Can an EV Really Power an Entire House? Here’s the Deal

I live in a neighborhood where it’s quite common to lose power for days at a time. With my wife working from home and Superstorm Sandy causing a week-long blackout, I purchased a 7,500-watt generator. An electrician installed a transfer switch, upgraded to a 200-amp service, and because my stove and clothes dryer are gas-fired, my generator easily powers my entire house, including the HVAC.

However, a relative recently purchased two new electric vehicles (EVs), and I began to wonder— could it be possible to use an EV battery as a generator to power my house during a blackout? Read along as an ASE Master Technician and other experts in efficient, intelligent home energy solutions explain what you need to know before safely using an EV generator (battery) to power your home during a blackout.

How EV Battery Power Works

First, lithium-ion batteries that power the vast majority of EVs do not produce electricity; they only store it. Similar to the lithium-ion batteries in our phones, laptops, and other devices, EV batteries are simply larger and contain several hundred to thousands of cells.

Each cell has a positive (+) cathode and a negative (-) anode separated by an electrolytic solution. When charging an EV battery from an external source (i.e., a battery charging station), an electrochemical reaction occurs. Lithium-ion ions flow from positive (+) to negative (-) through electrolysis, storing the charge in the battery as direct current (DC). When driving, the exact opposite takes place: “An inverter converts DC to alternating current (AC) to power an EV’s electric motors,” said Christopher Maiwald, Founder and CEO of Lectron, an EV charging provider.

ASE Master Technician Tom Diamond explained that electrolyte is often overlooked in the charging process. “Electrolyte maintains chemical stability that helps extend the lifespan of a Lithium-ion battery,” while improving their ability to hold a charge longer, said Diamond. “Current EV batteries commonly use three types of electrolytes, usually a liquid, solid-state, or gel/polymer (a gel-filled fluid in a plastic type state). New battery technology will extend the life, range, and an EV’s ability to maintain a charge longer in different operating and weather circumstances, at a lower price.”

What is Bidirectional Charging?

Bidirectional charging allows electricity to flow in both directions on the same circuit. “Bidirectional charging can be used to charge your EVs battery, as well as sending electricity [using UL certified attachments] back to power your home, or sending electricity back to the power grid, or provide power to other devices (power tools, camping gear, smart phones, air compressor),” explained Maiwald.

“A unidirectional (non-bidirectional) EV charging system stores energy for driving, while bidirectional chargers can reverse the power flow from the EV battery back to your home, or even the power grid,” said Daniel Fletcher, co-founder of DCBEL, a company that develops EV bidirectional charging systems.

Which Models Can Power A Home?

Select models from Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo currently offer some form of bidirectional charging capability. But check your owners or the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to determine exactly the type of bidirectional charging system your vehicle has:

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) only powers external devices.
• Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) can power your home during service outages.
• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) sends energy back to the grid.

Maiwald believes, “These capabilities will increase across EV lineups once automakers adopt a single EV charging standard.”

Ford Intelligent Backup Power

Ford’s Intelligent Backup Power system, available on the F-150 Lightning, can provide up to 9.6 kilowatts (kW) of power, which, depending on usage, can power a home for two or three days. Ford’s backup system “enables the truck to automatically send stored battery energy to a home during an outage through a bidirectional charger (sold separately), effectively functioning as a backup [battery] generator,” said Maiwald.

Hyundai’s Vehicle-to-Load system

Hyundai’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system allows drivers to power small appliances, tools, or electronics directly from their EV’s battery via an onboard outlet, “essentially turning the vehicle into a portable power source,” explained Maiwald. “Special V2L adapters designed for specific bidirectional vehicles are required to utilize this feature.”

Everything You Need to Power Your Home

Always consult your vehicle’s OEM, an electrician, home power service professionals and most importantly, your utility company before attempting to power your home using a V2H or H2G charger.

