How does a Home Backup Generator Work?
In 2009, Superstorm Sandy hit the state of New Jersey with a vengeance. The storm caused over $22 billion dollars in damages just in the state of New Jersey. Those who were fortunate enough to have their homes spared by Superstorm Sandy had a whole other host of difficulties coping without power. After the storm, 2.6 million people were without power for at least two days with the average length of time being ten days.
Generators became a very popular New Jersey item that year and according to a report by Rutgers generator sales went up by nearly 85%. Now the residents of New Jersey are more aware of the potential danger that come with each hurricane season and for many residents, purchasing a generator has become one of the many necessary preparations.
Why do I Need a Backup Generator?
A home backup generator provides electricity to the home when the power goes out. A backup generator can run on kerosene, gasoline and other types of fuel. Home backup generators can keep your air conditioning, heating system, refrigerator, lights, and any other appliances you’ve come to rely on, up and running. Power outages can be unexpected and can leave your home and family without power for an unknown period of time.
How Does a Backup Generator Turn On?
A backup generator has a transfer switch that is connected to the generator on one side and your home’s main power source on the other side. When the power goes out the backup generator switches your home’s power source from the main power grid (your electric company) to your backup generator. The generator has a battery operated starting system that is activated when the main source of power is lost, allowing your backup generator to start.
Once the generator has been installed, the generator will automatically come online after your main power source is lost. If you are not comfortable hooking up the generator you can check with the supplier and see if they offer set up service.
To see more information on how a backup generator works, check out this video.
If you need a backup generator or want to learn more Contact Us or give us a call at (732) 410-7695.
7 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
New Jersey’s coastal location is one of the reasons it’s the most densely populated places to live in the entire U.S. Unfortunately, while that prime oceanfront location is great for fun in the sun, it also makes us very prone to the effects of hurricanes that like to travel up from warmer waters, hugging the coastline and slamming residents across the state with heavy rains, winds and plenty of unpredictable weather.
Hurricane season begins in the early summer on the East Coast, and that means now is the time to start planning. Every year, thousands of people – sometimes hundreds of thousands – go without power for a day or more, often during some of the hottest days of summer. That means plenty of suffering without air conditioning, not to mention thousands of dollars of food wasted when refrigerators aren’t running.
How to Prepare
If you haven’t started preparing for hurricane season, here are some tips from the federal government to get you started:
- Trim trees and shrubs around your home, paying special attention to dead and overhanging branches.
- Keep patio furniture, grills, free-standing swings, trash cans and other outdoor equipment secured to the ground or move them into a shed of garage before a storm arrives.
- Clear out your downspouts at least once in the summer and several times in the fall to enable water to drain away from your foundation.
- Consider installing a generator to keep the power up and running in your home – this tip is especially important if you or a loved one has a medical condition like heart disease or asthma and for New Jersey residents who are older or very young.
- If you have a generator, schedule a tuneup and servicing now and make sure you have the parts and accessories on hand to keep it running once a storm hits.
- Put together an emergency kit with some basic supplies; you can download a list of recommended items at the FEMA website and read more about emergency kits at the FEMA build-a-kit webapge.
- When a storm is predicted, make sure you have gas in your car and be sure you know any local escape routes, especially if you live near the shore or another water source.
Just because we’re better at predicting weather now than we were 50 years ago, that doesn’t mean hurricane season shouldn’t be taken seriously; what it does mean is that we should take advantages of those advances in technology to carefully plan and take steps to keep our property and our loved ones safe.
If you’d like to learn more about generators and the role they can play in preparing for a hurricane, or if you have a generator that needs servicing, give us a call today at (732) 410-7695 or Contact Us.
Why You Should Own a Generator in New Jersey
New Jersey is a beautiful state to live in, but during the hurricane and winter season it can be frustrating to deal with random power outages and storm damage. Being prepared for large scale storms helps keep your family safe and allows you to stay in the comfort of your home instead of dealing with the hassle of traveling to another location for access to electricity and other essentials.
