcher who collects and regularly updates data points from every company to help us compare them on key factors such as coverage, service, and dependability. Getty Images
From smooth and seamed to deeply embossed, and in a range of colors, there’s a metal-roofing profile to suit virtually every architectural style. Though expensive, a metal roof will last half a century or more. Considering investing in a metal roof but don’t know where to begin? Read this guide to learn more about the styles and finishes to choose from. Metal Roof StylesStanding SeamIts crisp lines, formed where panel edges interlock, complement a wide variety of houses, from traditional to modern. Hidden clips hold panels in place and let the metal move. Similar to shown: Universal Standing Seam in Silverstone, from $2.75 per square foot; Green American Home SlateWith subtle color variations and “split” edges, these painted steel panels offer the look of slate without the weight. Each 50-by-12-inch panel, embossed to suggest six separate slates, installs much faster than the real stuff. Shown: Arrowline Enhanced Slate in Stone Blend, from $3 per square foot; Edco Products ShakeThese painted aluminum panels offer a realistic representation of hand-split wood without the high installation costs and upkeep that a real wood roof demands. Shown: Country Manor Shake in Mustang Brown, from $2.75 per square foot; Classic Metal Roofing Systems Victorian ShingleThese clear-coated, Galvalume-steel panels replicate the elaborate scalloped roofing of the Victorian era. Each 9-by-12-inch panel is embossed with the profile of five shingles; concealed clips secure them to the roof sheathing. Shown: Victorian Shingles in Zinc Gray, $4 per square foot; Berridge Diamond ShingleThe appealing pattern of these individual 16-by-16-inch, painted steel shingles will dress up any roof. They come in six colors, so a contrasting band, as seen here, is an easy upgrade. Shown: Diamond Steel Shingle in Graphite Grey and Stone, from $2.60 per square foot; Diamond Steel Roofing TileThese 38-inch-long panels have the thick profile of six clay tiles, but not the weight, fragility, or fussy installation of fired clay. A low-gloss PVDF finish and a special embossing technique help approximate the real thing. Shown: Met-Tile Metal in Bravo Red, from $3 per square foot; McElroy Metal What is Stone-Coated Roofing?Like other steel roofing, these Galvalume panels are pressed into shapes resembling shakes, tiles, or shingles. Then they’re covered with fade-resistant ceramic granules that give this roofing its variegated color and distinctive lack of sheen. It also has a Class A fire rating, a 50-year warranty, and can withstand 120 mph winds. Shown: Boral Steel Pine-Crest Shake in Charcoal, from $3.50 per square foot; Boral Paint Finishes for Metal RoofingThese factory-applied coatings enhance the appearance and longevity of steel and aluminum roofing: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF): Specialty metal paints such as Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 are widely recognized as being the most durable and UV resistant out there. You’ll find them on premium roofing products with 30-year warranties against fading and chalking, a powdery residue on the paint surface. Silicone-modified polyester (SMP): These paints are applied to less expensive metal roofing with warranties that cover color defects for about 25 years. Expect noticeable fading in about 10 years. Understand the Finish WarrantyA coating with a 45-year warranty sounds great, but usually covers only the integrity of the paint film: cracks, chips, or peeling. Guarantees against chalking and fading are usually 5 to 10 years shorter than film-integrity warranties. When Gauge MattersMetal roofing’s thickness ranges from 22 to 29 gauge; the lower the number, the beefier it is (16- and 20-ounce copper are equivalent to 24 and 22 gauge, respectively). Thinner metal can still meet UL hail- and fire-resistance standards, but thicker material won’t dent or buckle as easily, and should perform better in high winds or under heavy snow. Use Metal Roofing as an AccentNo budget—or need—for a whole new roof? Enhance small-scale areas with distinctive metal detail
Metal Roofing ColorsChoosing a new roof is a big decision, and choosing a metal roof involves a tricky one: Which color? But don’t sweat it. Portland, Oregon-based architect Karina Adams offers some guidance on how various colored roofs can enhance your home’s existing siding and pump up its curb appeal.
