Generators

They protect appliances, provide insurance against power disruption — and they're as quiet as a normal conversation.

In the past 10 years, the demand for electricity has increased exponentially due to population growth and the increased use of power-thirsty devices such as computers and flat-screen TVs. For homeowners in many areas, this has resulted in electrical service outages that disrupt home comfort. While most of these outages last 20 to 30 minutes, a J.D. Power and Associates study put the average extended power outage at eight hours.

A standby generator can ensure a homeowner's quality of life by keeping the electricity flowing in the event of a power failure that results from either a standard service disruption or a natural disaster, such as a storm. A standby generator can even serve as a primary energy source for homes built off the main. Cogeneration units are now available that produce heat in addition to electricity.

Propane standby generators are housed outside, usually adjacent to a carport or other non-living space. Often air-cooled, they draw energy from the home's propane storage tank.