HOME GENERATORS:

What Will You Do If the Lights Go Out?

Are you prepared in the event of an extended home power outage? You may have plenty of food and water, but what will you do about electricity? Have you thought about how you’ll stay warm if your home’s power goes out in the winter, or cool if it happens during the summer?

Retain Power With a Whole-Home Generator

These are just a few of the concerns you can put to rest with a home generator system. Regardless of the weather conditions outside, a whole-home gas generator will provide the electricity you need to stay safely and comfortably indoors until power is restored. Not only can we help you pick out the right generator system for your home, but our licensed electrical contractors can install it properly and keep it serviced.

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You have questions. We have answers.

Below are the most common questions

What is a whole-home generator?

A whole-home generator is an on-site backup system for your home electricity needs in the event of a power interruption or outage. Unlike portable generators, a whole-home generator is installed permanently outside your home in a weather-shielded and sound-muffling container on a concrete pad, much like your central air conditioning system. The generator is tied into your home’s main electrical grid, ready to provide power at a moment’s notice. Whole-home generators operate on a fuel source such as natural gas, propane or diesel and are ready to kick on the instant a problem with your home’s external power supply is detected. Depending upon its capacity, your generator can be tailored to run all, most or just a few of the electrical systems in your home, such as lighting, HVAC systems, kitchen appliances and electronics.

What are the benefits of a whole-home generator?

We install home generators so that you receive numerous benefits. Whether you are concerned about comfort or functionality, a gas generator will ensure that your home is never without power for the systems you use the most.

Comfort — Regardless of the weather outside, a whole-home generator will provide the power you need to maintain a comfortable indoor environment for as long as needed until your power can be restored.
Continuity — Prolonged power outages can be extremely inconvenient, affecting your home or work schedule by limiting your ability to perform tasks or remain comfortable at home. A whole-home generator will ensure that your daily routine doesn’t suffer during storms or other power outages.
Safety — Home lighting and security systems require electricity to function. Installing a generator will provide the power you need to ensure your home and your family remain safe, even when your home cannot receive outside power.
Convenience — In today’s digital age, even a brief power outage can affect your household electronics. Relying on a whole-home generator for backup will prevent you from losing valuable work and files by keeping your electronics from shutting down or suffering damage when the power goes out.

What should I consider when buying a whole-home generator?

An automatic home standby generator can provide security and comfort in uncertain times, but only if it’s the right generator. To make sure you don’t end up in the dark when the power goes out, keep these factors in mind when selecting a new whole-house generator.

Size — We use “size” to refer to the generator’s power output, or capacity. This largely depends on what you want (or need) to keep running during a power outage. You’ll obviously need a larger generator if you want to keep your entire home running, as opposed to just a few lights and small appliances.
Fuel — Generally, three fuel sources are available for residential standby generators: natural gas, propane and diesel. Natural gas will be the most convenient option if your home is already set up for natural gas. Diesel-powered generators are typically reserved for very large home or commercial/industrial buildings.
Noise — Although modern backup generators are relatively quiet, there are varying noise levels among different brands and models. Noise levels are also dependent on the generator’s operating efficiency, physical size and fuel source. Your electrician can steer you toward a quieter generator if noise is a concern.

How do I maintain my generator?

If you want your generator to come through for you and your family when the power goes out, you need to keep up with routine generator maintenance. In addition to reading the owner’s manual, keep these maintenance basics in mind to keep your generator in tip-top shape.

Maintain the proper engine oil level per the owner’s manual
Keep the generator’s intake and exhaust valves clean and free of debris
Schedule professional service every 12-24 months, or after every 200 hours of use