The Benefits of a Generator for New Jersey Hurricane Season
Hurricane Sandy was the most destructive storm NJ has ever seen. The level of destruction left massive amounts of people without electricity for extended periods of time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported 8.2 million people without power after the storm left destruction in its wake. It took over a week to restore power to 90% of those affected, and took even longer for full power capacity to come back to customers, due to downed power lines and other damage. Those who were without power were left in the cold and unable to make their own meals. A generator can keep you and your family warm and safe during the worst disasters and is especially convenient when you don’t know how long it will take for services to get restored.
The Benefits of a Generator for New Jersey Winter Storms
New Jersey winters are also nothing to joke about. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that in 2014 there was over $13 million in storm related damage in New Jersey alone. Heavy blizzards and ice can topple trees onto power lines, and it’s difficult for utility companies to get these problems fixed when roads aren’t clear. When power goes out during a blizzard, families can be stuck in the cold and may not have the option of leaving their home to find shelter.
If you’re interested in more information about the different generator options available call us at (732) 410-7695 or Contact Us.
Tips To Safely Store Your Generator Fuel
Having a generator around for emergencies definitely offers peace of mind. Snow storms in the winter and thunderstorms in the summer create a year-round need for many people, especially us New Jerseyans. As you probably know, your generator will only work if you have fuel to run it.
While fuel storage isn’t complicated, it requires more planning and thought than the emergency gallons of water you have stored in your basement.
If you don’t store fuel, you take the risk of hitting a shortage in your community if a natural disaster hits. Use these tips to start a safe fuel stockpile today!
How to Store Fuel Properly
Fuel must be stored in an airtight container. Most major retailers will carry specified fuel containers with built-in spouts, color-coded for the type of fuel you need. Red is for gas, blue for kerosene and yellow for diesel.
These containers should be kept in an area that’s well-ventilated, away from electrical equipment, flames, or ignitions.
Fuel will lose its potency over time, especially in warmer weather (above 70 degrees Fahrenheit). To maintain quality, put additives in the fuel. Both STA-BIL and PRI-G are excellent choices. These chemicals contain antioxidants and biocides which will prevent compound and microbial growth.
How Much to Store and When to Replace Your Fuel
How much fuel you should store depends on a few factors:
- How warm the climate is in your area (potency concerns)
- How much you think you’ll need
- How much your municipality allows you to store
In general, most municipalities limit the amount of fuel that can be stored to 25 gallons.
As far as replacing the fuel, a good rule of thumb is to refresh your supply every six months. Your fuel doesn’t have to go to waste though; you can simply pour the old gas into your vehicle.
Dangers with Fuel Storage
- Never keep fuel in the house or in a storage area attached to your house
- Fuel shut-off valves on generators are not 100% efficient, so be sure the tank is kept empty
- Gas can expand, so fill containers up to 95% to allow room for that to occur
Be Ready!
Safely storing fuel will allow you to get your generator up and running quickly in the event of an emergency. Give you and your family peace of mind that you’ll be prepared when disaster strikes. If you have further questions on fuel safety contact us today (732) 410-7695!
Is A Standby Generator Right For Your Family’s Needs?
Standby generators can offer a lot of perks to the average household, but are they crucial for your home? As much as having energy on hand is great in areas of unpredictable weather or instances where electricity is needed for a family member, a generator can also add more value to your home if you plan on selling the property in the future. The flip side of the coin is that standby generators can be very costly, making their necessity questionable if you can go without electricity for a small window of time. So if you’re on the fence in terms of a generator purchase, we’ve compiled a great list of how necessary a standby generator could be for you and your family.
Is It Necessary?
Standby generators are not like portable generators, as they automatically switch on whenever an electrical disruption occurs in your home. Here are a few things to gloss over before you make the decision to purchase a standby generator:
- If you need need a generator for medical purposes, then you absolutely need a generator for your home.
- If you live in an area of prolonged and frequent power outages then you would make great use of a standby generator.
- If you live in areas where hurricanes occur, then a standby generator is an excellent idea to combat sweltering heat as it keeps important utilities (air conditioner, refrigerator, etc.) running.
