Why do I need a generator?

Many Houstonians were without electricity in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita. As days went by, their situation worsened. Some of our clients were enjoying more of their normal creature comforts such as air conditioning TV, radio, computers and of course, their Homescape. We provide the most modern generator systems that are both easy to use and very affordable. Now is the time to purchase your new generator instead of waiting for the next emergency. Be prepared-not panicked.

Like it or not, we are totally dependent upon electricity. Anyone who has experienced a prolonged power outage will agree that it is no minor inconvenience. Within the last year, hundreds of thousands were without power due to hurricanes, tornados, and floods, not to mention the numerous power failures due to overloaded distribution lines and equipment failures.

Our society has evolved to the point where modern life is not possible without continuous, stable electrical power. We are now able to protect ourselves, and our families from the likely event of power failures.

Outdoor Homescapes has over 20 years experience in the high technology sector, specifically connecting tens of thousands of subscribers to the public network, and supplying battery back-up and redundant power to these subscribers, it is a natural for us to bring these same commercial business solutions to the discriminating homeowner as we have for the last seven years.

So, now you understand the value of and want to purchase a generator to power your home when commercial power is not available.  See our process to install at the right.

An Outdoor Homescape Power Professional will conduct an on- site Power Analysis and determine the following:

■ Choosing the Size Generator You Need

As in example, the amount of power that appliances require to operate is normally stated in watts. My toaster requires 10 Amps at 120 Volts to operate. Therefore the wattage required is 120 x 10 = 1200 watts. Usually anything over 1,000 watts is stated in Kilowatts (KW). Since one Kilowatt = 1,000 watts, our toaster requires 1.2 kilowatts. Small generators are also rated in kilowatts, so a 5 KW generator is capable of producing 5,000 watts of power.

This means that a 5 KW generator could operate a maximum of four toasters in our example!

Although the four toaster family probably hasn't arrived yet, the example illustrates how much power a relatively simple appliance can consume. Another small but high energy appliance is your hair dryer, which can require between 1,200 to 1,800 watts to operate. Other high energy devices are electric water heaters, electric ranges and ovens; all-electric clothes dryers, and submersible deep well water pumps.

Electric motors (washers, dryers, pumps) and compressors (refrigerator, air conditioner) fall into a special class of high energy devices. They require at least twice the amount of power to start as they do to run. This is sometimes called a starting load, or inductive load. Although they only require this surge of power for a moment, the starting load must be factored in. Certain devices, like water pumps, can require 3-4 times as much power to start as they do to run.

Let an Outdoor Homescapes Power Professional analyze this for you.

■ How Does The Generator Run When The Power Goes Out?

■ Choosing the Best Fuel

After determining the size of generator you will need, you should choose the fuel that makes the most sense to you. There are four types of fuel to consider Gasoline, Diesel, Propane (also called LP) and Natural Gas. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

Let an Outdoor Homescapes Power Professional analyze this for you.

■ How does The Generator Connect To Your Residence?

■ Choosing the Means of Connection

Finally, you should determine how you will connect the generator to your home or business. This is not a difficult choice, as there are only three alternatives.

1) Use extension cords to connect your generator, which is sitting outdoors, to your appliances indoors. No way! Will your spouse stand for extension cords run through out the house?

2) Install a manual transfer system. When the commercial power fails, you will manually switch to the off position, and then you will start the generator and switch the system to generator power. Not the best idea if you are not home or it’s pouring down rain!

3) Install an automatic transfer system. This is the most convenient, because it is designed to switch between commercial and generator power completely automatically. Automatic transfer systems are great solutions for families and families with elderly or physically challenged members. An automatic transfer system can be expected to be fully operational, producing power within 15-20 seconds of a power outage.

Let an Outdoor Homescapes Power Professional analyze this for you.

■ Two Things NEVER To Do

Never run your generator indoors, in the garage or cellar, without safely and permanently directing the exhaust outdoors. All internal combustion engines (gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas fueled) produce carbon monoxide and other gases that will suffocate you! This tragedy happened to a family last year in New England.

Never plug your generator directly into your house circuit. This can be very dangerous, even if you think you know what you are doing. Let an Outdoor Homescapes Power Professional analyze this for you.