Are You Ready for a Standby Generator?

August 27, 2013

If you live in the northeastern states you have first-hand knowledge of the power that nature can wield. The storms that homeowners in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have faced in the past couple of years have really made it clear that some type of back-up system is definitely warranted. Hurricane Sandy took out power to over 8 million residents. Families were forced to leave their homes as the winter weather hit New England.

Just a year before, homeowners faced one of the most historically damaging snowstorms ever to hit the region. Statistics from that storm reveal that it was one of the worst storms on record, causing the worst string of power interruptions that lasted more than 24 hours and affected over 21 million residents.

Preparing for the Next Big Storm
With extreme natural disasters affecting the area two years in a row, many in New England are now wondering and worrying about what this year’s storm season will bring. As a result, many of the home improvement stores have already started selling out of portable generators that work off of gasoline. Northeasterners, it seems, don’t plan on being caught off-guard when the next major storm hits.

However, standby generators, such as the Generac line of generators, are much more efficient and have the ability to power a home for days at a time, rather than merely hours. Many homeowners are turning to these powerful standby generators in Massachusetts and Rhode Island as part of an overall emergency plan as they prepare for the coming winter months.

What Is a Standby Generator?

Contents

1 What Is a Standby Generator?
2 How Does a Standby Generator Work?
3 Are There Any Problems Owning a Standby Generator?
4 Is This a Do-It-Yourself Type Installation?
5 Columbus Energies Can Help!

A standby generator is one of the best residential solutions for extended power outages. Portable generators are designed for portable use and are usually on a cart or some other type of wheeled set-up. Standby generators are completely different in that they are installed permanently onto a concrete pad. They are designed to provide an uninterrupted supply of power to your home for days.

Standby generators in Massachusetts are connected directly to your residential electric panel. They are powered by an outside fuel supply. Many homeowners choose to use natural gas-powered generators or propane-powered generators, which are much more fuel-efficient and economical than gas-powered generators. Plus, as many people have discovered, it can be difficult to get gasoline in a power-outage, as most gas pumps are powered by electricity.

How Does a Standby Generator Work?

These units are able to work to power your home by directly bypassing the utility grid through the use of an automatic transfer switch. The switch disconnects the electrical panel from the utility company the moment it detects an interruption in service. Once your home is completely off the primary power grid, the switch automatically turns on the generator and transfers the power to the electric panel.

The whole thing is powered by a combustion engine, which can be fueled by natural gas, liquid propane or diesel fuel. Natural gas-powered generators and propane-powered generators, such as the models made by Generac, are some of the most widely used standby generators in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Natural gas is delivered via the local natural gas utility company, while the liquid propane is delivered to your home through a local supply service, such as Columbus Energies.

Once power is restored to the primary grid, the automatic switch works to shut down your standby generator and then automatically reconnects the residential electric panel to the grid. The whole process is seamless, taking just a few seconds to make the switch. This ease of operation makes it an ideal solution for families with small children, the elderly or anyone else that might have difficulty going outside to hook-up a portable generator solution in the middle of storm or cold weather.

Are There Any Problems Owning a Standby Generator?

Make sure to speak with local officials to check if there are any city ordinances that might prevent you from owning a standby generator in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Some cities actually have noise ordinances that specifically restrict the installation and use of standby generators.

If you aren’t sure about getting a standby generator, speak with a representative at Columbus Energies to find out if they have already installed generators in your area. They have been serving customers throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island for generations and have lots of experience working with both propane-powered generators and natural gas-powered generators.

Is This a Do-It-Yourself Type Installation?

Absolutely not. If you are thinking about getting a standby generator, contact a professional sales and installation specialist. You will need to have an assessment of your load needs and make sure that your home is set-up to work with a standby generator without requiring a lot of changes or upgrades to your electrical panel and system.

If you want to get a natural gas-powered generator, you will need to speak with your local utility company to find out about getting a high-pressure, high-volume line. Some towns don’t have the capability to handle the amount of pressure required for these standby generators, so make sure before you purchase one. If natural gas is not an option, speak with your installer about the possibility of installing a propane-powered generator instead.

The installation process required for a standby generator requires extensive knowledge in both electric and plumbing skills. You also need to know about local regulations and building codes, as well as have all the required permits and inspections throughout the installation.

Columbus Energies Can Help!

If you are thinking about purchasing a standby generator in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, contact Columbus Energies. They sell and install Generac standby generators and can get you hooked up with either a natural gas-powered generator or a propane-powered generator, depending on your specific needs. Columbus Energies also provides propane delivery services to customers in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Call today for a quote and find out more about all of the standby generator options available in your area.