- If you’re buying one for a home that isn’t regularly occupied in an area with extreme temperatures, a standby generator will keep your heating/cooling units on to combat damage to pipes and other sensitive product.
Pricing
So you’ve made the decision to purchase a standby generator, but you’re curious as to how much it may cost you. The price generally goes by wattage, so generators with low wattage can still keep your essentials operating, but will leave a few appliances and areas without power. Generators with high wattage can be powerful enough to keep an entire home in operation but this will likely come with a bigger price tag.
If you’re still in the dark regarding how important a standby generator may be for your home, then feel free to contact us a Corbin Electric on the web or by phone at (732) 410-7695. We’re here to shed light on your power outage issues!
Keep Your Generator Running Smoothly Throughout Hurricane Season
The ravages of winter are barely behind us, but already it’s time to plan ahead for hurricane season. In New Jersey, hurricane season officially begins on June 1st, according to the National Hurricane Center, and that means right now is a good time to make sure you understand some of the most common home generator problems and their causes. Here’s a quick review of the top three problems you’re most likely to encounter:
- Stale fuel: this is perhaps one of the most common problems encountered by homeowners and also one of the easiest to avoid. Adding a fuel stabilizer during the “off” season can help prevent fuel breakdown that can occur when the generator is being stored unused for months at a time, but a better option is to drain the old fuel from the tank and the carburetor before placing your generator in storage. Some carburetors have drains while others are drained by powering on the generator and allowing it to run out of gas.
- Backfeed: Backfeed is another common problem encountered by home generator owners, especially those with limited experience in their use. Backfeed occurs when a generator is plugged into a home’s wiring system without the use of a transfer switch. This can potentially cause electricity to leave the home and travel along the primary power lines, where they can cause serious equipment damage and shock-related injuries to anyone who may be working on the power lines. Backfeed can also overwhelm your own circuits and cause significant damage to your generator. The best way to avoid backfeed is to plug appliances directly into the generator when possible; when that’s not an option, such as when powering a furnace or central air conditioning system, you’ll need to have a transfer switch installed to temporarily transfer the supply from the electric company to the generator. Once the power outage is over, the switch can be used to transfer power back to the grid.
- Running on empty: Running out of fuel while your generator is running is another common problem, and one that can result in damage to the generator’s magnetic coils. When that happens, your generator may still start, but it won’t be able to produce power. To prevent “running on empty,” be sure to check your fuel levels before starting the generator and periodically while it’s in operation, especially if it’s being used for long periods of time. Store extra gasoline safely using approved containers. Also be sure to “power down” the electrical load before turning the generator off.
Finally, never work on a generator unless you feel comfortable working with electricity and gasoline engines. And never attempt a repair or maintenance chore unless you understand the instructions in your owner’s manual and you’re sure you know what you’re doing.
Not comfortable doing repairs yourself? No problem! At Corbin Electric, our service department is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you never have to worry about having the power you need. To learn more or to schedule a repair or appointment, visit our website or call (732)410-7695.
Getting a Pool? Redesigning Your Hardscaping or Landscaping? We Can Help With Your Outdoor Lighting Needs!
The popularity of outdoor lighting has been growing by leaps and bounds, and it’s no wonder: A well-designed outdoor lighting plan can increase security, enhance the appearance of a property, and even expand the amount of time a property can be used and enjoyed. While outdoor lighting is frequently overlooked by homeowners making upgrades to their properties, those who do add it are typically amazed by the improvements even a few well-placed lights can make.
Just as indoor lighting comes in lots of shapes and sizes for different tasks, outdoor fixtures are available to suit a broad range of varying needs in just about every style and finish imaginable. And, just as using multiple types of lighting indoors can improve functionality and appearance, “mixing it up” outdoors can achieve the same advantages.
Types of Outdoor Lighting
When it comes to outdoor lighting, many people think of lighting the area around their entryways – and that’s it. However, by extending lighting to other areas of your yard, you can increase the “wow” factor substantially.
