Electrical & Electric

About Backup Generators

Emergency Backup Generators   

Overview: When your home loses electrical power due to wind storms and heavy snow, especially homes that are located in rural areas. These homes can benefit from having a backup generator. There are many different types and sizes of backup generators available, so it's important to know what will best fit your needs.

If you've had experience with backup generators it's likely that it was a gasoline (gas) powered generator. A gas powered generator is the most popular because gas is easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Generator prices can vary depending on what different components are included. For example, generators that use multi-cylinder, water-cooled engines are more expensive than single cylinder air cooled engines because they produce less noise while operating at steady temperature and power output. The less expensive single cylinder air-cooled engines are quite noisy.

Gas engines are more useful for places in which they will be used frequently, or they might have problems with fuel filters and carburetors. However, they are easy to use, safe, and reliable. For residential emergencies gas backup generator is cost effective and an excellent choice.

A diesel generator is considered a heavy duty generator. Diesel fuel is more expensive than gas but it also produces more energy than gas. Diesel is less flammable than gas and requires less maintenance than gas generators. They are rugged and reliable and have a long life. They are designed to work for long periods and have low operating and maintenance costs. Diesel generators are generally heavier than gas generators and engine noise can be significantly higher. Despite this they are the most reliable choice for a backup generator.

If you live in a very cold climate and are concerned about storing your fuel, a propane generator unit may be the best choice for you. Propane is now approximately the same price as gasoline and can be stored in underground tanks that can provide you with almost two weeks or more of backup power. Propane starts easily even in cold weather and it is not affected by condensation. Propane generators were considered undesirable in their early days because the fuel system was too complicated to safely operate. With the advancements in technology and training, this is no longer a concern and anyone can safely work with them.

A propane backup generator has many advantages. Propane fuel can be stored for longer periods of time than other kinds of fuel, it does not "gum up, it burns clean, and it does not have the risk of wet stacking like diesels do. It has a much lower engine noise level in comparison to gas and diesel generators and it has a longer and uninterrupted run time as well as a longer engine life in general.

A natural gas generator is similar to propane. Natural gas is an incredibly reliable source of fuel.  If you have a natural gas setup in your home it is a much simpler way to go. There is an unlimited fuel source so refueling is a thing of the past. Natural gas does not gum up, it's available during power outages, and it burns clean, has a low noise level, and has a long engine life do to the clean burning fuel.

Backup generators can be either a temporary and permanent installation. A temporary installation means the backup generator is hooked up to your electrical panel when it is required. A permanent installation is where the generator is hard wired into the home and will start automatically if there is a power failure. This installation is often called a standby generator because it is always ready to go.

Choosing your generator size is important. The size simply refers to how much wattage you'll need for appliances you'll plan to run off your generator compared to how much energy the generator can produce.  Think of all the things you need electricity for in everyday life. Without power, the alarm clock won't go off and you won't get up. Depending on your water system you might not be able to take a shower, wash your hands, or get a drink. Every time you walk into a room and flip the light switch, nothing happens. Your fridge is dark and everything inside starts to go bad. And the list of inconveniences goes on.

So a backup home generator becomes very important when you have frequent power outages. By knowing about backup generators and the variety available on the market you will be able to make the right choice when it comes time to purchase one. 

Related articles:

For more DIY information Check out these Resources