Q: I plan to install a backup generator for power outages. How do I determine what size I need? Would it make economic sense to just use one all the time? A: Smaller portable or large whole-house ...

A home standby generator is a luxury, and for some people a necessity. Also known as whole-house generators or stationary generators, these units cost about $2,000 to $5,000. And the professional ...

After Hurricane Ike knocked out electricity to most of Houston in 2008, my 83-year-old father fired up his portable generator, running extension cords through an open kitchen window to a handful of ...

Solar panels can only generate electricity; they can’t store it, so you must pair them with a stand-alone battery bank or a power station. For home emergency power (for a few hours of power), we ...

After 10 years in print journalism, Nick transitioned to the home improvement space. He has specialized in maintenance, mortgages, home warranties, moving, car shipping, home security and more for 7 ...

The power just went out—again. As you dig around for candles and wonder whether your laptop is fully charged, you think, “I’m finally going to get a generator.” Let’s say you want a generator that can ...

With the rise in weather events, a home generator is a critical resource for many households. According to the US Department of Energy figures, power outages caused by severe weather have doubled in ...

Power outages cost U.S. businesses $150 billion annually, disrupting operations, damaging equipment, and causing lost revenue. For homeowners, outages can mean spoiled food, unsafe conditions, and ...

When you lose power, a whole-house generator keeps your home’s systems up and running. Some are permanently installed to power your home in an emergency, while others are portable for off-grid camping ...

In the event of a power surge or minor outage that lasts only for a few minutes, the biggest hassle is resetting the clocks on all of your appliances. However, prolonged power outages that last hours ...

Solar is no longer just a way to trim your utility bill; for many homeowners it is a serious contender to keep the lights on ...

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The power just went out—again. As you dig around for candles and wonder whether your laptop is fully ...