Protect your Seattle area home with the power of backup energy. Read this to prepare for your emergency generator installation.
Imagine a storm struck your home. The power suddenly zapped, and your family was left scrounging for flashlights in the dark. Installing a backup power source could turn a dark and stormy night into something a bit more pleasant- and full of light. Emergency generator installation is a must if you want to be prepared for outages in your area.
Just take a look at what recently happened in the Seattle area.
In early January 2021, Seattle and its surrounding areas in Washington experienced a massive power outage. According to WestsideSeattle, high winds were the culprit behind a power disruption that topped 71,000 in numbers within Seattle. Across the area, there were nearly 560,000 homes and businesses left without power. Next time the power goes out, you can have a backup generator to keep the lights on.
Types of Home Generators
There is a slew of generator types, ranging from diesel-powered to solar-powered.
OHM is a Clean Energy Aligned Contractor with Generac. Generac PWRcell power systems are powerful, flexible, scalable–and eco-friendly!
You can also purchase a portable, inverter, or standby generator for your home.
For the purposes of today’s conversation, we will be focusing on standby generators. The name speaks for itself. This backup power source is electrically connected to your home, standing by to automatically kick on if the power goes out.
Facts About Home Backup Generator Installation
Here are five key facts to familiarize yourself with before installing your new standby generator.
Maintenance Is Required
No matter what type of generator you choose, maintenance will be involved. This includes annual cleanings, exercising the machine, and checking the battery power. Maintenance is the key to longevity.
Not Everything Can Be Powered
Standby generators can indeed send power to your home, but not all generators (and appliances) are created equal. To ensure your electronics’ safety, you want to look for an emergency backup generator with low harmonic distortion and appropriate wattage capacity to meet the demands of your home within reason.
You Can Save on Electrical Costs
Many people feel like standby generators will drive up their electric bills. However, this is not true. The fact is that you can actually save money since the generator is not directly connected to your utilities. When the power goes out, you’re essentially “off-grid” anyways, and no usage information is being transmitted to your utility provider.
If you opt to go with a Generac PWRcell power system, you can lower your electrical costs by drawing power from your PWRcell during high cost electrical times, so you can avoid peak-rates.
Outside Generator Installation Is a MUST
You absolutely MUST install your home generator outside. It is not safe to run it indoors, even in a detached shed or garage. You want to place the machine in a well-ventilated, completely open area a safe distance away from your home’s exterior walls. This is especially true if you opt for a gas or diesel powered generator. Generac PWRcell power systems can be installed right next to your home and are much less dangerous than fossil-fuel type generators.
Different Sizes for Different Needs
This is arguably the most important factor to keep in mind. The size of your standby generator DOES matter. Every home generator comes with a unique power output. So, consult with a professional to determine the right size to meet your home’s needs.
Don’t Wait to Install an Emergency Generator
Don’t wait until the power goes out to realize the importance of backup energy. Instead of sitting in the dark, you could be charging your devices and preserving the function of your home’s utilities. Trust OHM Electrical Contracting to safely install a generator in your Seattle home today. Contact us to start the process or consult with an electrician.