“A compatible integrated bidirectional inverter is needed to safely isolate any bidirectional EV from the grid (V2G) when powering your home,” explained Fletcher. Installing an automatic transfer switch (ATS) is essential. An ATS isolates your EV from the grid, but more importantly, it can sense when the power has come back on, “automatically switching” from EV to grid power.

Fletcher added that, to allow the grid to stabilize, “some utility companies and local municipalities require an ATS to modulate, or wait up to 15 seconds, before switching back to grid power.”

This is not a DIY installation. To eliminate safety concerns such as fire, GFCI, surge protection, and hard failsafe isolation (preventing current from feeding back into the grid that can electrocute powerline workers) always have a certified electrician, knowledgeable in V2G, while following all local code requirements, installs the bidirectional inverter to your homes electrical service. Depending on your home’s wiring, electrical service, and location where the inverter will be installed, installation can cost thousands of dollars.

Performance, Limitations and Challenges

A typical EV battery (60–100 kilowatt hours-kWh) can power an average home using about 30 kWh per day, for one to three days. This is assuming that your EV battery was fully charged before using it to power your home. For an additional cost, many V2G inverter system manufacturers incorporate solar panels and backup batteries as a way to lower energy costs, produce clean energy, help keep your lights on longer during a blackout, or even sell excess power back to your utility company.

When connecting an EV to the grid, “The [inverter] system must precisely match the grid’s waveform and voltage output,” said Fletcher. “It is critical—no matter which inverter [or system] you install—it meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 15118. This ensures any V2G system matches and manages electron flow from the grid, ensuring safe and effective charging.”

FAQ

Can I just plug my EV into a wall outlet to power my house?

NO, absolutely NOT! “Backfeeding [plugging an extension cord directly from an EV, or home generator, into a receptacle in your home] is dangerous as well as illegal,” said certified electrician and Family Handyman contributing editor Ally Childress.

Is it safe to use an EV as a generator?

Yes, if your EV has bidirectional capability, and you have the appropriate hardware and software that are compatible with your EVs electronics. However, technically, an EV does not “generate” or produce electricity; it’s a battery that simply stores power until it’s needed.

Can I charge my EV from a gasoline or propane-powered generator?

Yes, but only in a desperate situation. First, check your generator’s specifications. EVs have sensitive electronics. Generators producing more than six percent low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) can quickly damage those sensitive, expensive electronics. A Level 1 charger requires 1000 to 2000 watts to operate. A Level 2 charger requires 9600 watts, plus a 240 volt 40 amp output to function properly—plus the cost of the fuel to run the generator.

About the Experts

• Christopher Maiwald is the Founder and CEO of Lectron.
• Daniel Fletcher is Co-Founder and Head of Ecosystems and a seasoned leader in software and energy technology. Dan has deep expertise across renewable energy, EVs, and more. As head of Ecosystem for DCBEL Energy, Dan and his team are focused on making distributed energy work for everyone through strategic partnerships
• Tom Diamond has over 35 years of experience in the automotive repair industry as a technician and certified (Mazda) trainer. He has been an ASE Master Technician for over 25 years, is a PennDoT certified state safety inspector and is currently the Automotive Technology instructor at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, PA. Interview Oct 29, 2025.

Resources

• ANSI: “ISO 15118-1:2019 Road vehicles – Vehicle to grid communication interface – Part 1: General information and use-case definition“
• ANSI: “UL 1741 Ed. 3-202, Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources“
• Camille Cater, Sunrun Team at Antenna Group
• Edmunds: “What Is Bidirectional Charging and How Does It Work?”
• Ethan Heine, President and CEO of Suntrek Solar
• EVBattery: “Electrolytes and EV Range“
• Greg Field, Owner and Senior Energy Consultant with PGT Home Energy Solutions
• Joseph Vellone, CEO of ChargeScape
• Large Custom Batter: “Why Electrolytes Are Essential for Lithium Battery Function“
• Mark Halberg, Service Generator Estimator with Prairie Electric
• MIT Review: “How does an EV battery actually work?“
• U.S. News and Report: “NACS vs. CCS: What EV Shoppers Need to Know in 2025“

