Even though winter officially began a few weeks back, the mid-Atlantic usually sees its winter weather from late January through early March. It’s never too late to prepare yourself for winter storms. It is important to plan ahead in order to keep your family and property safe from severe weather. You can prepare for winter storms by having a generator, and an emergency kit. These are some suggestions to help you avoid getting caught in the cold.
1. What Is A Generator And Why You Need One This Winter
A generator is a great tool to have on hand in case of a power cut, regardless of whether it was caused by a winter storm or a hurricane. A generator will help you keep your family and friends safe during a stormy winter. Before you decide on the type of generator that you need, you should first determine what purpose it will be used for.
2. How To Choose A Generator For Your Home
It’s a good idea to keep a generator on hand in case of power outages. There are 2 main types of generators available: portable and whole house. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you choose the right generator for your needs.
Portable Generators
The cost of portable generators ranges from $700 to $1,000, and they are powered by gasoline. They must be used outside your home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. You will receive operating instructions from the generator. However, it should not be more than 10 feet from your home. It is important to read the instructions before operating the portable generator. Incorrectly setting up the generator or not following the instructions could lead to dangerous situations. Consider what you will be using the generator to power in an emergency. A smaller portable generator is sufficient if you need only a few basic items, such as lights and a space heater. A generator that can operate more appliances will be required to be purchased. Portable generators are great for winter storm preparation. You can take it camping to supply power for a campsite, or to power tools at a job site. If you have the budget to purchase a portable generator if you don’t need it for your entire home, and 3) if you plan on using the generator for both recreational and emergency purposes.
Whole House Generators
You can install whole-house generators in your home for as low as $2,500 to $7,000. These generators can also be used to provide power for your home in the event of a power outage. They are easier to use than portable generators. The transfer line continuously monitors the electricity coming into your home via the utility line in Illinois. The transfer line can safely switch from the utility to the generator if the voltage from the utility is disrupted. The generator’s power will be available to your home in seconds. You may only notice a flickering light after the switch has been made. The transfer line will automatically switch back to standby mode when the utility line is up and running. While whole-house generators are more expensive than portable generators they are easier to use and safer. A generator can provide you with peace of mind that you won’t lose power and help you prepare for winter storms. A whole house generator produces more voltage than a portable generator. This means that your home will still be able to function even in a power cut. If you have the funds, aren’t able to operate a portable generator and need to power a large house, a whole-house generator is the best option.
3. Prepare For Winter Weather With These Tips
Winter poses a real threat to homeowners every year. Unprepared for extreme weather can have long-lasting consequences, leaving homeowners with financial problems well into the spring. Winterizing your home can help you avoid potential damage from freezing weather or winter storms.
- Check your heating system: if you haven’t used your heating system all summer, now is the time to check it. Take the time to check every radiator is working and that all of the filters are new. That way, you won’t wake up one freezing winter morning and discover that your heating isn’t working. Moreover, by ensuring that your heating system is working as efficiently as possible, you are more likely to save money on your heating bill.
- Change your electricity provider: it is no secret- you will be spending a lot more on heating your house during the winter months, and this can be expensive. Before it gets cold, make sure you check comparison websites to make sure you are paying the cheapest Nicor rates in Illinois.
- Check your pipes: make sure that your pipes are fully-functioning and water isn’t getting stuck around your house is a must, as this will ensure that your pipes don’t burst if the temperature lowers.
- Maybe when you bought your home, there was a brand-new furnace and air conditioner installed so you assumed that it would be an energy-efficient place. One of the most significant inefficiencies in the home is through heat loss. If your home is warmer inside than it is outside, then it is losing heat to the outside world constantly, it just depends how quickly. Old homes often have poor insulation; usually, this is from the degradation of the original insulation, but in some cases, none was ever installed there. Upgrading the installation of your home is one of the easiest ways to cut out inefficiencies and boost the energy efficiency of your home overall, reducing the amount of money you must spend to power everything.
- It is a good idea to check the coverage of your homeowners’ insurance in case of inclement weather. To determine if your policy covers wintertime claims like roof damage due to ice dams or burst pipes, and to assess whether you might be eligible for additional coverage, review your insurance policy.
Bottom Line
If your home isn’t prepared for winter, it can cause havoc. Since we spend more time indoors now, it is even more important to prepare your home for cold weather.