Power outages are unpredictable. A storm, natural disaster, peak usage period, or even a traffic accident can knock out the electricity that fires basic household necessities such as lights, water, security and air conditioning. Installing a standby generator can ensure your comfort and safety whether the grid goes down for hours or days.
Standby Generator Basics
Standby generators are permanently installed right outside a home, and connected to their own natural gas or propane fuel supply. When a power disruption is detected, the generator’s built-in transfer switch disconnects from the grid and starts up the unit’s combustion engine. When the outage ends, the process reverses, and the home is reconnected to the municipal power supply automatically.
Some of the benefits of owning a generator include:
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Even if an outage happens at the peak of the cooling season, you’ll still have a comfortable haven.
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If someone in the household relies on electrically-powered medical equipment, a standby generator can be a life saver.
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When your home has a back-up power source, there’s no risk of losing everything in the refrigerator and freezer, since they’ll keep humming along.
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If you or a family member works from home, a generator can help maintain a vital connection to the outside world.
Key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a generator:
Sizing. Generators are rated by their kilowatt (kW) output. A 17 kWh unit can run essentials such as the A/C, fridge, and a few lights, while a 48 kWh generator can power everything in a large home. The bigger the unit, though, the higher the price tag.
Installation. Proper installation requires the skills of a licensed plumber and electrician, and a knowledge of any municipal restrictions on placement and noise levels. Depending on the supplier you choose, they may handle the entire process.
Upkeep. To guarantee reliable operation, a generator needs professional servicing after a set number of continuous usage hours and periodic oil and filter changes.
To learn more about the benefits of a standby generator for your Los Angeles area home, contact us at Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about standby generators and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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