Generators, the next key home feature
Air conditioning systems were considered a residential luxury 1960s and 70s; many considered them too expensive to operate and install, and in many cases that was true. But production costs decreased and air conditioning systems became a normal part of every home. Now we don’t think twice about seeing the AC’s outdoor condenser sitting on the side or back of homes. Perhaps, the Generator is quickly becoming the next major home appliance.
But there are some key differences between a generator and a normal appliance. One difference is that the generator allows the appliances in your home to actually function in times of electrical outages. Arguably, the most important feature of a generator that separates it from normal appliances is that a generator can protect your family, business or property and keep them safe and in comfort during times of emergency.
Our team at Five Star Power Systems takes great pride in serving our customers and part of that service is education. So today we’d like to give you an introduction to generators and explain how easy it can be to protect your family and home with the next major American home appliance.
Main Types of Generators for Residential and Commercial Use
With all of the blizzards, thunder storms and hurricanes our area has faced in the last 25 years, I think we have all seen or at least heard the portable generator in our neighborhoods. Every time a major weather event hits and power outages are widespread, these generators become a prized commodity and it’s a mad rush to Home Depot to see if you can get your hands on one before they are out of stock.
Portable Generators do the job when you are in a pinch, but they are far from an ideal solution for your problem. Most portable generators are powered by gasoline. The gasoline drives a motor, and that motor creates electricity which can feed part or some of your home depending on size. The issue with portable generators is even if you own one, it has probably sat in the shed or garage untouched since the last time you used it. This can leave the unit subject to bad gas or weathered components. So you wade through the knee-high snow, struggle to pull it out of the shed and then you fire it up, praying that it will run and do everything it is supposed to.
Another issue is that in really bad weather events, gasoline shortage can leave your portable generator useless. In 2012 when Hurricane Sandy destroyed communities in New Jersey and New York, the infrastructure was damaged so bad that gas stations were left without refueling service. Gas rationing took place and lines that lasted several hours were the norm. Most of the people in these lines were there for gas to power their portable generator.
Transfer Switches and Portable Generators
Portable Generators also leave a lot of technical decisions and work in the hands of a home or business owner that may not aware of all the safety issues involved with electricity. The most basic of generator set-ups result in extension cords running through the house to the outside where the generator sits. Deciding which appliances to run and how many things your portable generator is actually capable of powering can be difficult and possibly dangerous. If you are convinced that a portable generator is the best option for your home and family, please consider a transfer switch installation by a licensed electrician.
A transfer switch is an electrical device tied to your home’s electrical panel and linked to your generator. With a flip of the switch, this item can feed your electric panel directly without the nuisance and danger of multiple extension cords. During the installation of your transfer switch, your electrician can advise you on how to safely use your generator and utilize its capacity without over-loading the generator. This can help you identify some key appliances or areas of the home you wish to power. Your electrician can help you label your electric panel so you know what to do during the next power outage.
Stand by Generators
If you’ve done your research or spent a day getting part of your home powered up with a portable generator, then you know there are some real headaches associated with portables. The stand-by generator for residential use is the hassle-free, guaranteed way to power your home and protect your family in the next power outage.
In comparison to portable generators, stand by generators are appliances that are installed in one place and that automatically power up your home when the utility power-feed shuts down. Stand-by systems are prepared 24/7 and when the power outage hits, there is usually a 15-30 second delay, then the generator starts up and the house powers back up.
Tank vs. Line fueled
There are two basic styles of stand-by generators. You have tank fueled systems which can run on propane, gasoline, diesel or natural gas. The only downside to this style is that you have to make sure that you keep the tank filled, and in times of great emergency it may be difficult to get fuel delivery to your generator.
The second and most care-free style is the line fueled generator. These can be directly linked to your home’s natural gas system and can keep your house going without the concern of having to refuel. While our electrical power grid is subject to falling trees, overloaded components and other hazards, our gas system is completely protected underground and are not subject to any problems mother-nature can throw at it.
Cummins Generators: A name America knows and trusts
So now that we’ve provided you some information on generators, we want to introduce you to the products we offer here at Five Star Power Systems. Mention the brand name Cummins to any truck or engine guy and you’ll hear comments like, "trustworthy”, “well-made”, “reliable”. The Cummins engine has forged its public goodwill by manufacturing a high-quality product over many years. Now the Cummins engine is available in a stand by generator. When we were looking for a high-quality product that we were proud to represent and provide to our customers, it was a no-brainer when we heard that Cummins was offering generators.
We sell and install the Cummins product proudly, knowing that every time our valued customers need their generator, it is going to fire up and keep them in comfort.
Sizing Generators
If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of a generator in your home, please sit down with one of our experienced technicians so we can show you all that Five Start Power Systems and Cummins has to offer. But if you just want a basic idea of what size generator you might need at your home, here is a fundamental sizing guide based on your home’s square footage.
13KW generator: for a home less than 2000 sq. ft.
20KW generator: for a home 2000-3000 sq. ft.
25KW generator: for a home 3000-5000 sq. ft.
30KW generator: for a home 5000+ sq. ft.
Thank you for reading with us today, we hope you learned something. Keep your eye out for more interesting posts and articles regarding Five Star Power Systems and the products we offer.
