What You Need To Know About Residential Backup Generators
Homeowners can rest at ease when they have a residential backup generator to use during an unexpected power outage. Running on liquid propane fuel or natural gas, they provide continuous electrical power to a home. These generators can be used to produce electricity to air conditioners, sump pumps, refrigerators, heaters, other electrical appliances, and even lights when the power grid is down.
While backup generators can be complex machines that require an initial investment, they are capable of keeping the power on to a house for many days. However, before choosing to spend the money on one, a homeowner should consider the pros and cons of having one. Also, fuel sources must be considered.
Reasons To Install A Backup Generator
Since it is impossible to predict a power outage, generators act as an insurance policy. It is up to the homeowner to determine how an interruption of power will affect the household. This is an issue of comfort. Of course, if someone in the family needs medical equipment that requires electricity to run, the need for a backup generator becomes more critical and could be life-saving. If a household is situated in an area prone to blackouts, having a generator can keep everyone comfortable and calm in an otherwise stressful situation.
Some of the pros of having a residential generator include:
- Immediate electricity when there is a grid power outage
- Ability to keep the house at a comfortable temperature
- You can use appliances such as the refrigerator, stove and oven, and water heater
- Ability to use entertainment devices such as televisions and computers
- Protect electrical devices from a power surge when the grid comes back on
- Safety during natural disasters or human-made catastrophes
Choosing A Fuel Source
Before deciding on the generator, the homeowner must consider which fuel will be most readily available. These machines can operate on either liquid propane or natural gas. The choice may be limited due to the location of the house. However, when the home is in the city, there is often a natural gas line already in place that can be tapped into for continuous fuel as needed. If the house is not close to an existing gas line, it can be expensive to have the line brought to the property. When this is the case, it is better to use liquid propane. A propane company will install a tank outside the house and fill it. However, it will be up to the homeowner to ensure the tank always has fuel.
While it is possible to have a generator that runs on gasoline, it is not the best choice. Propane and natural gas do not go bad as it sits in a tank or gas line. They can be brought to a home in bulk without the need for specialized, in-ground tanks. Also, they are more abundant and generally less expensive than gasoline. Finally, they are safer to use as they are nontoxic.
A backup generator will keep a house from getting too cold and being in the dark when there is no other power available. It will also increase the value of the property when the time comes to sell it.
Why Choose Townsend Energy For Your Backup Generator Installation?
UNLIKE OUR COMPETITORS, Townsend Energy offers a turnkey generator solution, handling the entire installation procedure including:
- Generator sales and installation
- Electrical wiring and hook-up
- Full permitting process
- All necessary inspection coordination
- Propane tank and line installation
- Propane delivery
- Service, repair, and maintenance
If you are interested in finding out more about a whole house generator for your home, be sure to contact Townsend Energy. Townsend Energy offers home comfort services in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We can install, maintain, and repair a residential backup generator for you. Contact Townsend Energy if you have any questions or concerns about residential generators.
Call us today to schedule your free, in-home generator consultation and give yourself the peace of mind you want knowing you and your family will be protected before the next big storm arrives.