What can you do to prepare your house and family for a power outage?
Living in Northeast Ohio has its advantages when it comes to weather. We avoid many extremes that Mother Nature can muster, like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Instead, we experience high winds, lightning, ice storms, fallen trees, and heat waves leading that can lead to rolling brownouts and, in the worst case, power outages.
Power Outages
Losing electricity for a few minutes is annoying. But losing power for hours — sometimes days — can be downright dangerous. Freezers thaw, stairlifts stop, sump pumps flood, and unlit rooms become obstacle courses for even the healthiest of us.
Home Sweet Home
Whether working from home or raising your family, electricity is necessary for its smooth operation. Imagine trying to get anything accomplished without electricity!
When weather events happen or the power grid has a hiccup, it’s best to be prepared for the worst. An automatic backup generator is a great way to ensure your home will remain operational before, during, and after a storm and keep your family safe and comfortable—no matter what.
Save yourself the worry and stress by purchasing an
automatic standby generator. Before you do, there are seven essential things you should know:
How do Generac Generators Work?
If your power goes out, your Generac standby generator comes on—automatically. It’s really that simple!
If your power goes out, the Generac standby generator comes on—automatically. It’s really that simple!
- The generator system consists of a generator and transfer switch connected to your service panel.
- The generator sits outside your home, like a central air conditioner, while the transfer switch is next to the main breaker box.
Seven Essential Considerations for Your Generator Investment
#1 Standby Generator Size Matters.
Generators come in different sizes, and although you may have space constraints, smaller is only sometimes best. The lighter the unit, the less power it will produce. A portable generator may power a few lights and a small appliance. But a larger standby generator, like a Generac automatic standby generator, could power your entire home.
#2 Know your needs
Think about how you’ll need to use the power. Do you want to focus only on running your HVAC or powering other essential appliances? Do you want to light up the entire house or just enough to see in the main areas? Answering these questions now determines how much power and which type of generator you’ll need when the time comes.
In most cases, it will be an automatic standby generator. A portable generator is handy, but you’ll need to be home to pull it out, set it up, and plug your appliance into it. By contrast,
home standby generators can be set up to provide power during an outage automatically.
#3 Understand fuel types
Homeowners always ask, “How is a Generac generator powered?”
Whole-home generator engines run on natural gas, liquid propane (LP), or diesel fuel. Your preference will usually depend on where you’re located. In areas with easy access to natural gas, it’s the logical choice. But LP or diesel fuel will be your best option in all-electric or rural communities. Your storage tank must be refilled with either LP or diesel fuel when levels get low after an extended operation.
#4 Check the home standby generator warranty
Ensure you understand the terms of the generator’s warranty before purchasing. There’s nothing worse than being without power, thinking you’re covered, only to realize your generator is faulty. It’s bad enough that the unit isn’t doing the job; you need to know if the manufacturer will accept a return or repair of the generator at their cost.
Apply now for
preferred financing for your Generac generator installation. Make an investment for peace of mind on a budget!
#5 Choose a standby generator size and type that fits your needs and your budget
Generac whole-house standby automatic generators start at a few thousand dollars and go up from there. Our electricians can walk you through your specific situation. But here are some general considerations that could influence your proposal.
- Will the new generator be located near the electrical meter?
- What is the age and condition of your electrical panel?
- Can your existing natural gas meter and gas line provide enough fuel?
- What do you want your generator to power—a specific area, a floor, or your whole house?
#6 Ensure the Automatic standby generator has enough capacity
Smaller emergency standby generators can keep a limited number of lights and appliances on, but let’s look at what else they’ll power.
- A 9kW (9,000 watts) generator will handle the furnace;
- A 14kW generator is good for the furnace and air conditioner; and
- Bigger generators like 17kW, 19.5kW, 22kW, and 26kW can handle the HVAC and more of your household’s electrical demands.
#7 What other bells and whistles are included?
Many features are offered within generator brands and model lines. Be sure the unit you choose includes your desired extras, for example:
- An
automatic transfer switch that starts up and shuts off the unit automatically
- A WiFi-enabled add-on that lets you monitor the system on your phone
- Load-shedding modules that turn off less important appliances
Don’t Be Left in the Dark Without a Generac Home Generator
When it comes to generators, they’re not all the same. At Gorjanc, we exclusively service and install Generac generators—the highest quality units available. A Generac automatic backup generator will power your needs and provide peace of mind no matter what challenges come your way.
Don’t delay—you never know when the next outage will occur!
Contact the electrical experts at Gorjanc to learn more and get a quote on your new generator. Call (216) 545-1776 today!
