Installing A Backup Generator? Forget DIY And Call A Generator Installation Company
If you watch the news or the Weather Channel, you know that severe weather is common, and storms today seem stronger than ever. Power outages are a common side effect of severe weather, and it can go out for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks. Purchasing a backup generator is the best way to be prepared for the next power outage. The generator will turn on when the power goes out and will turn off when the power goes on, and you won’t have to do anything. Also, the generator will provide electricity to your entire house during a power outage.
If you aren’t completely sold on the idea of investing in a generator, there are several ways your home and family can benefit.
- Your refrigerator and freezer will continue running, so your food won’t go bad.
- Your stove and microwave will still function so that you can cook at home.
- Your children can watch TV and power their devices, keeping the busing during the outage.
- Your computer, internet, and other office equipment will function, so you won’t have to miss work or deadlines if you work from home.
- Your lights, cameras, and home security system keep working so your family can feel safe and secure during the outage.
- You won’t have to shop to prepare when there’s a storm in the forecast.
If you decide to install a generator on your property, there are a few reasons why it’s best to work with a generator installation company from the very beginning.
Help Selecting the Best Generator
Backup generators aren’t one size fits all, and the size unit you’ll need depends on your family’s electric demand. A generator installation company will have a tech available to help you select a suitable unit to power your entire home. Working with a professional from the beginning will ensure you’ve purchased the right size unit, eliminating the need to return it later.
A DIY Installation Is Unsafe and Possibly Illegal
The generator must be hooked into your electrical system and it runs on either natural gas or propane. These are two things you should never work with if you don’t have the necessary training. A DIY installation can be very dangerous, and is illegal in most communities to work with a gas main.
A DIY installation can result in electrocution, a gas leak, an explosion, or carbon dioxide could get into the home, which can be deadly, so it’s best to work with a professional from the very beginning.
Professionals Know the Local Codes and Requirements
Every state, city, or town has codes and regulations that must be followed for a project like this, so you can’t just go out and buy a generator and hook it up yourself. You can be fined or forced to remove the generator from the property, so it’s best to work with a generator installation company. Their techs know the local codes and requirements and can install the unit legally, and you won’t have to worry about penalties.
Overlooking a Minor Detail Can Result in Dangerous Problems
DIY repairs are great for some projects, and you can often find a YouTube video to help guide you through the process, but this isn’t the case with backup generators. You can’t just watch a video to learn to install a backup generator, and one small mistake during the installation process can result in dangerous problems and can put you at significant risk.
You won’t have to worry about any dangerous issues if you work with a generator installation company because their techs are highly trained and have the knowledge and experience to install a backup generator safely without making any mistakes.
A Professional Will Have the Necessary Tools and Equipment
Like any project, certain tools and equipment are necessary. Many homeowners have a toolbox with the most commonly used tools, and most don’t have the tools necessary to install a backup generator. You can go out and buy the tools, but this can be a waste of money because you’ll only need the tools once. A professional will have the tools necessary to complete the project, and leaving the job to them can be more cost-effective.
The Warranty Will Remain Valid
Most generator manufacturers provide a warranty on the equipment, so if something goes wrong before the warranty ends, you won’t have to pay for it. There are rules that must be followed for your warranty to remain valid, and hiring a professional to install the generator is one of them. Manufacturers know that the unit can be damaged during a DIY repair and won’t cover any problems that occur during or after the DIY repair.
Hiring a professional will ensure the generator remains under warranty, and it can save a lot of money if something goes wrong with the unit before the warranty expires.
Call Mister Sparky Generators Today
If you want to be prepared for the next storm and are ready to buy a backup generator, look no further than Mister Sparky Generators. We’re a full-service generator company, serving customers in the area for years. We’ll work with you from the very beginning, and one of our highly trained and qualified techs will help you select a generator that will power the entire house, and they’ll handle the installation process.
Your generator must be maintained regularly to ensure it turns on when you need it and runs correctly. You’ll need a tech to flush and replace oil and gas so it doesn’t turn into sludge. They will also check the battery connections, inspect the belts, the air filter, wiring, and the exhaust system, and we’ll do all of these things during the maintenance check. If something happens and the unit isn’t functioning correctly, we also provide repair service.
We’ve earned an excellent reputation over the years and have a 5-star rating and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
If you’re ready to buy a generator and need to schedule an appointment, call us at Mister Sparky Generators today.
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How To Buy A Backup Generator
Power outages are inevitable and can find you when you least expect them, meaning you should always be prepared. The best way to ensure a constant power supply is by installing a backup generator to meet your power demands. Generators are not only good when there is a power outage but can as well be used during outdoor activities.
