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Patio Spaces: Using Them Year Round


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Patio Spaces: Using Them Year Round

When I bought my home, the patio had a lot to do with my decision. I saw it as the perfect place for parties, cookouts, and lounging in the sun. What I didn't realize is that the right accessories would allow me to use the space year round. I compared several retractable designs offered by different patio cover companies before I found the right one. I've also purchased portable heaters that allow me to use the space for outdoor events when the temperature is a little nippy. If you like the idea of using your patio any time of the year, stick with me for a few minutes. I'll tell you which accessories I bought and how I use them. Before long, you will also be able to enjoy your patio no matter what the weather is doing.

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Survive A Power Outage In Comfort With A Standby Generator

If you live in an area that gets severe storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes, you probably experience power outages occasionally. Losing your power is not only a nuisance, it can also cost you a lot of money if you lose all the food in your freezer and refrigerator. It could also pose a medical emergency if you take medications that need to be refrigerated or if you use medical equipment powered by electricity. The solution is to have a standby generator installed. Here's some information about how these work.

Hands-Free Operation

Unlike a portable generator you have to fill with gasoline and turn on manually, a standby generator is permanently installed in your electrical system. It constantly monitors the flow of electricity, and when it senses a power outage, the generator kicks on automatically. When the power returns, the generator kicks back off. It connects to a natural gas line or propane tank, so it is always fueled and ready to go. You won't have to worry about your pets getting too hot, or your food going bad, if the power goes out while you're gone for the day since the unit operates itself. The generator sits outside your house near the electrical panel and is fully enclosed, similar to an air conditioning unit.

Professional Installation Required

A standby generator comes with a transfer switch installed. This allows you to connect the generator to your electrical panel. You may need a permit for the installation, and it must be done by a qualified electrician. The contractor you choose may also offer a service plan because you'll need to have the generator maintained on a regular basis just like you do with an air conditioner or furnace. Other than that, once the system is installed, it works seamlessly with your municipal electrical supply so you never have to worry about doing anything when the power goes out.

Choice In Circuits You Want Powered

An electrician can also help you choose the right size for your generator. The size is determined by the number of circuits you want to power. When the electrician installs your generator, he or she will connect only the circuits you want to continue working when the power goes out. You have the option of supplying power to your whole house if you want to purchase a large generator. If you need to save money, you can buy a smaller generator and only send power to your kitchen, well pump, or air conditioner.

Quiet Operation

Portable generators are usually quite noisy because they are powered by gasoline motors. Standby generators are much quieter. That means you won't be bothered if it kicks on in the middle of the night. Also, since it's quiet, your neighborhood won't be alerted to the fact you have a power source in your home. If privacy and safety are important, you may not want strangers to know you have power when the rest of the neighborhood is without it. Plus, it won't bother your close neighbors, which is important when the generator runs all night.

A standby generator gives you peace of mind your family will stay comfortable during a prolonged power outage. Your food won't go bad, and you'll be able to draw water from your well pump. Also, you'll be able to maintain climate control in at least part of your home so you can keep from freezing in the winter and stay cool in the summer. For more information, contact companies like Anderson Water Systems