Using the Generator - How to maximize the Hours per Gallon (HPG)

Flourescent lights – changing all the lights that you want to run from incandescent bulbs to the new replacement flouresent bulbs will increase your HPG. A typical 60 or 100 watt bulb can be replaced with a fluorescent bulb that use 25% of the power. So in a house with ten 60 watt bulbs lit, instead of burning 600 watts, you will be burning 150 watts which will increase your HPG.

Unplug appliances not in use – Most modern appliances have their standby mode which consumes a few watts of power even when they are ‘off’. These devices need to be ‘unplugged’ in order to truly be turned off. If you have 20 devices like cable boxes, VCRs, TVs and Sterios that are in standby, then you will be consuming 100-200 watts just in the standby modes so you might as well unplug them to save that much fuel.

Nightlights – If your kids need nightlights, then purchase some solar powered landscape lighting. Put the bulbs outside to charge during the day and then place them in the kid’s rooms at night, they will provide a dim nightlight that will last all night and not reduce your HPG.