One of the most effective uses of outdoor lighting is garden enhancement. Face it: You spend a lot of money keeping your plants, shrubs and trees looking great, yet they’re only really visible during daylight hours. Adding lighting puts the focus on your plants and adds considerable drama to your landscape. Garden lighting can include floodlights or “up lights” for trees and taller shrubs, a focal spot on a water feature or ambient lighting around the edges of flower beds. Lighting can also play an important role in nighttime gardens that feature all-white plants or night-blooming varieties that attract colorful pollinating moths. And of course, they’re ideal for providing soft light for a bench or arbor that provides an ideal perch for enjoying your garden long after the sun has set.
Patios and Pools
Lighting up hardscape areas like patios and pools has become especially popular in recent years as more and more homeowners have embraced the concept of the “outdoor living room.” By creating functional spaces for living outside your home, you essentially multiply your home’s square footage, in addition to multiplying your enjoyment of your yard. Plus, a few lights around a pool, patio or other outdoor living space helps provide the perfect spot for entertaining family or friends. If you enjoy using a grill, adding task lighting in addition to ambient lighting transforms a small, darkened patio to an open-air dining room that can quickly become the focal point for any gathering.
In addition to beauty, there are practical considerations when it comes to outdoor lighting. Lining a pathway with subtle down-facing fixtures prevents trips and falls, and makes an evening stroll much more pleasant. And lighting of just about any type can help deter would-be burglars who prefer to lurk under the cover of total darkness.
This season when you plan your yard and garden updates, consider outdoor lighting. If you’re not sure how much lighting you want to add, it’s okay to start small and add on over time. And most importantly, get some advice in planning your lighting project from experienced experts who can help you make the best selection!
Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Get a Generator
Thinking about buying a generator? Now is the right time to make the leap! Spring is just about here, and statistics show the best time to buy a generator is before the storm hits – literally. In New Jersey, storm season typically kicks in once humid summer weather arrives, when shifts in the Gulf Stream that tend to kick storms and hurricanes right up the coast and into the heart of the Garden State. If you wait until those stormy forecasts start hitting the airwaves, you can expect to pay significantly more for a generator. In fact, buying a generator outside of the typical storm season can save you plenty in upfront costs, and because you’re buying before you need it, you have plenty of time to learn how to use it – and that can save you a lot of headaches.
Learning how to use a generator isn’t rocket science, but it’s not just a matter of flipping a switch and having all your power restored, either. It begins with choosing the right generator for your needs, and that depends primarily on how you want to use it. Most people choose generators that are powerful enough to keep appliances like their refrigerator and freezer up and running, as well as their air conditioning units so they can stay comfortable during those hot summer nights until the power is restored. Many people also choose to make sure they have enough power for electronics like computers and television, as well as chargers for tablets and cellphones. And still others have medical equipment to consider, like nebulizers that help them or their loved ones breathe.
What it boils down to is that each person’s needs are unique, and choosing a generator that meets those needs means you have to know how much power you need to draw and which generators are built to supply that power. Again, it’s not rocket science, but it’s not always an easy task either.
Once you buy your generator, you have to know how to use it – and how to use it safely. Like any other piece of equipment that uses fuel combustion, a generator can cause a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide if it’s not situated and used properly. Taking the time to make sure you know how to use your generator will ensure your safety and the safety of your family when the power goes out.
At Corbin Electric, we’ve been providing New Jersey homeowners with generators for years, and we know how to make sure the generator you choose suits both your energy needs and your budget. We can help you consider all your options so you feel confident about the generator you choose. Plus, we have the expertise – and the time – to set up your generator and explain how to operate it so you feel confident about using it.
If you’ve been thinking about buying a generator, now is the ideal time. Give us a call at 732-536-0444 or use our contact form and learn how we can help you keep the lights on when the power goes out!
Now is the Perfect Time to Reassess Your Security Lighting Needs
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2013 about 2 million burglaries were committed in the U.S., representing tens of millions of dollars in losses, not to mention the fear and anxiety that go along with having your space violated by criminals. Every year, alarm and security companies come up with new devices and technology aimed at thwarting criminals, and every year crooks find new ways to “game” those systems. But throughout the years, one security tactic has remained amazingly effective, no matter what skills would-be crooks wind up mastering: Security lighting.