Related

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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Honda Recalls 400,000 Cars Because the Wheels Might Fall Off

DIYer’s Guide To Sealing Baseboards: Stop Drafts in 6 Steps

Remove old caulk

If your baseboards are caulked and the caulk has dried up and failed, it is essential to remove the old caulk before re-caulking the gap between the top of the baseboard and the wall. Depending on the caulks makeup and condition, this can be a headache of a process. For our situation, it was easiest to just remove the baseboard and clean the surface of both the wall and the back of the baseboard of old caulk using a putty knife.

Here’s how to get the baseboard off the wall. First, score the seam with a knife to facilitate easier removal of the baseboard. Start at one end of the baseboard piece and use a hammer to drive the trim puller into the gap between the wall and the baseboard. Move along the baseboard until it separates completely from the wall.

Remove any old nails from the baseboard with pliers before reattaching it to the wall. To reattach the baseboard, use a nail gun with 18-gauge Brad nails. Be sure to nail it to the studs or the bottom plate of the wall.

No quarter round?

Our drafty baseboard already had quarter-round molding installed on it from when we installed the new flooring. If you don’t have quarter-round or shoe molding, this can be the sole cause of drafty baseboards. Add it, and insert backer rod before installing the quarter-round if there are any gaps between the bottom of the baseboard and the floor.

Mask off drafty seams

Apply painters’ tape along the seams we’re sealing to keep your caulk beads in check and minimize painting touch-ups later on in the project.

Our focus is on two seams: the seam between the top edge of the baseboard and the wall, and the seam between the top edge of the quarter round and the face of the baseboard. Tape along the floor as well if you do not want caulk or paint on it, especially if it’s carpet.

Caulk the seams

Cut the tip of the caulk at a 45-degree angle for a smooth, controlled application. Start caulking the trim in a corner. Apply a thin bead of caulk to the gap between the top edge of the baseboard and the wall. If your trim is painted, apply a bead of caulk to the seam between the top edge of the quarter-round and the baseboard as well.  Use your finger to smooth out the bead of caulk and wipe away any excess with a damp rag.

Peel off the tape

While the caulk is still wet, peel the tape off. Clean up excess caulk with a wet rag before it dries. For the leftover caulk in the tube, cover the tip with tape or a caulk cap.

Fill and paint

If you removed and reinstalled your baseboard, fill your nail holes with wood filler to hide them. Then, lightly sand the holes smooth with 220-grit sandpaper. Clean up the dust afterwards to make sure everything is ready for painting.

Touch up the nail holes with paint while the caulk dries. After the caulk has dried, touch up the paint over the baseboard. You may need to re-mask off the areas you don’t want to paint before touching up.

There you have it! A finished, sealed baseboard that will save you money and keep your home cozy all through the year.

FAQ

Is it better to use caulk or wood filler to seal baseboard drafts?

Caulk is better for sealing baseboard drafts because it remains flexible and can accommodate the natural movement between the baseboards and the walls.

What is the best caulk for trim boards?

I found that the best caulk to use is acrylic latex or siliconized acrylic caulk, as they are flexible, durable, and easier to clean up.

Should a quarter-round be caulked?

Yes, all quarter-rounds should be caulked. Not caulking can let dust, pests, and drafts into your home.

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Drooping Ceiling Fan Blades? Here’s Why It Happens & How to Fix It

When we returned to our house after a hurricane, every fan blade inside was drooping. That wasn’t surprising. It had taken two weeks for the power to be restored, and without air conditioning for that long, the blades had become saturated by humidity. However, even without extreme weather, fan blades can be prone to sagging.

“Fan blades might droop for any number of reasons, and it is not something to ignore because it may be a hazard if the blades come loose,” says Jordan Benjamin of Done Rite Services. “It can also increase wear and tear on the fan.”

