EPISODE · Jan 12, 2026 · 58 MIN
Lessons From the Field: Backup Power Truths Every Homeowner Needs to Know. (01-10-26)
from Drive Radio · host John Rush
https://FixItRadio.com kicks off 2026 with John Rush and engineer Larry Unger tackling a question many homeowners are now asking: What happens when the power goes out again—and it will? After recent widespread outages across Colorado, the conversation quickly turns to backup power, preparedness, and real-world lessons learned the hard way. Is a portable generator enough, or do you need whole-home backup power? What can actually run your furnace, refrigerator, or well pump—and what can’t? Listener calls from Joe, Jeff, Mark, and Robert bring firsthand experience to the discussion, covering topics such as frozen pipes, unattended homes during winter travel, generator sizing, startup loads, gas meter upgrades, and battery failures. Jeff’s story of living with rationed electricity and water overseas puts modern conveniences into perspective, while Joe breaks down how modern generators self-test weekly, send failure alerts to your phone, and why the battery—not the engine—is often the weakest link. Mark raises a critical concern many overlook: Will your generator actually start when it’s bitterly cold? And Robert asks a common homeowner question—are white marks on a foundation a structural issue or just harmless mineral leaching? The episode also dives into battery wall systems, Powerwalls, UPS backups, and why even a one-second power interruption can reset computers, routers, and electronics. Is there a way to make the transition seamless? What equipment truly protects critical systems? This hour doesn’t sell fear—it delivers experience, perspective, and practical guidance. With outages no longer a “maybe,” but a “when,” the real question is simple: Is your home actually ready for the next one?
What this episode covers
https://FixItRadio.com kicks off 2026 with John Rush and engineer Larry Unger tackling a question many homeowners are now asking: What happens when the power goes out again—and it will? After recent widespread outages across Colorado, the conversation quickly turns to backup power, preparedness, and real-world lessons learned the hard way. Is a portable generator enough, or do you need whole-home backup power? What can actually run your furnace, refrigerator, or well pump—and what can’t? Listener calls from Joe, Jeff, Mark, and Robert bring firsthand experience to the discussion, covering topics such as frozen pipes, unattended homes during winter travel, generator sizing, startup loads, gas meter upgrades, and battery failures. Jeff’s story of living with rationed electricity and water overseas puts modern conveniences into perspective, while Joe breaks down how modern generators self-test weekly, send failure alerts to your phone, and why the battery—not the engine—is often the weakest link. Mark raises a critical concern many overlook: Will your generator actually start when it’s bitterly cold? And Robert asks a common homeowner question—are white marks on a foundation a structural issue or just harmless mineral leaching? The episode also dives into battery wall systems, Powerwalls, UPS backups, and why even a one-second power interruption can reset computers, routers, and electronics. Is there a way to make the transition seamless? What equipment truly protects critical systems? This hour doesn’t sell fear—it delivers experience, perspective, and practical guidance. With outages no longer a “maybe,” but a “when,” the real question is simple: Is your home actually ready for the next one?
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Lessons From the Field: Backup Power Truths Every Homeowner Needs to Know. (01-10-26)
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