Don't get caught in the dark if a storm or other disruption knocks out your power. You can protect your home and your family with a backup generator. Read on for tips on how to pick out the right one for your house.

Why Do I Need A Generator?

Blackouts are unpredictable. Of course, you can have family fun in a power outage, but if the lights stay off for an extended period of time it can mean trouble. If you rely on electric heat and the power doesn't come back on promptly in cold weather, your pipes could freeze and your home could even become too cold for human habitation. In the summer, you can end up sweltering with no air conditioning while all the food in your refrigerator spoils. Smart homeowners are prepared to keep their electrical systems up and running no matter how long it takes the utility company to restore power.

What Are My Options?

You can buy a small portable generator if you just need to keep a few appliances functioning. Plug your equipment into the portable generator directly, or a special connection to your circuit box can be installed to allow you to plug into your wall outlets as normal. Be careful not to overload the generator, or you can cause it to short out. 

A standby generator is the best option if you want to keep your whole house online. Standby generators run off your gas connection (or you can attach a propane tank) and they turn on automatically when the power goes out. Standby generators are simpler to use once they are installed because you don't need to worry about cords or even turning it on yourself. However, they can cost $10,000 or more.

You should choose the size and power of your generator based on how much electricity you will need in an emergency. Adding up the wattage of all the equipment and appliances you want to keep online will give you a baseline to use as a guide. Portable generators range in capacity from 1,000 watts to around 17,500 watts, while heavy duty standby generators can handle up to 30,000 watts and above.

Safety First

If you get a portable generator, never run it inside. Find a level surface at least ten feet from your house, and connect properly-rated extension cords to the appliances you want to run. Because most portable generators burn gasoline, placing one too close to your home can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't forget to inspect the extension cords for any fraying or damage and ensure they are rated for outdoor use.

Never modify an extension cord or plug your portable generator directly into a wall outlet. This will send electricity back through your circuit box and onto the grid, creating a danger to utility workers fixing the wires.

Choosing the right generator, not to mention properly installing it, can be tricky. Call an expert electrician to help you purchase and set up your new generator so you know that the lights will stay on the next time the power goes down.

Call local Mister Sparky® for generator advice or assistance. We're always here to help!

Scheduling regular electrical inspections is critical to the operation and safety of your major home devices. Having a licensed electrician check out all your systems can not only help prevent house fires and shocks, but will also ensure your refrigerators, computers, lights, and entertainment systems are running effectively and without issue. Your electrical inspection can also help you identify any issues with your systems before they become more severe, saving you money on costly repairs and preventing a breakdown at the worst possible time.

When you schedule an electrical inspection for your home in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC, you can expect the electrician to:

Upon completion of your electrical inspection, your electrician may recommend repairs for any issues they notice during the visit. Minor issues may be remedied on the spot, but more extensive problems will likely require you to schedule a separate appointment.

At Kolb Electric, we want you and your family to be safe in your home at all times. An electrical inspection can give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is safe and all your major appliances are running properly. We can also help you address any electrical issues we may discover during the inspection, saving you the major hassle of a complete breakdown in the future.

To schedule your electrical inspection in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC, call us at 877 287-1179 or fill out an online contact form. We’ve been helping Mid-Atlantic homeowners like you with all their electrical needs since 1925!

While it can be nice cuddle up once in a while in front of a roaring fire, any warm-and-fuzzy feelings quickly dissipate when your electric bill arrives. While your chimney lets smoke out, it also lets cold air in. So if you do want to use your fireplace, try and do so sparingly, and take the time to turn down the thermostat first.

It’s easy, affordable and a no-brainer – air leaks in windows, doors, plumbing and wiring let warm air out, but most of these problems can be easily fixed with a few minutes of time and a few dollars’ worth of materials. Apply caulking or weather-stripping material to windows and consider investing in a backdoor sweep if drafty doors are sucking the warmth from your home.