Luckily, the fix is often as easy as tightening a few screws or replacing the blades. Here’s how to figure out why your ceiling fan blades are drooping and whether it’s worth swapping them out or if it’s time to buy a new fan.

What Causes Fans to Droop?

Humidity is one of the most common causes of ceiling fan blades drooping or warping, especially if the blades are made from cheap materials. Other culprits include loose screws, physical damage, like from kids pulling on them, and old age. Over time, the rotational force of the spinning fan can take its toll, especially if the fan is located in a damp environment, such as a kitchen or basement.

“A common misconception is that the blades are drooping due to the motor dying, but this isn’t true,” says Scott Kegerreis of Kura Home Services.

Can I Fix the Droop?

Sometimes. If the screws that hold the blades in place are loose, the fix can be as easy as tightening them. Also, ensure that you wipe off dust buildup, as it can weigh down the blades.

If that doesn’t work, replacement blades are an option. “Check prices, though. Depending on the blades you’re purchasing, it may be more economical to just replace the whole fan,” says Tim Alagushov of IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical.

When replacing blades, it’s also a good idea to address the cause of their damage in the first place. “For example, if you’ve got excess humidity in your home to the degree that it’s impacting your appliances, you would be well-served to speak with an HVAC tech to see what options you have,” says Alagushov.

When To Replace Fan Blades

Replace blades when they are visibly warped, cracked, damaged, worn, unbalanced or causing the fan to vibrate. “Warped blades can strain the motor, while peeling paint or cracking can make a mess and negatively impact your air quality,” says Alagushov. Also, “If a blade is falling apart, it may unexpectedly fly off the fan when it’s in motion, potentially hurting someone or damaging your home.”

When To Replace the Whole Fan

If your ceiling fan is making noise, wobbling, shaking or struggling to maintain speed, it’s probably time to replace it. “If your blades were warped for a long time, they likely put excess stress on the fan, causing the motor to wear down faster,” says Alagushov. “But compare prices and really get to the root cause of the issue before spending money on a solution.”

Ceiling Fan Maintenance

Dust the blades monthly, at a minimum, to prevent debris buildup. Kegerreis recommends using a microfiber cloth to keep dust from scattering everywhere. Then, while you’re up there, inspect the screws for looseness and make sure the mounting box is secure.

“My pro tip: reverse the fan direction twice a year,” says Kegerreis. “A clockwise direction in winter will push warm air down and a counterclockwise direction in the warmer months will provide a cool breeze.”

FAQ

Is replacing a ceiling fan difficult?

It depends. Replacing the blades is generally pretty easy. If you’re handy, replacing the whole ceiling fan also shouldn’t be too difficult to do by yourself. But keep in mind, it can be dangerous. “Since you are dealing with live voltage, I recommend leaving it to a licensed contractor or electrician,” says Benjamin. “Definitely turn the breaker off if you are ever going to attempt it yourself.”

How much should I expect to spend on a ceiling fan?

Basic fans range from around $75 to $250, with prices increasing from there depending on style, size, quality, energy efficiency and features such as lighting and smart controls. “Some high-end, designer ceiling fans can cost thousands, but the average fan shouldn’t run you more than $500,” says Alagushov.

If you opt not to DIY the task, professional installation typically runs between $200 to $300, but varies depending on where you live, plus your ceiling height, electrical access and the complexity of the model you choose.

About the Experts

• Jordan Benjamin is owner of Done Rite Services, an HVAC, plumbing and electrical company in Tucson, Arizona, which routinely handles fan replacements and installations.
• Tim Alagushov is COO of IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical, a San Jose-based HVAC company.
• Scott Kegerreis is owner of Kura Home Services, a company specializing in home maintenance, based along Colorado’s Front Range.

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Is Driving Barefoot Illegal? Footwear Laws Every Driver Should Know

Plenty of daily drivers throw on whatever is by the door and get rolling, only to realize halfway down the street that their shoes aren’t helping. “Driving footwear” sounds trivial, but it affects pedal feel, reaction time, and comfort on long stretches.