A generator plays an important role in keeping things running in your home in case you lose power. Your appliances, heating systems, sump pumps, and air conditioning can continue running using a generator, saving you money.
As the country continues to experience power outages, which last longer than the last, a generator seems like a viable asset to own. However, keep in mind that there are different types of generators with several outputs. Here are factors to consider when buying a backup generator.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Generator
Amount of Output
The first thing to consider when buying a generator is the amount of power you need. It’s advisable to get a generator capable of matching your needs; this way, you don’t strain it. Gauging the amount of power needed can be difficult, especially without specialized tools to check your usage.
A generator can power specific areas of the house, for example, heating and lighting. Your decision should also be made based on peak usage as well as the equipment you’re running. It makes no sense to get a generator that doesn’t provide enough power.
Your electrician will help split your electrical system to maintain the essential connections while cutting supply to other areas, thus reducing strain on your generator.
Installation
While the concept around generators may seem straightforward, installing them is another concept. Connecting a generator goes beyond plugging it into the system. The first step to a successful installation is hiring a professional electrician.
The electrician is responsible for the wiring, splitting your circuit and connecting your generator to essential operations. Your technician will also set your generator to kick in immediately after a blackout to ensure a constant power supply.
When connecting your backup power supply to other systems, such as plumbing, you may need a plumber. The plumber and electrician partner to ensure you have a continued water supply while securing the electrical connection. Take time to review your options, and if possible, ask for referrals from people who have installed backups similar to yours.
Type of Fuel
The type of fuel used in your generator has a lot of influence on the cost of ownership and its efficiency. Most generators are powered by fossil fuels such as diesel, propane, petrol, and natural gas. While gas-powered generators may seem the best choice, several customers have complained about their performance.
Gas-powered generators burn through their fuel quickly and, in most cases, have a shorter life cycle. These generators develop complications after a short time, forcing you to pay for regular repairs and maintenance services.
The type of fuel goes in hand with the cost of the generator, with diesel or natural gas-powered variants varying based on output. Focus on the availability and supply of fuel when choosing a generator since diesel and propane are likely to need refills in a prolonged power outage. Keep in mind that there are city limits regarding the distribution of certain fuels during specific periods. Be sure to check local laws to help guide your choice.
Warranty
Not many people concentrate on the warranty or guarantee offered by a manufacturer as long as they get a good price on their purchase. Warranties help protect you against factory defects that may affect your generator’s performance.
The standard warranty for generators ranges between two and five years. Be sure to check this information before making your purchase. While warranties are designed to safeguard against damage to your generators, these machines are designed to serve you for several decades before major repairs or replacement. Depending on the manufacturer or dealer, you can get extended warranties at a small fee.
The contents of warranties vary based on the manufacturer or dealer, with some covering maintenance and repairs on your generator for a specific period. Ask what is entitled in the warranty and see if you can get better deals at a small fee. Buying a generator is a significant investment that needs to guarantee it will deliver when needed.
Indoor or Outdoor Storage
Backup generators are large and require significant floor space for storage. You also need to keep them in an accessible location, somewhere you can easily reach when there is a blackout, especially those that are turned on manually. Aside from accessibility, you should store your generator away from potential water damage, preferably in a raised position. Floods or water from extreme storms can easily damage your generator leading to losses.
At Mister Sparky Generators, we recommend rooftop or outdoor installations for your generator. For outdoor storage, it’s best to construct a structure with specific considerations regarding your generator. When constructing a storage unit for our outdoor generator, be sure to keep it away from combustible walls.
Indoor generators are relatively complex since you have to design a safe and secure fuel supply, exhaust, and ventilation. All generators produce a small amount of heat when running hence should be kept away from combustible materials.
When shopping for your generator, it’s best to consult with the dealer on the best storage options based on the type of generator. For example, outdoor generators need additional protection against natural elements compared to indoor generators. You also need to consider noise ordinances and how they affect your neighbors.
When deciding between an indoor or outdoor generator, it’s best to refer to your local laws on construction noise. This way, you can make an informed decision.
A generator is a significant investment for your home or business. However, there are several factors you need to consider when installing one to help you make an informed decision. Contact us at Mister Sparky Generators for more on generators, including a quote on backup generators for your home or business.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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The Importance Of A Backup Generator Maintenance Service
A backup generator is one of the best approaches to ensuring your business or home against power outages. The generators are connected to your electrical system to channel power to essential operations in case of a blackout, making them a vital tool in hospitals, food processing plants, and your home.
