SupportPower outages can be frustrating, especially during hot weather months when you need to stay cool. The summer heat can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Prolonged exposure to heat can even cause a deadly heat stroke. It’s especially important for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions to stay cool during a power outage. Having a backup power supply can help protect you and your loved ones. In this article we’ll share some tips on how to stay cool while running off a backup power supply.
Choose the Right Backup Power Source
The first step in cooling your home during a power outage is to choose the right backup power source. A generator is the most common backup power source, but you need to ensure that it’s powerful enough to run your air conditioning unit. Check the specifications of your AC unit and choose a generator with at least 20% more wattage capacity. Generators are also designed to run off a variety of fuel sources including diesel, gasoline, propane, and even a combination of fuel sources. Be sure to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Our website offers a variety of equipment to support power distribution for generators. We have top-tier emergency power equipment including Generator Cables, Transfer Switches, and other common generator replacement parts such as Series 16 Camlock Connectors. Temporary Power Supply has all the power accessories you need to stay safe and cool this summer.
Prioritize Energy-Efficient Cooling
Energy efficiency is key during a power outage when you’re running off a backup power source. Aim to minimize your power consumption by turning off lights, appliances, and electronics when you’re not using them. Central AC uses an average of 1,000 watts of electricity per hour and a large fan generally uses 75 watts, according to Electric Rate. We recommend using energy-efficient cooling options such as ceiling fans, portable fans, or mini-splits which consume much less energy than central air conditioning units. Another option is to run your central air fan only. This will help to keep air circulating without requiring excess electricity.
In addition, consider turning down the temperature on your water heater. Most water heaters are set to a default of 140°F but if you lowered the temperature by just 10°F, it could decrease your usage energy consumption by 3% – 5%. You likely won’t even notice a difference in temperature, making it a straightforward way to cut back on your electrical usage. First, turn off the circuit breaker to your water heater and set your water heater to a recommended temperature of 120°F – 125°F. Next, use a flathead screwdriver to reset its heat settings before turning the heater back on.
Insulate Your Home
Properly insulating your home helps to trap cool air and keep things at your ideal temperature both year-round and during a power outage. Home insulation has several benefits, including major energy savings, increased comfort, and improved indoor air quality. This can come in many forms, including fiberglass, cellulose, foam, reflective insulation, and even new building materials such as impact windows and doors.
There are several areas of a home that should be insulated to maximize energy savings. These areas include the attic, walls, floors, and crawl spaces. Additionally, sealing air leaks around doors and windows can also help to improve energy efficiency.
Whether you need emergency power for your home, construction sites, entertainment venues, industrial facilities, or life safety avenues, our temporary power equipment is the perfect solution for providing reliable electricity. Don’t compromise on safety or performance. Email us today at [email protected] to receive a free quote!