The law in the United States mostly cares about control of the vehicle, while your feet care about support and stability. The goal is a setup that keeps both happy and keeps the ride drama-free.

Discover if it’s safe (and legal) to wear heels, sandals, and barefoot driving, plus practical guidance on popular shoe styles and research-backed considerations to pick sensible driving footwear.

Is It Legal To Drive In High Heels?

Yes. It is legal in the United States to drive in high heels. No state lists a specific shoe style as illegal; enforcement focuses on whether the driver maintains safe control of the vehicle, and unsafe operation can still be cited under general rules.

Practical comfort is a different question. Elevated heels can change ankle position and dull pedal feedback.

Is It Legal To Drive In Sandals?

Yes. Sandals, including flip-flops, are legal to wear while driving across the United States. What matters is safe control. That said, loose and backless styles can slip, fold, or catch on a pedal, which is why many road safety pros caution against them for everyday driving.

Flip-flops are often seen as a poor choice because their thin soles and straps can snag or slip when you need steady pressure.

Is It Legal To Drive Barefoot?

Yes, it’s legal to drive barefoot in all 50 states. Despite common myths, no state bans it. The key is maintaining control of your vehicle, since you can still be cited if a loss of control causes an accident.

Bare feet offer good pedal feel but can slip easily, especially when wet. Keep a small towel in your car to dry your feet and a secure pair of shoes nearby for quick stops or hot pavement.

Other Common Footwear Options, From Practical To Problematic

Snug, Low-Profile Sneakers Or Flat Boots

Often, the best everyday driving footwear. Thin, flexible soles deliver good feedback, a closed heel keeps the shoe planted, and a modest tread grips the pedal. If feet feel cramped, move the seat to set the ankle in a neutral position so the heel rests comfortably on the floor.

Work Boots And Heavy Hikers

Legal and protective, but thick, stiff soles can blunt pedal sensitivity. Adjust the seat and test a few gentle brake and accelerator presses before heading out to recalibrate the feel.

Platform Shoes And Thick Clogs

The extra sole thickness reduces finesse and can catch on pedal edges. If platforms are part of the day’s plan, stash a slimmer pair for the actual drive and switch in the parking lot.

Mules, Slides, And Backless Loafers

Easy to wear, yet easy to slip. With no heel counter, these styles can migrate off a pedal at the worst moment. They are legal, but they are not confidence builders for quick transitions.

Rain Boots And Bulky Weather Gear

Oversized shafts and thick soles can limit ankle mobility and dull feel.

Motorcycle Footwear Note

Passenger vehicles do not mandate shoes, but riders face separate requirements and recommendations. Sturdy boots remain the norm for bikes, and local rules should be checked before riding.

Practical Tips For Safer Pedal Control

• Keep a dedicated pair of slim, secure driving footwear in the trunk or under the seat.
• Before pulling away, tap each pedal and sweep the foot side to side to confirm nothing snags.
• If footwear feels slippery or vague on the pedal, stop and switch instead of trying to adapt mid-drive.
• After rain, the beach, or a pool stop, dry both feet and pedal pads to prevent slipping.

SOURCES

• “A Comparison of Gait Biomechanics of Flip-Flops, Sandals, Barefoot and Shoes.” PubMed Central
• “The Effects of Wearing High Heels While Pressing a Car Accelerator Pedal on Lower Extremity Muscle Activation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science via PubMed Central

RELATED:

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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Why Your Tire Pressure Light Won’t Turn Off (And How to Fix It)

My Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has an impressive array of warning lights that illuminate at startup, and fortunately, most of them go off after a few seconds. Except for one. It’s amber, and it looks like an underlined exclamation mark surrounded by brackets. Brock Bowman, the sales manager at a tire retailer, informed me that the symbol is supposed to resemble a flat tire (OK…) and that it serves as the indicator for the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). In other words, it’s the tire pressure light.