Generators are built to serve you for decades before major repairs or replacement. However, this is only possible through a routine generator maintenance service. Your generator going out on you when you need it can be frustrating and sometimes lead to huge losses. When buying a generator, you need to make sure it will serve you effortlessly when you need it.
To make sure our generator is operating optimally, you need to schedule routine backup generator maintenance service. Below are reasons you should maintain your generator.
Reasons to Maintain Your Backup Generator
Prevent Fuel Problems
Generators can go for months without running if you’re in an area with a steady electricity supply. Your generator sitting idle without running its fuel can damage its internal mechanic, resulting in expensive repairs.
Without proper maintenance, your generator provides a suitable mold and algae growth environment. Over time, you may have to deal with clogged injectors, corroded components, and a leaking battery. It’s a common misconception that when your generator stands idle, it lowers the chances of damage. In contrast, the opposite is true; the more you run the generator, the less you have to deal with some issues.
During maintenance, the expert opens up your generator cleaning internal parts and draining old fluids, including fuel. Have your technician check your generator regularly to avoid any issues with your emergency power supply.
Improves Efficiency
One of the main reasons for routine inspection and maintenance is to ensure your generator operates efficiently. When running diagnostics and repairing your generator, the technician checks the performance statistics of your generator, making sure it can meet your power demands. Owning a backup generator means wanting it to provide enough power to meet your needs without feeling the effects of a power outage.
However, you should recognize that the efficiency of your generator is directly related to your usage. If your usage has increased since you installed the generator, it could be underperforming. Immediately the technician recognizes the power deficiency from your generator, they will advise you on the best course of action, including replacing your unit.
Saves You Money
A backup generator maintenance service is the first line of defense against wear and tear. Ignoring regular inspections and maintenance can prove costly in the long run, especially when dealing with unseen damage. People who rarely use their backup generators are often the victims of expensive repairs and, in the worst cases, full replacement.
Maintaining your generator, even when unused, keeps it pristine for future use. Instead of waiting to pay for expensive repairs, address the issues immediately you notice them, something you can easily do with regular maintenance. Keep in mind that an emergency backup generator maintenance service charges a little more compared to regular maintenance sessions.
Lower Accident Risks
When your generator operates optimally, there is a small chance of a related accident or injury. Regular maintenance helps you identify and repair faulty mechanisms which would otherwise cause accidents. A poorly maintained generator is likely to blow up causing fires, or injuries from debris. Ignoring your generators poses a health risk to people on your property because of the likelihood of a carbon monoxide leak which is harmful when inhaled.
Having an expert check your generators gives you assurance of your safety and those around you. Your technician ensures proper ventilation for your generator and everything to prevent accidents.
Identify Issues at an Early Stage
Like all mechanical objects, generators are susceptible to wear and tear after a few years of use. Over time, you should expect a few minor issues, including not starting and insufficient power supply. One of the main functions of a maintenance service is to troubleshoot your generator to check if everything is running smoothly.
Annual maintenance allows you to unearth potential issues with your generator before they escalate. Your technician will then employ preventive measures to stop the damage and lower the chances of future occurrences. When servicing your generator, you can use the opportunity to tune up your backup generator to increase efficiency and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Increase Generator Lifespan
While your generator is designed to serve you for a long time before it’s replaced, it can’t last forever. However, through maintenance, you can effectively prolong the lifespan of your generator. A backup generator is a significant investment for your home or business and should be given similar attention as other assets to serve you faithfully.
After years of service, your generator will likely show wear and tear signs, which may interfere with its performance. Regular maintenance and replacement of parts can help prolong their lifespan and maintain efficiency until you can afford a replacement.
With a proper maintenance schedule and optimal operating environment, your diesel engine is able to add an extra two decades.
Keep Operations Running and Peace of Mind
Knowing your power supply is guaranteed even with prolonged power outages gives you peace of mind knowing your operations or food supply is not at risk of damage or interference. Regular backup generator maintenance service gives you a clear picture of where you stand with your power supply in case of an emergency.
Trying to repair your generator in the middle of a blackout can be frustrating, and your operations are at a standstill. With a certified backup generator technician from Mister Sparky Generators maintaining your generator, you don’t have to worry about it malfunctioning during a power outage.
