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Essential Guide to Backup Generators: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Investing

September 27, 2024      

South Shore Generator Sales & Service - Backup Generator

Storms and natural disasters can hit hard and leave customers without power. There are different kinds of backup generators for homeowners needs and the size of their property.

Here’s what to know if you decide to make this investment.

Different kinds

A generator is simply a machine that converts power to electricity, using any kind of power for the input: kinetic, solar, gasoline, diesel, propane and natural gas. But, let's think in terms of standby generators. Standby generators are permanently installed and hard-wired to a building, have greater capacity than portable generators, and are designed to kick on immediately in the event of a power outage.

The power source for the generator is a matter of personal preference. Many generators are dual-fuel models, running on gasoline and propane, and can switch between fuel sources if one is in short supply. Standby generators are commonly, though not necessarily, powered by natural gas and connected to gas lines usually buried underground, for safety reasons. They typically aren’t knocked offline by windstorms.

Standby generators can range in price, and unless you’re a licensed electrical contractor, you’ll likely want to work with a company which can help you select and install an appropriate system. The installation can cost several thousand dollars on top of the cost of the generator itself.

Can they really power a full house?

This depends on the generator, the house and the energy consumption patterns of the people who live in it. As a general rule, you’ll need a standby generator if you’re hoping to power your whole house; the manufacturer Generac, for example, sells models that provide between 18 and 26 kilowatts of output as backup systems for a whole house, including air conditioning systems.

If you are considering buying a generator, contact South Shore Generator Sales & Service and get started on your backup power plans!

Source: houstonchronicle.com


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