I’ve tried to turn the light off, but it won’t, even after verifying that the pressure in all four tires is correct. After researching the issue, I figure it’s probably time to take the car to the shop. Why do most contemporary vehicles have this light? What does it mean when it comes on, and what should you do when it won’t go off? Here’s what to know.

What Is a Tire Pressure Indicator Light?

The tire pressure light is part of the TPMS, and it comes on when the pressure in one or more tires falls below a threshold amount from the recommended pressure, usually between 10 and 25 percent, depending on the vehicle model. For most models (except some Hondas), the sensors that monitor pressure are located on the wheel rims behind the air valve stems, which puts them inside the tires. Besides activating the dashboard light, they can also send an alert to the dealer’s repair network if you subscribe to this service.

What Causes the Light to Turn On?

Bowman explains that the tire pressure light illuminates when the TPMS “detects a significant pressure discrepancy in one or more tires.” Even the spare tire can trigger the system. A tire can lose pressure for any of the following reasons:

• A puncture or slow leak;
• seasonal temperature drops;
• natural loss of pressure over time.

The tire pressure light can also illuminate when you install the spare tire, says Bowman. “Many temporary spares lack TPMS sensors, or if they have one, they might not be properly integrated or inflated to the correct pressure for the main system.” The TPMS can also get confused when you rotate the tires, he continues, and if that isn’t the reason the light went on, it may be because of a malfunctioning sensor. Sensors have batteries, and a dead battery can send incorrect readings or no signal at all.

How To Check Your Tire Pressure

Some vehicles, including my Crosstrek, have an onboard monitoring system that displays the pressure in each tire. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work when the TPMS light is on, which means you have to manually check the pressure in each tire with a pressure gauge.

Using a Gauge

You can use a manual pressure gauge, which resembles a pen light and features a spring-loaded, graduated bar that allows you to read the tire pressure. I prefer, however, to use the gauge on a battery-powered compressor I keep in the car, because the digital display is more accurate. Either way, the procedure is simple:

1. Unscrew the valve cap from each tire.
2. Engage the head of the gauge with each tire valve in turn. If you’re using a handheld gauge, press the head onto the valve until the scale bar pops out from the other end. If you’re using a compressor, screw the hose onto the valve.
3. Check the reading. If you’re using a handheld tester, the pressure corresponds to the last gradation that appears. If you’re using a compressor, the pressure will be displayed on its LED screen. Both readings are typically in PSI.
4. Replace the valve cap after making each reading and inflating the tire as needed.

Where To Find Recommended PSI Levels

The manufacturer’s tire pressure recommendations are displayed on a label attached to the chassis inside the driver’s door. Open the door, look down, and you’ll see it. Failing that, you can also find tire pressure specs in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

• Pro tip: Check the label carefullybecause the recommendations for the front and back tires are often different. For example, on my vehicle, the front tires should be inflated to 36 psi and the rear tires to 35 psi.

Recalibrate the System

If the TPMS was triggered by a drop in tire pressure, it has to reset after you inflate the tires. The tire pressure light will stay on until you do one of the following:

Drive It Off

Bowman advises driving the car for 10 to 20 minutes at speeds above 15 mph. That may be enough to make the light go off.

Use the Reset Button

Some vehicles have a reset button for the TPMS located under the steering column, in the glove box or on the dashboard. If you can’t find it in your vehicle, check the owner’s manual to verify that there is one. After you press it, you may still have to drive the car for a while to make the light go off.

Use the Dashboard Menu

In lieu of a reset button, some vehicles may have a reset function in the infotainment system. Scroll through the menu to find it.

What To Do If Your Light Won’t Go Off

“If the tires are properly inflated and the light remains on, it indicates a system issue,” says Bowman. His advice:

• Inspect for slow leaks: Even a small, non-obvious puncture can cause gradual pressure loss that triggers the light.
• Visit a mechanic or tire shop to assess the TPMS sensors for battery or signal failure or to reprogram or replace faulty sensors.

