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Even a highly developed country such as the U.S. is not immune to power outages. As many as 3.5 million Americans lose power each week with some households going through as many as 5 outages per year. The duration will depend on the underlying cause and the agility of utility companies. Most people can do nothing but wait until the power returns. Others help themselves by getting a standby generator. For those who are unfamiliar with standby generators, we answer the question “What is a standby generator?’ in this article.
What Is A Standby Generator?
Standby generators can spring into action whenever a home loses power. Their presence allows families to shrug off blackouts and live their normal lives. Large generators are also available for commercial and industrial use. Their size and weight make it necessary for them to settle in one spot, usually on a concrete pad outside of the house or facility. These are meant as a backup in case the grid fails or disaster strikes and not as a continuous main power source. They can run for days if necessary.
How Does a Backup Generator Work?
Whole house generators depend on fuel for their operation. Most will use either propane or natural gas, so just get one based on what line you have at home. They convert mechanical energy into electrical energy with the output depending on the size of the machine. Check the wattage that you need based on your household appliances. HVAC systems tend to consume the biggest amount of energy. Have an expert assist you with the selection and connect the generator to the home’s wiring system.
What to Expect Out of a Whole-House Generator
1. Automatic Blackout Detection
Whole-house generators can be set to detect a blackout and start by themselves when paired with an automatic transfer switch. This will initiate power transfer in a matter of seconds. It is an important feature since power outages are usually followed by darkness and confusion. It may not even be feasible to go outside and switch on the generator manually under a strong storm. Automatic detection will save you from the trouble and restore order right away.
2. Adequate Energy for the Entire Household
Unlike small portable generators, a whole-house generator can produce enough energy to power all of the appliances in a home. You do not have to think twice about turning on all of the lights or watching TV as much as you want. You do not have to doubt whether you can use the air conditioner or other power-hungry machines around the house.
3. On-demand Fuel for Nonstop Operation
Since the fuel comes from the gas lines, there is no need to store these in the home. Many homes have a propane tank installed which can power your generator. For homes that use natural gas, there is also no danger that you will run out of fuel as long as the gas lines are working properly. The generator will simply consume as much as it needs while it is in operation.
4. Resistance Against Corrosion
Generators are built to last. Most have multi-year warranties so homeowners can be confident in their purchase. Those who are concerned about corrosion may want to look into stainless steel models since these have better longevity compared to aluminium and carbon steel.
5. Substantial Noise Emission
Since these are machines with multiple moving parts, people need to expect substantial noise to come out of standby generators. Therefore, the right placement is essential with respect to the house. They need a stable foundation to minimize vibration. They should also be far from bedrooms so that people can sleep well at night.
The Benefits of Having a Standby Generator
1. Continuous Household Comfort
Inclement weather and frequent power outages can lead to discomfort. You will feel the scorching heat in the summer and the unbearable cold in the winter. Seniors and children are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures. They can get ill under these conditions. With the help of a generator, you no longer have to suffer since you can use your HVAC system for continuous household comfort.
2. Prevention of Burst Pipes
Frozen pipes can expand and burst open. This leads to costly repairs. The best way to prevent it is to keep the home at an appropriate temperature in the winter season. Generators will do just that when the grid fails so you don’t have to worry about the plumbing system.
3. Lighting for Safety and Security
It is hard to move around in the dark. Accidents are bound to happen. It can also be scary to have no lights at night. Anyone can sneak into your property without being noticed. Generators will keep the lights on for your safety, security, and peace of mind.
4. Food Preservation
Some types of food will spoil easily unless you keep them frozen such as meat and fish. Prolonged power outages increase the risk of spoilage. Generators can come to the rescue and keep everything fresh. You won’t have to stress about food waste.
5. Uninterrupted Home Office Work
With more people working at home, it is crucial to keep the lights on and the computers running. A standby generator will help with connectivity and productivity. This makes the remote work arrangement viable even in places with unreliable power grids.
6. Continuous Power To Medical Equipment
Many require electricity to power medical equipment. A standby generator can ensure that your medical equipment runs as expected even when the power grid is down.
Conclusion
It is difficult to live without the comforts of modern appliances and gadgets. Power outages can leave us vulnerable to the elements, unproductive in our work, and detached from our usual routines. A standby generator can kick in whenever you need power. The entire house will be back to normal in no time at all. Just make sure to pick the right unit for your needs and get professional installers to set things up.
Tevis Energy’s sister company, Modern Comfort, performs whole-house generator installations to provide backup power whenever your local electric company cannot. We can provide you with the fuel required to power your standby generator. Call now to schedule a free consultation.
Call Tevis Energy For All Of Your Standby Generator Needs
Tevis Energy is a leading provider of generator installation services throughout central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Not only do we offer backup generator installation, but we also specialize in generator maintenance, replacements, and repair services. We only employ top quality service contractors who are well trained in the most advanced methods of generator techniques. Therefore, call or contact Tevis Energy online today for more information on a whole-house generator installation today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Contact us today to have all of your generator questions answered by experts in the industry.
You can click here to contact us now or call us at (410) 876-6800 to find out more!
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