What is a standby generator, and why would you need one? Let’s take a closer look at this topic.
Did you know that every year, brownouts and blackouts cost Americans an average of $18 to $33 billion every year?
Blackouts are not only annoying but also lead to massive business losses. Just ask people in the restaurant and entertainment industries.
One of the surest ways to sidestep a blackout is to have a standby generator as a backup power source. Standby or whole-home generators kick in right when the power goes out to provide your home or business with a constant supply of electricity. This ensures your AC, electrical appliances, and water heater still work despite blackouts.
If you’re still on the fence about getting a whole-home generator, we’re here to show you why doing so is a good idea. In today’s post, we’ll be looking at what a standby generator is and why having one is a must.
What Is a Standby Generator?
Standby generators are also known as whole-home generators. They are a type of backup generator that automatically turns on when the lights go out.
These generators can tell when there’s a blackout or brownout and instantly turn on. You should have power within 20 or 30 seconds of the brownout or blackout. They’re a staple for businesses and institutions that can’t afford to go even a few minutes without power.
Standby generators can power your whole home or business, or you can set it up to only power certain appliances. Although standby generators sit outside the buildings they power, they connect directly to the building’s power supply. Many connect to gas and propane lines in residential areas to offer an unlimited power supply on demand.
Types of Standby Generators
All whole-home generators break down into three types, depending on their fuel source. Let’s take a brief look at them.
Diesel Generators
Diesel standby generators are commonly found in factories and industries. As the name implies, diesel generators are generators that use diesel as their primary fuel source. They work independently of the power grid and can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
However, the only issue with these generators is that they require more frequent refills than other types. Having to frequently refill the generator with diesel can get expensive. They also tend to be a lot louder than other generator types because of the motor.
Gas Standby Generators
Unlike diesel standby generators, gas standby generators use propane and gas as their fuel source. As mentioned earlier, these generators connect to your home’s gas line. This is a huge advantage since it means you don’t have to worry about refilling the generator every now and then.
Bi-Fuel Standby Generators
Bi-fuel standard generators are less common but are still an excellent choice. Bi-fuel standby generators use both natural gas and propane as their fuel sources. This means you’re getting the best of both worlds in a single generator.
A bi-fuel generator will switch between fuel sources, depending on which one is readily available. These generators use natural gas as their primary fuel source but will use propane when their fuel supply runs low. They’re a lot more environmentally friendly than propane.
Top Reasons Why You Should Get a Standby Generator
Standby generators are certainly useful and have unmatched utility. However, the question still remains, should you buy a standby generator. Well, here are a couple of reasons why owning a standby generator is a responsible choice.
Turns on Automatically
The number one reason why you should buy a standby generator is that it turns on automatically. You don’t have to worry about fumbling with switches in the dark or even going outside. No, all you have to do is sit and wait for the power to come back on.
This also means you don’t need to be at home to turn on the generator. No more worrying about food going bad or about your security systems being down. A whole-home generator ensures everything remains safe and functional.
Uninterrupted Power Supply
If you opt for a gas or propane whole-home generator, you get an uninterrupted power supply at your convenience. Unlike diesel generators, there’s no refueling the generator when it runs out. With gas generators, you’ll pay for the gas you use at the end of the month.
Meets All Your Power Demand
Standby generators can meet your home’s or business’s power demand regardless of their size. These generators have high wattages and can power even the most energy-intensive appliances and machines.
They’re a great alternative to portable generators that have limits on how much energy they can produce. Don’t get multiple portable generators, instead opt for a single standby generator to power the entire building.
How to Size a Standby Generator
Generator-sizing is a problem most business owners and homeowners face when getting whole-home generators. The larger the generator, the more power it produces, but also the more expensive it is. So how can you tell what generator size is adequate for your home or business?
The only sure way to know what generator size best suits your building is to hire a skilled electrician. That’s because sizing a generator isn’t as simple as measuring the building’s square footage. To get the correct generator size you need for your building, you’ll have to calculate the building’s total electrical load.
The amount of power a generator produces is measured in kilowatts. The total number of kilowatts of all the electrical equipment in your house will determine what generator size works best for your situation.
Get Your Standby Generator Today
If you want complete energy independence, make plans to get your standby generator as soon as possible. However, make sure you buy your generator from a reputable vendor to get your money’s worth.
Contact us today for professional and expedient generator maintenance and installation.