Is A Standby Generator Right For Your Home? (NAPSA)—Over two-thirds of power outages are caused by weather-related events, but these are not the only causes. Blackouts and brownouts can also occur because of high power usage, aging electrical grid systems and other unpredictable forces. To KOHLER. PONER SYSTEMS z cope with power outages, an increasing number of homeowners and small-business owners install standby power generators. A home standby power sys- tem—ranging in size from 12 to 125 kilowatts—includes an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) that continually monitors utility power and transfers electrical loads from the utility to the generator when poweris lost. The ATS reverses the process and shuts down the generator automatically once utility power resumes. A standby generator is permanently installed outside a home and wired into household circuits using the home’s current fuel source. With installation provided by a licensed electrical contractor and little maintenance required by the homeowner, a standby generator is a hands-off option for automatic backup power during an outage. A standby generator can be set up to run selected appliances or to power an entire house during a power outage, providing productivity, safety and peace of mind. Consider the following to help determine if a home standby generator is right for you: Everyday appliances. A standby generator can powerelectric heat in cold weather and airconditioning in a hot climate. Sump pumps, refrigerators,lights, televisions, radios, cordless tele- phones and even electrically operated wells also require power. Other modern-day conveniences such as electronic security systems, garage door openers and home theaters can also be powered by a standby generator. Lifestyle and occupation. The elderly, families caring for infants and people who rely on home medical devices should strongly consider installing a standby generator to provide backup power during a poweroutage. It may also be a good investment for those who run a business or work from home and anyone who regularly depends on electronic information or electrically operated machinery. Personal hobbies. Many personal activities and hobbies require electricity. These include maintaining tropical fish tanks, keeping a wine cellar with steady environmental conditions and filtering and heating a swimming pool. Frequent travelers may also find peace of mind knowing their home is protected from freezing pipes, flooded basements and defrosted freezers. To calculate what size standby generator will meet your home’s power needs, use the Sizing Calculator at www.KohlerSmart Power.com, where you can choose which home appliances you would like to keep powered in the event of an outage and learn more about standby power.
