Do You Need a Generator?

You may need a generator for your home, depending on your house’s needs and the climate of the area you live in. Severe weather, including heavy rain, lightning, and high winds, can lead to power failures and damage to roofs, siding, fallen trees, and downed power lines. So some homeowners are turning to standby or whole-house generators to ensure their homes remain powered during outages from storms. 

It’s important to evaluate whether investing in a backup generator is the right decision for your particular needs before making a purchase.

If you reside in an area often hit by severe storms, flooding, or prolonged power outages, investing in a backup generator could be a smart move. It can provide peace of mind and potentially prevent thousands of dollars in damages. 

What Is a Generator?

A generator is a large device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, allowing you to power your electronics and appliances when the electrical grid is down. During power outages or natural disasters like hurricanes, ice storms, or heavy snowfall, generators become essential safety equipment for your home. 

With a generator, you can continue to use your home’s heating, lighting, essential appliances, and medical devices. If you reside in an area with frequent but brief power outages, a generator can reduce inconvenience and ensure that an unexpected blackout doesn’t disrupt your daily routine.

How Does A Standby Generator Work?

When the power goes out, a standby generator ensures your home keeps running without a hitch. Generators are connected to your home’s electrical system via an automatic transfer switch (ATS), which automatically switches between utility power during normal operation and generator power during a power loss. 

When the generator detects a power outage, the engine starts automatically with the help of an alternator. And after the power is restored, the automatic transfer switch cuts the power to the generator and returns it to the grid automatically.

Portable Generator vs. Standby Generator 

There are two main kinds of generators: portable and standby – and choosing between the two depends on your needs. 

Portable Generator

Portable generators are affordable and capable of powering your home’s essential appliances. Typical portable generators run on gasoline and go through 12 to 20 gallons (45 to 75 liters) per day, depending on the generator and the load it’s powering. So having extra gasoline around needs to be considered. 

Another thing to consider is that you must be at home to connect to the power. This doesn’t happen automatically as it would with a standby generator. Therefore, if you go for a trip the day before a power outage, you run the risk of returning home to a host of problems – from a flooded basement (caused by a broken sump pump) to a refrigerator or freezer stocked with perishables that have gone bad. Another frequent issue that has recently happened during heavy storms is that while homeowners were away, power was cut to their homes and their copper water piping froze and burst. This caused major flooding throughout the home.

Something important to note is that portable generators are generally loud. There is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust. For this reason, the portable generator must be at least ten feet away from the house or an enclosed space, like a garage, for example. The generator still requires some protection from the elements while also providing proper air circulation and movement. Make sure you factor into your generator budget the cost of a store-bought or DIY enclosure.

Standby Generator  

The majority of the projects on which Energized Electric LLC experts work include a standby generator. To ensure our team’s safety in the event of a significant power outage, we opt to install home backup generators. 

Because it monitors your home’s electrical supply, a standby generator gives the finest coverage. When there is a power outage, it instantly kicks in and begins supplying power straight to your home’s electrical system through a transfer switch. Isn’t that convenient for when you’re gone from home for an extended amount of time?

We recommend homeowners think about getting a standby generator to protect their house and their loved ones. Because a standby generator will keep your vital mechanics powered during an outage, it can help you avoid things like rotting food and malfunctioning appliances, which can lead to expensive repairs. Having a generator on standby can provide peace of mind during a power loss due to changing weather and unanticipated scenarios.

Power Your Home with Expert Electrical Services

At Energized Electric LLC, we make sure your home is equipped with reliable power solutions, including generators. Our team of certified electricians expertly handles the installation, maintenance, and repair of both portable and standby generators. We assess your power needs, provide professional installation, and ensure that your generator is always ready when you need it most. So don’t let the next power outage catch you off guard, be prepared with the right generator and professional installation from Energized Electric LLC!

Ready to safeguard your property with a generator? Contact us today to learn more about our generator-related electrical services and schedule a consultation.