Properly and professional installed, security lighting directs light where it’s needed to prevent crime and halt criminal activity. But the key to being effective lies in having the lighting system planned and installed by an experienced contractor.
Too Much Light Is Not Good
On first consideration, it may seem like adding as much light as possible is the best way to keep burglars at bay. But in fact, studies have shown that providing too much light can actually make it more difficult for your property to be seen by watchful neighbors or passing police. Too many lights also can cause glare, and that can result in people actively avoiding looking at your property – which is just what burglars want.
Balancing the amount of light and the types of lights on a property is the key to achieving the ideal mix that will provide the greatest boost in security.
Even if you have a system that was professionally installed, having it reassessed is a good idea. That’s because research into the effects of too much light or light directed ineffectively is relatively recent, and your system may need to be adjusted to suit new data.
Upgrade Lighting to Downgrade Your Bills
Another reason to give an existing system a second look – or to consider adding a system if you don’t already have one – is to take advantage of new technology that has resulted in significant cost decreases. Just in the past couple of years we’ve seen the advent of LED lights that are designed to offer plenty of lighting while minimizing the use of electricity. As a result, you can increase your security without substantially increasing your electric bills – and if you have an older system in place, you’re likely to see a decrease in your bill. As an added bonus, many insurance companies consider lighting to be a worthwhile enhancement as well, and that can mean a decrease in homeowner’s insurance premiums.
Having your security lighting reassessed doesn’t take long, and by working with an established company like Corbin Electric, you can feel assured the assessment will be conducted using the most up-to-date techniques and information so you get a custom plan based specifically on your unique needs. If you’re ready to schedule an assessment for your property, give us a call today at 732-536-0444.
Getting Your Generator Ready For Spring
The long, cold winter is drawing to a close, and that means summer storm season can’t be too far away. There’s one thing you can say about New Jersey – it offers lots of opportunities to experience weather in all its crazy glory. It also offers plenty of chances for the power to go out. In fact, thanks to a recent spate of especially fierce storms, home generator use has been on the upswing in the state. If you’re one of the homeowners who believes in the power of being prepared, now is the time to dust off that generator and make sure it’s ready for storm season and all it brings.
Caring for your generator now means you’ll have time to identify parts that are becoming worn or nearing the end of their life cycle so they can be replaced before they wear out completely. After all, few things are as disheartening as turning to your generator during an outage, only to find it won’t start. Proactive maintenance helps you find problems and nip them in the bud, before they escalate into major problems. Here’s what you need to do:
- First, grab your owner’s manual and read it over. Your manual contains important information about your generator’s specific type and model, like the best type of oil to use, the size filter you need and other brand- and model-specific data. Can’t find your manual? Look online. Many companies offer copies you can download or browse through right on their website. If that fails, give us a call. We work with many brands of generators, and we can help you determine what you need.
- Perform a visual inspection. Inspect gaskets, hoses and other parts for signs of wear and make note of parts that need to be replaced.
- Change the oil and spark plugs. Drain the old oil and replace the oil filter before adding new oil. Use the type of oil recommended for your generator.
- Add a new air filter, again, using the filter that’s recommended for your brand and model.
- Check the battery and clean the terminals.
- Check the exhaust outlet to make sure it’s not obstructed. Enterprising insects may decide to overwinter in your exhaust, so give it a good visual inspection before using it for the first time after it’s been stored.
- Wipe down the unit, making sure to remove dust and debris.
- Run the generator to make sure it’s operating the way it should. Take note of any unusual sounds that could indicate a problem. And be sure to follow proper operating procedures during your test run; don’t make the potentially fatal mistake of thinking you can do this pre-season run in an enclosed garage or shed. Take the time to wheel it outside so there’s plenty of ventilation. Let it run for at least 20 minutes, and make sure it’s providing power.
Preventive maintenance is an important step to ensure you have power when you need it. If you’re not sure how to tune-up or maintain your generator, give us a call at 732-536-0444. We’re happy to help!
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