HVAC expert checking home central AC unit

Seven HVAC Tips For A Smooth Transition From Winter To Spring

April 15, 2024

$HVAC units play a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and safety of modern building environments. Yet, these indispensable systems are not immune to the challenges of power surges. Such surges, frequently resulting from events like lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the electrical grid, can unleash a rapid influx of electrical current. This sudden surge can inflict severe damage on vital components of the HVAC system, including the compressor, fan motor, and control board. The repercussions of such damage can range from expensive repairs to the necessity of replacing the entire HVAC unit. Given these risks, implementing surge protectors and adhering to electrical safety best practices to safeguard HVAC systems effectively is paramount. Is Your HVAC System Secured Against Power Surges? Pondering over protecting your HVAC system against power surges often indicates a need for proactive measures. Seek the expertise of a seasoned HVAC technician who is ready to evaluate and enhance your system's resilience against power surges. Their guidance and recommendations will ensure that your HVAC system is well-prepared to withstand the challenges posed by unexpected power surges and outages. Understanding Power Surges: What Are They? A power surge represents an abrupt spike in electrical voltage, surpassing the standard levels within a power supply system. These surges can manifest for various reasons, including sudden disruptions in the electrical current flow. Common triggers for these surges include events like lightning strikes, power outages, or the switching on and off of large electrical appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and elevators. Power surges, often lasting merely a fraction of a second, can nonetheless wreak significant havoc on electrical devices and appliances. The surge's excessive electrical energy overburdens and damages the sensitive electronic components within these devices, potentially leading to malfunctions or total failures. Differentiating Power Surge, Power Outage, and Brownout While power surges, power outages, and brownouts all stem from electrical power supply disturbances, they each describe distinct phenomena: Power Surge: This is a brief, intense increase in electrical voltage, due to lightning strikes, outages, or high-powered equipment. A power surge can potentially damage electronic devices and appliances hence surge protectors are essential to safeguard them from potential damage. Power Outage: This event happens when there's an interruption in the electrical power supply to a location, leading to a total loss of power. Numerous factors, such as severe weather conditions and electrical equipment failure, can trigger power outages or even planned maintenance activities. Brownout: Characterized by a reduction in voltage within the electrical power supply, a brownout manifests as dimming or flickering lights and reduced power to appliances. Causes range from high demand on the power grid to equipment malfunctions or issues within the electrical system of a specific building or area. Don't let power surges damage your HVAC system. Contact Columbus Energies now for professional surge protection solutions and ensure your system's longevity and performance! HVAC Components Vulnerable to Power Surges Here are several parts affected by power surges: HVAC Control Board Often referred to as the system's "brain," the HVAC control board is critical for communication with the thermostat. A power surge can damage this component, disrupting its function. Such damage impairs the HVAC system's ability to regulate temperature effectively, leading to insufficient heating or cooling. This can result in discomfort, especially during periods of extreme temperatures. HVAC Compressor Motor This crucial part of your HVAC system, recognizable as a box with wires protruding, plays a pivotal role in refrigerant compression. It converts low-pressure, cool refrigerant into a high-pressure, heated state. The motor, integral to the compressor, is prone to power surge damage. It consists of numerous wires that transform electrical energy into kinetic energy. A surge can cause these wires to overheat, potentially leading to combustion. Furthermore, a compromised motor affects the compressor's performance, hindering its ability to function efficiently. HVAC Capacitor This essential component, typically oval-shaped, serves as a storage unit for electrical charge, crucial for powering the electrical components in your HVAC system. Vulnerable to power surges, the capacitor can sustain damage when exposed to such events. This damage may result in operational difficulties for your HVAC system. HVAC Relay Switch This switch plays a crucial role in your HVAC system, acting to turn on or off components that require high-voltage power. A key feature of most relay switches is an electrical contactor surrounded by a coil. In the event of a voltage exceeding a specific threshold, as in a power surge, the coil is likely to burn out. This can lead to a broken circuit, causing the relay switch to malfunction. Keep your HVAC system safe from power surges with Columbus Energies' comprehensive surge protection services. Reach out to us today for peace of mind and reliable protection! Preventing Power Surge Damage to Your HVAC System Power surges pose a severe risk to HVAC systems, potentially leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Listed below are several tips to protect your HVAC system from power surge damage: Install Surge Protectors: Placing surge protectors on your HVAC unit and electrical panels offers crucial defense against unexpected power surges. These devices act as a barrier, safeguarding your system. Unplug Appliances During Storms: As a precaution, disconnect your HVAC system and other appliances during thunderstorms or severe weather. This simple action can prevent potential damage from lightning-induced surges. Utilize High-Quality Wiring: Implementing top-tier wiring and components is crucial in safeguarding your HVAC system against power surge damage. For optimal safety and efficiency, it's advisable to have these elements installed by a skilled electrician. Regular HVAC Maintenance: Consistently maintaining your HVAC system is a proactive way to prevent surge-related damage. Key practices include cleaning and replacing air filters, ensuring proper refrigerant levels, and inspecting electrical connections. Install a Whole-House Surge Protector: Consider a whole-house surge protector for comprehensive protection. Installed at your main electrical panel, it shields your entire home, HVAC system included, from power surges, thus securing all your appliances. Ensure your HVAC system's safety and longevity with Columbus Energies' top-notch surge protection services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your investment! HVAC Power Surge Damage & Warranty Limitations Warranties from HVAC manufacturers typically exclude coverage for power surge damage. Relying on homeowners' insurance can be complex, as proving surge-related damage is often difficult, especially when it accumulates over time. Consequently, homeowners might find themselves responsible for expensive HVAC repairs arising from incidents like lightning strikes, overloaded electrical circuits, or appliance-related issues. Conclusion HVAC systems represent a significant investment crucial for home comfort. Proactive prevention is vital to avoid incurring high costs from power surge damages. Investing in protective measures is a wise choice compared to facing the expense of repairs or replacements. Consult trusted HVAC professionals to ensure your system is well-protected and maintained. Contact Columbus Energies for All Your HVAC Needs Columbus Energies is a premier heating and cooling service provider in Southeastern Massachusetts and the Rhode Island region. Our professionally certified technicians are highly skilled in various HVAC services, including tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Rely on our expertise for accurate and efficient servicing of your system. As a highly sought-after service provider in the region, we are always prepared to meet your HVAC needs. We pride ourselves on offering the area's most affordable heating and cooling solutions. Columbus Energies is synonymous with quality service and cost-effectiveness. lightening storm and hvac surge protection$