Snow Guards for Metal RoofsWhen a thick coating of snow starts sliding down a metal roof, the entire mass is likely to slide off the eaves and flatten whatever shrubbery, people, or pets happen to be in its path. The way to prevent this is to hold the white stuff in place with snow guards or snow rails, until it slowly melts away. Snow guards are burly little plates that stick up a few inches above the roofing, and are arranged in a staggered pattern several feet up from the eaves. Snow rails, which run parallel to the eaves, effectively hold back the thick packs that accummulate after heavy snowfalls. (Some rails have baffles to stop the snow from sneaking undeneath.) Both of these elements can be fastened to the roof deck or glued directly to the roofing with high-tech adhesives. iStock
Wondering about those moth-like flies hanging around your drains? Drain flies may be common, but they’re also easy to get rid of if you get ahead of the game. Home drains are a prime spot for stagnant water or bacteria to accumulate, especially if the sink or drain sits unused. If you’ve suddenly noticed an abundance of very small, moth-like creatures hanging around your sinks, showers, or bathtub, you may have drain flies. These very common pests can reproduce in just 48 hours, making it easy to find yourself with an infestation in little time. Unlike some other pest infestations, understanding how to get rid of drain flies can be quick and simple. With a little diligence, you can stop them in their tracks with basic products or pantry items around the house and create a plan to stop them in the future. In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions about how to get rid of drain flies and who to call if you need the guidance of a professional pest control company. Our top recommendation for your pest control needs is Terminix, a company with PhD-level entomologists and over 90 years of experience in the industry. But, to make sure you get the best plan for your home, you should also check out top pest control company Orkin. Get a quote from both top-rated companies: What Are Drain Flies?Drain flies commonly go by a few nicknames such as moth flies or sink flies. They are about the same size as gnats and fruit flies—between 2mm and 5mm—but can be distinguished by their small, moth-like wings and round, fuzzy bodies. Drain flies also differ in color compared to other small house flies, typically ranging between pale gray to black. While they may look like moths, these little creatures cannot fly very far. You’ll notice that they make large hops from place to place instead of buzzing around your home like other pests. Drain flies have a lifespan of between eight and 24 days but can lay and hatch up to 300 eggs in just 48 hours, so it’s important to get ahead of the problem before they have a chance to spread through your pipes. Where Do Drain Flies Come From?Drain flies enjoy stagnant water that collects even small amounts of bacteria and sewage, so they are often found congregating around:
One common denominator among all of these places is low, stagnant water. Drain flies can lay eggs in the film that forms on the inside of pipes and drains when water pools and collects sewage. For this reason, drain flies may also be attracted to:
What Do Drain Flies Eat?Drain flies primarily live on organic material found in standing water, which often includes sewage or other contaminated water, typically when it causes a film to build up in a humid area of pipes with standing water. Because of this, your drains are an ideal place for drain flies to thrive and reproduce. They can also find food and sewage near a collection of garbage, animal waste, or compost. Are Drain Flies Harmful?In short, no, drain flies are not harmful to humans. Though drain flies consume and live in sewage and bacteria, they are not disease-carrying insects, but In great masses, they can carry the bacteria with them. Overall, they cause no proven harm to your health, even if they are a serious nuisance in your home. As we noted before, drain flies can also reproduce quickly, spreading nests throughout your pipes that can be costly to clear out if left unchecked. How Can You Tell If You Have Drain Flies?If you’ve started to spot these tiny moth-like flies around your home, you may not immediately realize you have an infestation growing in your pipes. There are a few sure ways to check if more drain flies are living and breeding in your pipes. Duct Tape TestPlace a piece of duct tape on top of your drain and seal it off overnight. Drain flies will eventually try to come up to the surface but will get stuck to the tape on the way out. Not only does this take care of some of the flies in your drain, but it can give you an indication of how the infestation has grown. Repeat several nights in a row to fully assess the issue. Check for LarvaeDrain flies frequently lay eggs in the organic material that builds up right at the opening of your drain. Remove the drain cover, scrape some of the slime off the sides, and look for thin, tube-like, drain-fly larvae. If you don’t spot any here but are certain you have an infestation, this could be a sign that the eggs are being laid deeper within your pipes. How to Get Rid of Drain FliesDepending on the degree of your drain fly infestation, you can take a natural or chemical route to get rid of the pests. In many instances, it is possible to quickly get rid of drain flies with common items found in your kitchen or under the sink. Natural Ways to Get Rid of Drain FliesIn some cases, simply flushing out your drains can remove both the drain fly larvae and remove any temptation for drain flies to return. Use these methods both as preventative and management tactics for managing