Maintaining your backup generator has several benefits both for commercial and residential customers. Don’t wait to pay for expensive repairs when you can solve the issues early. Contact us at Mister Sparky Generators for more on generator maintenance and get a quote for our services.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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How Our Generator Hookup Service Enhances Backup Power Reliability
Mister Sparky Generators technicians know that the work they do affects your generator’s reliability over the years, so they take extra care to make it right. Experience tells them what makes a difference, from the fuel supply and generator location, to the pedestal installation and transfer switch. Feedback from our maintenance and repair experts gives them even more information about what backup power systems benefit from. With new and highly advanced systems available for our residential customers, it’s important for us to stay on top of the right generator hookup service techniques for installation of new and replacement backup power.
New Generator or Replacement?
Working with your existing pad, fuel supply, and connections or installing from scratch, we ensure that your backup power system meets our standards. If we have recommendations for changes, we’ll let you know and explain why. For new installations, there are many considerations to bring together, from sound and vibration concerns to fuel source and connections, distance to your home’s electrical supply, and exhaust flow. Air intake and cooling are also critical, along with access for maintenance and repairs.
Making Sure You Have the Best Location
Bringing together all these considerations, our generator hookup service works to make sure your system will be reliable and aesthetically acceptable. Factoring in technical requirements with local and any HOA concerns can be challenging, but we’ve done it many times before. In fact, we’re familiar with many of those situations from past installations, and can help to make your generator installation easier. If you have questions or concerns about how your backup power source fits into your property’s layout, we can provide the information you need.
Protection Against Weather and Small Intruders
Experience tells us that weather can be challenging for any kind of outdoor equipment including generators. Because it’s not practical to weatherproof them seasonally, selecting the right location and planning ahead helps, in addition to the generator’s weather-resistant design. Airflow vents can also allow small creatures inside, so planning to minimize that possibility as well as having regular maintenance to clear out nests is important. People are also a concern, since activities in the yard such as sports can impact the generator housing and connections. Our hookup service team has plenty of ways to address these kinds of practical concerns and keep your generator protected so that it’s ready to serve you.
Proper Ventilation for Cooling While in Operation
Blocking access around the generator with plywood or other solid materials may keep hazards out, but it also reduces ventilation airflow. When units are installed in urban locations such as alleyways, they must be oriented so that airflow and access is properly arranged. Otherwise, overheating is likely during extended operation or on hot summer days.
Access for Maintenance and Repairs
In addition ventilation issues, access for maintenance and repairs needs to be considered when installing a generator, especially when space is at a premium. Often, orienting the unit properly can help considerably. These days, many backup power systems can automatically start and run self-tests periodically, but in-person inspections and extended testing are still important.
Load Management
Selecting the right backup power supply for your home can be a challenge. Often, replacement generators that we install are in response to increased power needs for the current family or a new homeowner. Load management services help make sure that your generator as well as the hookups are designed to supply the power you need for basic needs, daily living, or comfort including power for HVAC equipment. Our experience gives you a great starting point and the benefit of the many hookups of generator systems that we’ve done over the years. We’ll make sure the wiring, transfer switch, and generator unit itself are selected for your needs. If you’re uncertain about what’s the right power capacity for your current and future needs, let’s talk about what has worked for other families and find the right reliable solution for your home.
Installing or Verifying Connections
The connections from your generator to your home are essential in providing reliable backup power, including not only power supplied to your home through the transfer switch, but power to the generator. Keeping the starting battery charged is critical to be prepared when the power fails, and if your existing wiring is unreliable, you might have trouble. Generators typically supply alerts, especially those that are connected to home or smartphone monitoring. Fuel supply reliability is also critical, whether it’s a tank of diesel or propane, or a natural gas line. When reviving an existing system, our generator hookup service will check these connections carefully.
The Essential Automatic Transfer Switch
The automatic transfer switch, or ATS, senses the failure of commercial power to your home and transfers the load safely to your generator when it’s ready. It’s a critical piece of equipment that is tested during maintenance to ensure that everything is “go” for backup power if it’s needed. The ATS is what makes residential generators so convenient, since power transfer can even occur if no one is home, protecting your house during power outages.
Bringing Your Generator Installation Together
For new generators, replacement systems, even reactivating existing generators, our hookup team provides thorough care, using our many years of experience to prevent problems that could result in unreliable power. It’s our goal to make sure that you can feel confident in your home’s backup power supply.
The secret to reliable, long-lasting residential backup power is installation by our experienced generator hookup service. At Mister Sparky Generators, we take care of the technical details, especially on newer models with automatic self-test and Internet connectivity. Our team also makes sure that your generator is carefully placed for your family’s comfort and local or HOA requirements. Relax and be confident in your expertly installed generator, ready to serve during any power outage or storm-related power loss. Call us today!
