ELECTRIC NOTES

HAZARDS FROM GENERATORS REQUIRE EXTRA CAUTION

The death toll from carbon monoxide (CO) associated with generators has been steadily rising in recent years. In 2005, the last year for which the data is considered to be substantially complete, there were 94 deaths from generator-related CO poisoning. Many of the deaths occurred after hurricanes, ice storms or blizzards. While reporting of incidents for the subsequent years is still ongoing, there were 83 and 43 deaths in 2006 and 2007, respectively, reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as of June 30, 2008.

Remember these facts about generators and carbon monoxide if you are going to use a generator:

• CO from a generator is deadly and can kill you in minutes. One generator produces as much CO as hundreds of cars. It can incapacitate and kill consumers within minutes.

• NEVER use portable generators indoors or in garages, basements or sheds. They should always be used outside well away from windows, doors, vents or any other opening.

• Always have a working CO alarm in your house.

• Also, never use charcoal grills indoors, even with ventilation. Charcoal also quickly produces deadly CO.

In January 2007, CPSC required manufacturers to place a danger label on all new generators and the generators’ packaging reminding users of the immediate danger carbon monoxide can pose.

Carbon monoxide is not the only danger associated with generators. Improperly hooking the generator to a home’s wiring can cause an entirely different problem. In a major power outage, crews from your electric cooperative or other utilities will be working to restore power. If you have a generator hooked directly to the house wiring, it can cause a backfeed of electricity onto the lines. Workers who rely on the fact that the lines are “dead” have been injured or even killed by electricity from a distant generator.

Always plug appliances you want to power directly into the generator unless you have a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch that’s been professionally installed by a licensed electrician.

Generators can be useful tools in a prolonged power outage. But used improperly, they can lead to death for you, your loved ones or the dedicated professionals who work for your co-op. Please be careful.

HAZARDS FROM GENERATORS REQUIRE EXTRA CAUTION

Accidents around the home result in millions of injuries to the most vulnerable members of your family—young children —each year. For example, approximately 2,400 children receive emergency room treatment annually for injuries caused by inserting objects into electrical receptacles, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

With a few precautions, these and other injuries can be avoided:

• Install tamper-resistant outlets that protect against small children inserting foreign objects into them. Simple plastic caps typically used can be easily removed by some children.

• Keep electrical cords tied up or out of sight.

• Unplug all appliances, such as hair dryers or coffee makers, when they are not being used.

• Keep appliances out of children’s bathrooms.

• Teach children not to touch appliances when they have wet hands and to keep appliances away from water.

• Teach children other basic safety tips such as staying away from outlets and not touching electrical cords.

GET THE JUMP ON DRAFTY WINDOWS

Windows provide our homes with light, warmth and ventilation. But when winter sets in, they can have a downside.

Placing your hand against a window pane on a chilly fall morning proves the point: If the pane feels cold, it’s a good bet you can reduce energy costs by either insulating your existing windows or installing new, energy-efficient upgrades.

Insulating with draperies is a low-cost, quick fix to drafty windows and can reduce heat loss from a room up to 10 percent. And they’re just as helpful in hot summer months by blocking sunlight. White plastic-backed drapes can reduce heat gain by up to 33 percent.

Interior storm window panels are another low-cost fix (available at most hardware stores) and consist of flexible or rigid plastic installed over or adhered to existing windowpanes. Installation is fairly simple, and panels are either taped on or mounted with Velcro, magnetic strips or snap-in seals. Put them up in autumn and remove them in spring to reduce winter heat loss by up to 50 percent.

If you’re in the market for new windows altogether, be sure to choose energy-efficient models that will shave heating, cooling and lighting costs year-round.

Energy Star® has established a set of energy performance ratings, tailored to four climate zones across the United States, to guide you in selecting windows perfect for your home. These performance ratings are broken into several categories, although the two most basic are U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which can be found on window stickers or packaging.

In simple terms, U-Factor measures how easily heat can flow through a window, not counting direct sunlight. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the window.

SHGC measures how much heat from sunlight the window can absorb. A high number means the window remains effective at collecting heat during winter. A low number provides greater shading ability and may be best for southern climates.

Here in Texas, windows for the south/central climate zone are best. Look for a U-Factor and a SHGC that are both less than or equal to 0.40. You can also visit www.energystar.gov for more details on our climate zone and other criteria to consider when shopping for new windows.

PRESEASON TLC WORTH IT FOR HVAC SYSTEM

Servicing your heating system is a lot like getting an oil change or tuneup for your car. Sure, it’s an expense—but it’s still cheaper than waiting until it breaks down to call a technician.

It typically costs less than $100 a visit to have your heating system inspected by a professional, and you won’t have to worry about the unit making it through another season.  

Some contractors offer an annual preventive maintenance program, which will cost a few hundred dollars a year and typically includes a fall inspection of your heating system and a spring once-over for your air conditioner and discounts on repairs and equipment. A better deal most often is to pay as you go for individual inspections.

But paying a pro to maintain your heating and cooling system is worth the money. Qualified, licensed service technicians are trained to spot problems that most homeowners overlook. Schedule the appointment before the season begins so there is time to order any replacement parts.