your infestation. Boiling WaterThe simplest method to clear out your drain fly issue is to pour boiling water carefully down your drain 1-2 times a day for about a week. This will ensure that the flies do not return overnight if the water did not catch all of the organic material built up inside. Baking Soda + Salt + VinegarCombine this go-to mixture of pantry items to create a natural cleaning solution and pour it down your drain overnight. The baking soda expands with the vinegar, reaching more areas than the boiling water. After letting the solution sit until the morning, flush out the pipe with boiling water. Soap + Water + Sugar + VinegarAdd a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of water, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Leave the bowl out for a few days close to the drain to attract the drain flies to the sweet solution. The thickness of the added soap will trap the flies in the water. Apple Cider Vinegar + Plastic WrapCreate another common DIY fly trap by covering a bowl, jar, or mug with plastic wrap. Fill the bottom of the container with an inch of apple cider vinegar. Punch small holes in the top of the plastic in order to allow the flies in but not allow them to get out. Drain + Duct TapeUse our detection method mentioned above to also eradicate some of your drain fly issues. Seal off your drain with duct tape overnight for several nights in a row to catch the flies that try to get to the surface. How to Get Rid of Drain Flies with ChemicalsSince drain flies often live in or around your pipes, common cleaners and substances for clearing drains can also get rid of drain flies. When you do use chemical cleaners, always read the instructions, and do not mix them with other chemical or natural cleaning products. Traditional Drain CleanerAfter flushing your drain with warm water and giving it a pass with a metal pipe brush, you can clean out the remaining residue with products like Drano and Bio-Clean. Be sure to check if it is safe to use these products more than once if necessary and whether they can be used in drains outside of the bathroom. Chemical Sprays and RepellentsMany common pest control killers, typically for fruit flies or gnats, can also be used to kill drain flies when the pests are listed on their labels. Since many of these contain caustic chemicals, check if you should keep them out of the kitchen area and be extra careful about damage to your drains.
How to Prevent Drain FliesDrain flies look for pools of sitting water containing sewage and other organic material. Preventing drain fly infestations requires clean pipes that are frequently flushed out either with water, or in more extreme cases, cleaning solutions on a regular basis. If you have a drain that frequently goes days or weeks without use, close it up with a stopper so that drain flies cannot find a home there in the meantime. Outside of your drains, keep an eye out for standing water in other areas in and around your home. Never leave dirty mops in buckets of water and be sure you have a healthy septic system. Always keep an eye out for early signs of an infestation, even if you just see a few drain flies out of the blue. Taking precautionary steps to check and treat a possible problem is essential. Top Recommended Providers for Drain Fly ControlSeasoned professionals can eliminate drain flies quickly and efficiently using proven methods. We’ve reviewed the nation’s top pest control providers. Here are our favorites for drain fly control based on experience, price, and customer reviews. TerminixThe Terminix team offers extensive pest control services in all states except for Alaska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Terminix provides different tiers of plans depending on your needs. This pest control provider has outstanding customer service, flexible prices, and decades of experience. OrkinOrkin has been remediating pest control issues for homeowners across the country for more than a century, available in all states except for Alaska, Wyoming, and South Dakota. The company practices Integrated Pest Management and has excellent reviews. Frequently Asked QuestionsDealing with persistent drain fly issues and not sure where to start? Here is a recap of all you need to know about stopping the problem before it gets out of hand. What causes drain flies?Stagnant pools of water, particularly in pipes and other drainage areas, attract drain flies. These small, gnat-like insects feed on and breed in sewage. Organic material can build up along the side of drains quickly, welcoming drain flies to eat and reproduce. How long does it take to get rid of drain flies?Most drain fly infestations can be managed in under a week with persistent treatment. If you have a large issue throughout your pipes, you may need to consult a pest control professional to get to the root of the larger issue. Will Drano kill drain flies?In most cases, Drano will kill drain flies, especially if it is a Drano variety that expands within the pipes. For long-term treatment, however, you will also need to take precautionary steps to keep the drain flies from returning. Will drain flies go away on their own?If you allow the standing water in your pipes or property to go unchecked, drain flies will rarely go away on their own. Warm homes even allow drain flies to live throughout the winter. Be sure to take preventative measures after flushing out your system to keep drain flies in check. However, if these DIY efforts keep the flies coming back, we recommend speaking with a specialist to make sure you are treating the whole issue. Before-After Photos of the Services for the Lead Reclamation Process at an Outdoor Gun Range7/30/2020 Have you ever wondered exactly how the