What Is A Standby Generator? Here’s What You Need To Know
Power interruptions remain a frequent challenge in the United States, which is celebrated for its technological advancements. About 3.5 million residents experience a power outage weekly. On average, households face this inconvenience up to five times annually. The length of these outages varies, heavily influenced by the specific issues and the response speed of energy providers. For those wondering what is a standby generator, this context underscores its importance as a reliable backup power solution.
While many are left with no choice but to patiently await the restoration of electricity, some opt for a proactive approach by installing standby generators. This article from Columbus Energies explains the importance and functionality of standby generators and serves as a guide for those unfamiliar with them.
What Is A Standby Generator?
Contents
- 1 What Is A Standby Generator?
- 2 Conclusion
- 3 Contact Columbus Energies for Your Standby Generator Solutions
A standby generator is designed to activate automatically during a power outage, ensuring that homes remain functional and families can continue their daily activities without interruption. These generators are not just limited to residential use; larger versions are essential for commercial and industrial settings.
Due to their substantial weight and size, they are usually installed on a concrete pad outside the building. These generators can operate for extended periods, although they are not intended for continuous primary power supply. They are primarily serving as a contingency measure for grid failures or emergencies.
Ensure your home never loses power with a standby generator from Columbus Energies – contact us today for installation services!
Understanding the Functioning of a Backup Generator
Backup generators for entire homes rely on a fuel source to operate, typically using propane or natural gas, depending on the existing utility lines at the residence. These units transform mechanical energy into electrical energy, with their output capacity determined by the generator’s size.
Homeowners should evaluate their energy requirements by considering the wattage used by household appliances, especially energy-intensive systems like HVAC. It is advisable to consult with a professional who can assist in choosing the appropriate generator and ensure it is correctly integrated with the home’s electrical system.
What to Expect Out of a Whole-House Generator
Here is what you should expect when you own a whole-house generator:
1. Automatic Blackout Response
Whole-house generators equipped with an automatic transfer switch are adept at recognizing a power outage and initiating operation independently. This system enables a swift transition to generator power within seconds, a crucial advantage during power outages that often lead to sudden darkness and confusion. In severe weather conditions, such as during a heavy storm, manually starting a generator may be unsafe or even possible. The automatic activation feature eliminates this hazard, swiftly restoring power and normalcy to your home.
2. Sufficient Power Supply for Every Need
A whole-house generator stands out from smaller portable models by providing ample power to operate every appliance within your home without restriction. With this robust generator, concerns about limiting electricity use are alleviated. There’s no need to hesitate before using the air conditioner, turning on all the lights, or indulging in extended television watching. These generators ensure that even the most energy-demanding devices can run smoothly and without interruption.
Experience uninterrupted comfort and safety with a standby generator. Contact Columbus Energies for a consultation today!
3. Continuous Operation with On-Demand Fuel Supply
Whole-house generators benefit from a direct connection to existing gas lines, eliminating the need for on-site fuel storage. Homes equipped with a propane tank can utilize it to power their generator seamlessly. Similarly, those using natural gas will find a reliable and continuous fuel supply if the infrastructure remains intact. This setup allows the generator to draw only the fuel it needs during operation.
4. Durability and Corrosion Resistance
Generators are constructed to endure, often accompanied by multi-year warranties to assure homeowners of their investment’s reliability. For individuals particularly wary of corrosion, opting for models made from stainless steel is advisable. Stainless steel provides superior durability and resistance to corrosion compared to alternatives like aluminum and carbon steel.
5. Managing Noise Emission
With their numerous moving components, standby generators naturally emit significant noise during operation. Proper installation is crucial to mitigate this. Ensuring that the generator is positioned on a stable foundation helps reduce vibration, which can decrease noise levels. Additionally, it’s advisable to install the generator at a distance from bedrooms and other quiet areas to prevent disturbances, especially during nighttime, ensuring that household members can sleep undisturbed.
The Advantages of Installing a Standby Generator
Here are the pros of installing a standby generator:
1. Uninterrupted Comfort at Home
Adverse weather conditions and regular power disruptions can significantly compromise comfort in your home, making summers unbearably hot and winters painfully cold. Such extremes are especially harsh on vulnerable populations like older people and children, posing a risk to their health. A standby generator ensures that your HVAC system remains operational, maintaining a stable and comfortable indoor environment regardless of external power failures.
2. Avoiding Plumbing Disasters
In cold climates, the risk of pipes freezing and bursting is high, leading to expensive repairs. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature during the winter is crucial to prevent such issues. Standby generators ensure your home remains warm enough to protect your plumbing system from freezing even if the primary power grid fails.
Trust Columbus Energies for all your standby generator needs. Talk to our experts today for any installation or repair concerns!
3. Ensuring Safety Through Illumination
Navigating a dark home can be difficult and dangerous, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, a lack of lighting at night can compromise your home’s security, making it easier for intruders to go unnoticed. With a standby generator, you can keep your lights on continuously, safeguarding your household and providing essential peace of mind.
4. Preserving Perishable Foods
Standby generators prevent the spoilage of perishable foods like meat and fish by keeping refrigerators and freezers operational during power outages. Thus, food is saved, and waste is avoided.
5. Supporting Remote Work Environments
As remote work gains popularity, reliable power is essential. Standby generators ensure the continuous operation of crucial devices like computers and routers, facilitating productive and uninterrupted work from home, even in areas with unreliable power grids.
6. Reliable Power for Essential Medical Equipment
For those dependent on electrically powered medical devices, a standby generator provides critical support by ensuring these essential systems operate smoothly during a power outage, safeguarding health and well-being.
Conclusion
Navigating daily life without the convenience of modern appliances and technology can be challenging, especially during power outages that expose us to harsh elements, disrupt work, and alter our routines. A standby generator provides a reliable solution, restoring power swiftly and returning your home to normalcy. To maximize benefits, it’s crucial to select the appropriate model for your needs and ensure professional installation for optimal performance.
Contact Columbus Energies for Your Standby Generator Solutions
Columbus Energies is a premier provider of generator installation services across Southeastern Massachusetts and the Rhode Island region. Our expertise extends beyond installation to include comprehensive maintenance, replacements, and repairs of backup generators. We employ highly skilled professionals trained in the latest generator technology to ensure top-quality service. Contact us by phone or online to learn more about our whole-house generator solutions and schedule a free, in-home estimate.
Get in touch with Columbus Energies today and have all your generator questions addressed by industry experts. We offer free, in-home estimates. Call Columbus Energies today!
Beyond whole-house generator installation, we offer propane delivery and a comprehensive range of HVAC services to elevate your home’s comfort, indoor air quality solutions, and energy efficiency. Our services include expert heating and cooling system tune-ups, repairs, installations, and more. Don’t hesitate to call Columbus Energies today for your home comfort needs!
Contact us now by calling (508) 674-1492 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!
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