What Does the Generator Do?
A backup generator is a piece of equipment designed to
restore power to your home or business when the power goes out. The equipment
is available in a wide range of sizes from small, portable units to large,
whole-house systems. Portable units require gasoline while whole-house systems
use diesel or propane.
Whole-House Generators
Whole-house generators are wired into your home’s electrical
system and designed to restore power seamlessly to your entire home in the
event of a power outage. Whole-house generators start automatically, as soon as
the power goes out, keeping essential elements of your home running. These
might include your refrigerator, air conditioning, heating, security system,
telephone chargers, television and lighting, among others. In the event your
power is out for an extended period of time, you maintain the conveniences you
are accustomed to as well as protect your home and food supplies. The most
common types of fuel used by a whole-house generator are diesel or
natural/propane gas.
Portable Backup Generators
Portable generators are capable of supplying enough
electricity to power a combination of small appliances, radios, fans or a
television, which varies depending on the size of the generator. While they are
not as efficient and require additional safety measures during operation, a
portable generator is invaluable during a severe power outage .
Protecting Your Home
Aside from the immediate security a standby generator
provides, it can also save you money by preventing further loss or damage to
your home during a prolonged power outage. Here are some of the ways a
generator can help save you money in the long run:
- It eliminates lengthy stays at expensive hotels, which can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- It prevents frozen pipes from bursting by maintaining power to your hot water heater.
- It maintains power to your refrigerator, avoiding the expense of replacing spoiled food.
- It keeps theft at bay by allowing you to stay in your home to protect it.
- It eliminates costly cleanups and repair due to overflowing sump pumps.
- It keeps the water flowing for homes with private wells.
- It maintains power to your home security systems.
- Before You Buy
Installing a backup generator requires some careful planning
before getting started. Although the cost of whole-house systems has come down,
it is still a sizable investment. You should first consult with a licensed
professional to ascertain your needs and the size of generator needed for your
home.
Residents of the greater Atlanta metro area seeking additional information regarding backup generators can contact Reliable Heating & Air. Reliable has provided outstanding customer care and support for more than 35 years.