FAQ

Why is tire pressure important?

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is important for at least three reasons:

• Safety – Properly inflated tires maintain contact with the road at all times, helping prevent skids as well as steering and braking issues.
• Fuel mileage – Your car has to work harder when the tires are underinflated, and it consumes more fuel.
• Tire wear – Tires wear out more quickly when they aren’t inflated properly.

Can I drive with the tire pressure light on?

The tire pressure light is simply a warning indicator and doesn’t affect the car’s operation. If you verify all tires are properly inflated, and the light stays on, it’s safe to continue driving until you have time to bring the car in for service. While it’s on, you can always check the tires the old-fashioned way by getting out of the car and using a pressure gauge.

About the Expert

• Brock Bowman is the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Tires Easy, an online tire retailer.

RELATED

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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New Costco Policy Has Some Shoppers Feeling Excluded

Costco is a brand built on customer loyalty. Over the years, that mentality has fostered a community of dedicated shoppers, united by the exclusivity of the shopping center and its famous food court. So when a section of that customer base is upset, even if it is a vocal minority, it’s probably a good idea to take note of exactly what they’re complaining about.

Recently, Costco implemented a new policy that has angered some of its loyal customers. Here’s what changed and why the national wholesale brand is taking some flak online.

What’s the New Policy?

Costco has always been an exclusive shopping experience limited to paying members. For many, that exclusivity is a big part of the brand’s appeal. But now the brand has added one more level of exclusivity, and it has some of its longtime shoppers upset.

Starting this fall, Costco shoppers in the store’s “Executive Membership” tier now get an extra hour to start shopping in the morning. This benefit applies every day of the week except Saturdays, when the exclusive shopping window is just half an hour in the morning, but also extends shopping hours by an hour in the evening.

Why Are People Upset?

Costco customers are required to pay an annual membership fee of $65 for the standard membership, which allows them to shop at the store. Executive Memberships cost $130 annually. The idea of having to pay twice as much per year in order to shop in that exclusive early window has left some customers feeling cheated and taken advantage of.  The reaction was summed up by one particularly annoyed Costco customer on Facebook:

“I immediately canceled my membership for a 100 percent refund,” posted Gary Blake. “The company breached the terms in which I took out the membership. I burned up a gallon of gas to get there at what was the normal time, had trouble walking and no consideration. I was told to wait 1/2 hour. I’ll stick with BJ’s and continue to be treated with respect.”

The policy is not without its fans, though. Some shoppers with Exclusive Memberships report that the early shopping window is a worthwhile benefit, providing a more calming shopping experience than typical.

“It is such a relaxing shopping environment and not survival of the fittest,” posted a user on Reddit.

Is The Policy Working For Costco?

While Costco is definitely concerned with shopper feedback, the bottom line for the company is ultimately its bottom line. And according to Costco CEO Ron Vachris, they’re already seeing a bump in sales, specifically thanks to this new shopping hours policy.

“To increase value and convenience for our members, on June 30, we added Executive Member exclusive operating hours in the morning and an additional hour on Saturday evenings for all members in our U.S. warehouses,” said Vachris in Costco’s fourth quarter call with Wall Street analysts. “We estimate these incremental hours have added about 1% to weekly U.S. sales since implementation.”

Only time will tell if this increase in sales continues or if enough annoyed Costco customers voicing their opinions online will force the company to reconsider its new shopping hours. For now, it seems that money talks.

Sources

• Yahoo Finance, “Costco members push back on new shopping rules to hit this week” 2025
• Fast Company, “Costco’s controversial new policy says something worrying about the economy” 2o25
• The Motley Fool, “Costco’s New Controversial Policy Change Is Hitting the Mark, and Management Couldn’t Be Happier” 2025

Related

• See a Green Dot on Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Means
• If You Get a USPS Scam Text, You Need To Do This Immediately
• This Is How Often You Should Restart Your Phone

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