Aren't they expensive?
Residentially, the installation of a basic 6Kw system is usually cheaper than the cost of repairing a single flooding of a finished basement in just carpeting and drywall alone! Factoring in the cost of lost furniture, electronics, keepsakes, and electrical repairs makes backup generators a very appealing option. And don't forget your time loss, headaches, and irreplaceable photos or memories. Those have a value beyond just dollars. Plus all the food in the freezer... And that's just a flooding scenario. Missed planes, alarm clocks not waking you for that meeting of a lifetime, or imagine having to move the entire family gathering because of a power loss. These are just some of the things that a generator protects against.
For businesses, a loss in power is like having cashflow pour right out the front door. How much revenue is lost each minute of a power loss? The figures can be staggering. The cost of a generator to protect your server room is often less than the cost of recovering the data-loss...and don't forget that in addition, power loss also means that production shuts down, work grinds to a halt, and your website no longer functions. Often times, that same smaller residential system is sufficient to also back-up vital systems, paying for itself many times over from a single day of power loss by letting your business keep the doors open.
In short, costs vary for each unique installation but typically they are cheaper than the alternative!
What do most people protect?
Because of their benefits vs. cost and ease of use, the popularity of generators has soared in recent years. Electricity is a vital part of our everyday lives and its loss can be more than just troublesome, it can put you, your family, your business, and your possessions at risk. Here are just a few examples of what a backup generator is typically used to protect...
residentially
commercially
sump pumps
cash registers
refrigerators
computer servers
lighting
lighting
security systems
security systems
well pumps
production lines and warehouse
ejector pumps
heating system
heating systems
elevator pits
garage doors
food cases
in-home office
walk-in coolers
computer systems
'vital' systems
entertainment systems
dock doors
Sizes and types
There are many sizes and two basic types of generators. Most residential systems are air cooled, whereas larger commercial systems are liquid cooled. Air cooled units come in sizes from 6Kw to 20Kw (Kilowatts) and can backup from 8 breakers to 16 breakers (with larger units available as liquid cooled systems). They operate on natural gas or LP gas, are quiet, and have a small 'footprint' of approximately 2ft x 4ft on air cooled units.
Do I have to do anything to make the generator work?
No. A transfer switch is typically included on our installation. This automatically switches over power to the generator with the municipal electricity is lost and return to standby mode when it is restored. Units are also self exercising, meaning that they test themselves for proper operation weekly. In short, except a call for annual inspection and maintenance, modern generators are self sufficient.
What’s required to have a generator?
- LP or natural gas supply with a meter large enough to accommodate it
- a breaker count or idea on which circuits will be backed-up
- a location for the generator large enough to accommodate it
- the ability to run gas and electrical piping from the generator to the panel/meter
- Room to mount the transfer switch at/near your existing electric panel
If you are unsure on these items or would like help in answering them, we provide free on-site estimates to determine if a generator is right for you.
Wish to know more?
Is there anything else to know?
Yes. Some transfer switches are now available with 'load shedding'. This means that the generator will assure that vital systems are always handled (such as sump pumps), but if they are not in use then that power can be utilized for other, non-vital, services (such as lighting). This can be a great option for larger electrical panels or as an equipment cost savings. Also, just as with anything mechanical your generator will require an annual inspection or 'tune up'. We also perform this service.
Click here for a copy of our maintenance agreement to see what is covered.
©2012 Armbrust Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. and its licensors.
Anyone who has ever worried that their basement would flood, that a loss of power means a loss of business, anyone who worries that they will lose important data, stored food, needs to get to work on time, uses their garage as their front-door (can you even get your car or delivery trucks out of the garage without power?), or anyone who just want to protect their biggest investment buy generators. From two bedroom homes to large commercial buildings, there is a generator to meet everyone’s budget and need. Generators are like insurance; its never more important to have it than when you need it.