You can’t always rely on the electrical grid. Power outages happen all the time, usually at the most inconvenient moments. If your goal is to preserve comfort, safety, and security at home, nothing works better than a backup generator. Here are some of the reasons as to why you should invest in one.
1. Convenience
In this day and age, people use electricity for almost everything. Hence, going without power can cripple your important tasks or greatly interfere with your comfort.
If you work from home, you might miss out on important calls or deals that can push your career or business further. The healthy foods stored in your fridge will go bad. Digital communication with your loved ones will come to a halt. Also, your critical home appliances such as HVAC, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers will shut down.
Backup generators prevent these types of problems. They have an automatic transfer switch that detects a power outage and activates the generator within seconds. When the electricity returns, the generator will also automatically switch off until needed.
2. Preventing Water Damage During Winter
A backup generator will keep the furnace and plumbing system working during a power outage. These two appliances play an important role in preventing water damage in your home during the cold months.
When the furnace is turned off in winter, the water inside your pipes will freeze. Water expands as it turns into ice, which means it will exact pressure on the pumping system until the pipes finally break. When power returns and the furnace kicks on, the heat produced thaws the ice back into water. Water will then seep through the cracks onto your walls and foundation and your pipes will leak.
Water causes wood to rot, the foundation to weaken, and mold and mildew to grow. If not addressed quickly, the structural damage could be irreversible, prompting significant repair and replacement costs.
Moreover, power outages will render your sump pumps and water filtration systems inoperative. As a result, you’ll lose access to fresh and safe water for drinking, bathing, washing, etc.
3. Keeping Security Systems Working
Home security systems depend on a constant supply of electricity to function. Hence, when power goes out, so does your safety.
A backup generator will keep your alarms, CCTV cameras, motion detectors, etc., operational during a power outage. You will have peace of mind knowing that criminals won’t take advantage of the electrical grid failure.
4. Improved Property Value
Having a backup generator enhances your property value and marketability. It demonstrates foresight and preparedness. Potential buyers consider it a desirable feature, especially if you live in an area prone to power outages.
5. For Long Vacations
If you are not always at home, having a standby backup generator will help protect everything in your house during a power outage. The last thing you want after a week-long vacation is to come back to a vandalized house, stale food, damaged appliances, or a flooded basement.
Choosing a Backup Generator for Your Home
When looking for a backup generator for your home, you have two broad choices: portable and standby generators. Standby generators are much more powerful and convenient, but read on to learn the main differences.
Portable Generators
A portable generator is a small, mobile power source that runs on gasoline or liquid propane to provide sufficient power to run just a few important appliances and devices.
You have to start it manually during a power outage, and then use an extension cord to connect it to individual appliances or devices in your house. Also, you will need to have an electrician install a manual transfer switch subpanel to allow it to power the circuit you use for lighting and security systems.
The three main types of portable generators you can buy for your home are conventional, inverter, and solar. Conventional generators are the most popular option because they are cheaper and have the highest power output, ranging from 4,000 to 12,000 watts.
However, their downsides are many. They are loud, and operate at full capacity all the time. Operating at full capacity means it may waste fuel when your home doesn’t need all the power it makes.
Inverter generators are similar to conventional generators but with one simple but effective upgrade: they produce only the amount of power you need at a time. This perk also means lower noise pollution and fuel savings. However, they are not nearly as powerful or convenient as standby generators that are already integrated with your home’s electrical system.
A solar generator is the most eco-friendly option you can choose. Unlike other types, proper placement is key to getting the best performance. Remember, solar generators get fuel from the sun; therefore, trees, cloud cover, and anything else that blocks sun rays will affect their output. Solar isn’t as powerful as the others, but none of the portable types are strong enough to power your entire home.
Standby Generators
Standby generators or whole-home generators are hardwired to your electrical system. They pick up your home’s electrical needs immediately after the electrical grid gives out.
They vary depending on their fuel type. The popular kind uses diesel, gasoline, or propane as its fuel source. Then, there’s a standby generator powered by natural gas. Diesel and propane standby generators are more durable and efficient than their gasoline counterparts. Whole-home gas generators, on the other hand, are more convenient because they have a reliable fuel source and are also more environmentally friendly than diesel and gasoline generators.
Considerations Before Installing a Backup Generator for Your Home
There are a couple of crucial factors that you need to look into to find your perfect standby generator. They include the following.
Your Power Needs
Consult a qualified electrician to calculate the total wattage of all appliances, devices, and systems you plan to power during an outage. An ideal standby generator must be able to handle your home’s combined load and also have an extra margin for additional unplanned power needs. Appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators require more power to start than to run. They may also draw more electricity when malfunctioning or if there is a change in their operational conditions.
It’s important to also note that a generator running at full capacity all the time may wear out quickly. It would be beneficial to get one that can handle all your home’s load while using 75% or less of its capacity.
Fuel Type and Availability
It’s crucial to consider the convenience and availability of the fuel type in your area. Propane standby generators typically have a longer shelf life and burn cleaner; however, their tanks can be too bulky for your space. If you have a natural gas line, gas generators would be the more practical option. If you don’t mind a much louder generator and have easier access to diesel, diesel generators could make a great choice, as they are also quite durable.
Also, consider generator runtime when pondering the type to install. If you experience prolonged power outages, ensure that your fuel source is sufficient to last the entire duration of the blackout. This helps to reduce the hassle of continuously refueling your generator for a continuous power supply.
Safety Features
Look for standby generators with overload protection, automatic low-fuel shutoff, and carbon monoxide detectors. Your generator should enhance your home’s safety and not be one of the hazards to watch out for.
Ease of Use
User-friendly generators are important, especially if you have a family. Control panels should be clear and accessible, and maintenance indicators should be easy to read. Standby generators are far more convenient and easy to use than portable ones.
Call Absolute Services for More Information
If you are looking for seamless and efficient standby generator installation in Louisville, KY, call Absolute Services today. Our certified electricians have the skills, experience, and tools to handle all types of generators you may want for your home. We also offer electrical services such as rewiring, surge protection installation, and repairs to ensure proper integration.
