While power outages aren’t something you’d usually think about this time of the year, they can certainly happen—whether it’s in your individual home due to excessive AC use or a widespread outage.
When we’re at the peak of summer and temperatures are soaring, this can, of course, be a very inconvenient problem. So, if you do experience a summer power outage this season, what can you do to stay cool?
Prevention Is Key!
No, you can’t always prevent a power outage—actually you can rarely prevent one, particularly if it’s widespread. What you can prevent, is being without your cooling system during a power outage.
How?
By installing and properly maintaining a whole-house generator. This system is designed to provide you with power when extended power outages or even short-term power outages occur. As soon as a power outage is detected by the system, it automatically starts up and switches power to the circuits that you’ve chosen to cover with the emergency generator.
With a generator, you never have to worry about being without your air conditioner (or your heater in the winter!)
Have Your Generator Checked
Annual maintenance isn’t just for your HVAC and plumbing systems—it’s integral to ensuring that your generator is in good condition as well. After all, having the best whole-house generator in place won’t do you any good during a power outage if it doesn’t work!
During maintenance, your technicians check for a number of signs that indicate your generator needs repair, such as:
- Worn Electrical Components: We’ll take a look at your wires, buttons, and other electrical elements to make sure there are no signs of damage.
- Leaks: The older your generator gets, the more likely it is to experience a leak from a hose, line, or storage pan.
- Trouble Starting Up Or Running: When generators sit for a long time without use (which, most do), the lack of use can drain the battery and damage other parts of the engine.
Other Ways to Stay Cool
So, let’s say you don’t have a generator. Your air conditioner cannot be used, and you’re stuck inside your warm home until power is restored. What can you do?
- Keep Your Blinds and Curtains Closed: You’d be surprised at how fast your home can heat up simply from having your blinds and curtains open, letting the sunshine in—even if the sun isn’t on that side of your house yet. The radiant heat seeps in wherever it can!
- Close up Your Home when It gets Above 75°F Outside: Most people can stay relatively comfortable at 78°F in their homes. But it can get stuffy quickly and the temperature can rise once the outdoor temps get above about 75°.
- Take a Cool Shower: Take a cool shower and get your hair wet. You may be surprised to find just how much this helps cool you off.
ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice, generator services, and quality air conditioning service in Spokane, WA.