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Diesel vs Gasoline Backup Generators: Which Is Right For You
Backup generators are vital in providing power to your home or business during power outages. They help ensure a continuous electric power supply to keep the lights on and do the job. When deciding to get a new or replace an old generator, you must consider whether to opt for a diesel or gasoline generator. To help you make a wise decision, this guide will discuss the differences between the two types of standby generators.
Who Needs a Generator?
In today’s world, everyone needs the power to keep their home electrical devices running. You need to watch TV, take a warm bath, keep your home lighting during the night, and so on. In a blackout, all these things are taken away from you. However, if you have a diesel or gasoline backup generator installed in your home, it will continue to supply power to your home if necessary.
Your business could go into standby mode if unprepared for a power outage. This is because electrical equipment will stop working, leading to low productivity. A generator is valuable to prevent these interruptions at your business.
What Is a Diesel Generator?
Diesel generators are machines that generate electricity by burning diesel fuels. They typically have two main parts: a diesel engine and an electrical generator. These generators convert chemical energy found in diesel fuel into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is then converted to electrical power, channeled to power cables. Some years back, diesel generators were known to be noisy. However, due to technological advances, many diesel generators are quiet, and you can comfortably use them at home without disturbing your neighbors. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of diesel generators.
Benefits of Diesel Generators
- On average, diesel generators are more fuel efficient than gasoline generators. This is because they burn diesel fuel at a 50% slower rate when compared to gasoline generators. Therefore, it allows them to run long, making them less expensive over time than their counterparts.
- Diesel generators provide more power and can handle larger loads than gasoline generators. More power capacity makes them ideal to use in areas where you need high demand for power energy, such as industries and construction sites.
- The lifespan of a diesel generator is much longer than one that uses gasoline. Ideally, a diesel engine can last three times longer than a petrol one.
- These generators require less maintenance. This is because they do not have carburetors or spark plugs. Therefore, it means no need to replace or rebuild carburetors or spark plugs.
- Depending on the environment you will use the generator, diesel is less flammable than gasoline. Hence, these generators are ideal to use in areas requiring high safety precautions.
Drawbacks of Diesel Generators
- Diesel generators are larger than gasoline because they are made using heavy components.
- New diesel generators are made to be quiet, but old models are still very loud. If you use them in areas with a high population, people might start complaining because of too much noise.
- Installing a diesel generator is hard. They are large such that you need extra care when you install them. However, this will be easily handled with professional generator installation company services.
- The cost of diesel generators is much higher than gasoline generators. Its initial price requires you to dig deep in your pocket. On top of that, diesel fuel costs more than gasoline.
- Diesel generators release harmful gasses that are not good for nature. It produces more of these gasses than generators that run on gasoline.
What Is a Gasoline Generator?
Gasoline generators mix air and gasoline fuel in a particular part called a carburetor. In terms of size, they are smaller than diesel units. It is a popular choice for many homeowners as they are easy to use. Moreover, they are ideal for powering home appliances and even camping trips. Here are some pros and cons of gasoline backup generators.
Benefits of Gasoline Generators
- Gasoline generators are small in size and portable. You can use them for specific power needs on your premises, such as powering construction work at the far end of your property.
- Unlike diesel generators, gasoline generators do not produce much noise. You will not have to worry about being a nuisance to your neighbors due to extreme noise when running this generator.
- It is cheaper to buy gasoline than diesel fuels. Therefore, you will save money when using a gasoline generator compared to a diesel one.
- Gasoline generators are less expensive. They are available in different models, and prices range to choose from.
- They produce less harmful gas fumes than their diesel counterparts.
Drawbacks of Gasoline Generators
- Gasoline fuel is more volatile than diesel. Therefore, these generators are riskier when operating, especially if you don’t take safety precautions. Moreover, fuel generators use a spark ignition system, which requires more maintenance and increases the risk of explosion.
- Gasoline generators have lower fuel efficiency than diesel. This results in the burning of more fuels. You will end up using a lot of money in the long run.
- You cannot use gasoline engine generators to run high loads for an extended time.
Diesel Generator vs. Gasoline Generator
Selecting which type of backup generator depends on where you will use it. If you will use it in heavy applications such as factories and industries, it is always better to choose a diesel one. This is because it produces a lot of power, is easy to maintain, and is safe to use. However, if you plan to use it in your home for powering home appliances, then a gasoline generator is the best choice.
Are you considering buying a standby generator but unsure which fuel source to use? Mister Sparky Generators are here to help you. Our experts will partner with you to understand your needs and help you get a generator that meets your needs. Contact us today to speak to one of our experts.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.