lead maintenance contractor you selected to fulfill your contract for lead reclamation services for your gun range performs the job? Below is an overview and photo summary of the services for the lead reclamation process at outdoor gun ranges that we recently completed. MT2 is the nation’s #1 […] The post Before-After Photos of the Services for the Lead Reclamation Process at an Outdoor Gun Range appeared first on MT2.com | Firing Range Services | Gun Range Cleaning | Firing Range Cleaning Services | Shooting Range Cleaning Services | Shooting Range Lead Mining. Related posts:When is the Right Time to Reclaim Lead from an Outdoor Firing Range and Variations in Lead Reclamation and Maintenance Between Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun Ranges?Gun Range Cleaning Tips: GunStuff TV Interviews James Barthel, CEO of MT2 Firing Range Services about and Lead Reclamation for Indoor and Outdoor Shooting RangesFiring Range Lead Reclamation for Departments of Natural Resources Roger Cook and his crew are using concrete pavers for the new front walk. Roger discusses the process with Kevin O’Connor. Watch as This Old House Host Kevin O’Connor and Roger Cook, landscape contractor, build and install a new walkway with concrete pavers. What is a Concrete Paver?Concrete pavers can mimic the look of brick but are manufactured and produced in molds, resulting in a uniform look in size and color. Steps for Installing Concrete PaversAnd since each paver is the same, installation is faster—unlike bricks that can vary in length and width, requiring individual cuts or locating just the “right” brick to fill the space. Step 1: Determine the Pattern
Step 2: Prep the Base for Concrete PaversThe following steps are used for any walkway or path, regardless if you are using brick or concrete pavers.
Step 3: Install the EdgingTypically a brick paver will be turned on its side, buried standing up, to hold the walkway in place, but because concrete pavers are only finished on one side (the three other sides have nubs for easy installation, and the back of the brick is unfinished), the concrete bricks need to be laid flat. To prevent the walkway pavers from becoming loose over time from wear and tear, plastic edging is installed against the bricks and secured with spikes. The plastic edging will be hidden by landscaping or grass. Want to see more? Watch the installation of an ashlar pattern for a concrete paver patio. Materials Needed:
Tools Needed:
A new soapstone wood burning stove gets installed in the family room. Kevin O’Connor finds homeowner, Joe and stove expert, Jonathan Hawkins, on the last step of installing a wood stove in the family room. They place the stove on the hearth and connect it to the chimney pipe. Nat Rea
The TOH 2019 Idea House is a whole lot of house, clocking in at 5,450 square feet of living space. In the event of a power outage, it would be cost-prohibitive to generate power throughout the home. The good news is, powering the entire home really isn’t necessary—as long as the system you choose can adequately power your essentials. If you’re considering a standby generator, here’s what you should know. How a Standby Generator WorksIn short, a standby generator is always, literally, “standing by.” Permanently installed outside the home, it is designed to automatically operate when an outage is detected, and to provide uninterrupted power to the home. It can run indefinitely on natural gas, or be fueled by propane, making it the most convenient option for homes that frequently lose power for extended periods of time. Who Needs a Standby Generator?Outages from any variety of causes can result in a loss of power that lasts a few hours, a few days, or even longer. The more rural your area, and the more volatile the weather, the more often you could be affected – and the longer it could take for service to be restored. If you find that you are losing power several times a year, for extended periods of time, or that even short power outages are creating a genuine hardship, a standby generator can be a sound investment. It’s also a great idea for anyone who would not feel comfortable handling (or may not be physically able to handle) a gas-powered, portable generator. Assessing Your NeedsPurchasing a standby generator is a considerable investment. And when shopping for a generator, it’s easy for homeowners to get carried away and purchase one that is much too large and expensive for their actual needs. KARP Associates Project Manager Gordon Jacobsen explains, “Here at the Idea House, we’ve selected a 14kW standby generator; it’s not going to run the whole house, but the homeowners can rest assured that the essential circuits will be powered automatically in the event of an outage.” TIP: Walk through your house and consider which items would be absolutely critical to you in the event of a power loss. Check each item (either the manufacturer’s label or website) to find out how much wattage it uses to operate, then calculate an overall estimate. Keep in mind that some items, like central AC or larger appliances, require a surge of watts at start-up, so you’ll need to choose a generator with output that is 20-30% higher than the expected power load. Still not sure? Champion’s Generator Selector can help. Essentials to ConsiderWe all have our own ideas of what we would consider to be critical, but here are a few common items you might want to include on your essential checklist:
A Champion home standby generator provides peace of mind, security and convenience for your family during an emergency by automatically powering the essentials or your entire home. Find a dealer near you at championpowerequipment.com. |
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