If you have a power outage, generators are one of the most ingenious investments you can make. They can save your home from the brink of disaster and keep your family safe. Unfortunately, many people do not realize the full extent of what they should be looking for when purchasing a generator. How do you know which generator will be best for your needs?
This guide will walk you through all the necessary considerations for choosing a generator that will work for your home and family. We’ll discuss how to get started, what to look for in a generator, and how to find the right one for you. Additionally, we will also discuss some of the different types available on the market today so that you can get help from experts for Home Backup Generator Installation in London, KY.
Types of Generators
If you’re looking for a generator, you might wonder what kind is best for you. The answer is All of them!
But knowing different types of generators will help you make a well-informed purchasing decision.
Here are different types of generators you should know:
Home Standby Generators
Home standby generators are designed to power your home when there’s a power outage. They are typically installed in garages or basements and can be linked to your home’s electrical system by a qualified electrician. With a home standby generator, you can keep lights, refrigerators, televisions, computers, and other household appliances running during a power outage.
Home standby generators can also be used as emergency backup power sources when camping or boating. Portable generators supply temporary emergency power for construction sites and other outdoor events where electrical service is unavailable.
Portable Generators
These smaller generators run on gasoline or propane and plug directly into the wall outlet in your home, so you don’t have to worry about running extension cords from outside through windows or doors—which means less damage in case of fire or flooding from an accident with gasoline fumes leaking out of the generator.
Portable generators are great for keeping your fridge running during an outage without taking up much space in an attic or garage until it’s needed again. However, they’re not always powerful enough for heavy-duty appliances like air conditioners if there’s a lot of demand for them due to heat waves or other weather conditions.
Inverter Generators
Wondering, “What is an inverter generator?”
An inverter generator is one that uses an electric motor to generate power from a battery pack or other power source.
Inverters help reduce noise pollution by making sure that the engine runs at a constant speed when operating at full capacity so as not to cause unnecessary noise while running at full speed or idle speeds when not being used as much as it would be during times when it was needed most (such as during power outages). This means that these types of generators tend to be less noisy than their non-inverter counterparts since they’re not constantly changing speeds based on demand like other types do!
Portable Power Stations
Portable power stations are compact and easy-to-carry units that provide backup power for phones, tablets, and laptops. They’re really useful if you want to keep using your devices during a power outage. You can also use them as an emergency chargers for other electronics like lamps or fans!
Portable power stations are used for large-scale events like county fairs, festivals, sporting events, and concerts where there is a high electricity demand. Portable power stations also require little setup time and can be carried around easily as needed by personnel on-site managing the event. These types of generators also come with built-in safety features that make them safe to use during these types of events where large crowds of people gather together in one place at one time with limited access to emergency services nearby (or no access at all).
How Do Generators Work?
Generators are the most important invention in the history of the world.
They’re what makes everything work. You’d be reading this on a candle if it weren’t for generators! That’s right: without generators, we’d all eat frozen food and read by candlelight.
Generators have revolutionized the way we access and use electricity. They provide a reliable source of power in situations where electricity is not readily available or during unexpected outages.
If you are eager to know how they work, keep reading:
Basic Components:
- The rotor is the generator’s rotating component. It comprises a shaft and a collection of electromagnets or permanent magnets.
- The stator is a stationary component of the generator. It is made up of a wire coil known as the stator winding.
- Creating a magnetic field begins when the rotor is placed in motion. The electromagnets or permanent magnets on the rotor generate a magnetic field around them.
Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction:
- The varying magnetic field flows through the stator winding as the rotor spins. According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, this varying magnetic field produces a voltage in the stator winding.
Alternating Current (AC) Generation:
- The induced voltage in the stator winding is an alternating current (AC), which means that the current direction changes on a regular basis. This alternating current voltage is the generator’s electrical output.
Voltage Regulation:
- Generators have a voltage regulator to guarantee a steady output voltage. The regulator regulates the generator’s output voltage by adjusting the intensity of the magnetic field in the rotor.
Power Distribution:
- The generator’s alternating current voltage is sent to different electrical equipment through power cables or electrical circuits. To meet the requirements of various appliances, the voltage may need to be altered or converted.
Control and Safety Mechanisms:
- Control panels on generators allow users to start, stop, and monitor the generator’s performance. They also include safety measures like overload protection and circuit breakers to protect the generator and any attached equipment.
Fuel Source:
- A fuel supply is required to power the engine that powers the rotor in generators. The most often utilized fuels are petrol, diesel, propane, and natural gas. The engine’s combustion process transfers the fuel’s chemical energy into mechanical energy, which is subsequently utilized to turn the rotor.
11 Reasons Why Every Household Should Have A Generator
If you’re reading this, you probably already know the blessings of having a generator in your home. Generators are lifesavers in power outages and can additionally be used to keep your home cool during those hot summer months.
But did you know that there are actually other reasons why every household should have a generator? Here are some of the best ones:
Power During Outages
No one likes to be without power. It’s inconvenient and frustrating! But when the power goes out, it can be dangerous, too. Without electricity, your home is vulnerable to losing heat, air conditioning, refrigeration, and more. A generator can help you make sure that your family stays safe and comfortable during outages by providing backup power for essential appliances like refrigerators, freezers, circuit breakers, and more.
Home Safety
In a world where crime rates are rising all over the country, it’s important to ensure your home is always protected from intruders. While generators can’t completely protect against crime—they’re no replacement for proper security measures like alarms or cameras—they do offer some peace of mind during power outages when criminals typically try to take advantage of homes whose residents are forced into darkness after sunset or who have been without power for some time (or both).
Save Money
If you’ve ever tried using a gas-powered generator for over a couple of hours at once, then you know how pricey it can get! The electricity from your local power company may cost more than $0 per kilowatt hour, but using a generator costs much more—up to $20 per kilowatt hour! That’s why having a backup generator is great for saving money on electricity expenditures over time!
Food Preservation
Do you want to be the person who’s out of food for their family when the power goes out? Or do you want to be the hero with plenty of food for them? Of course not! That’s why it’s so important to have a generator that can run your fridge and freezer until power is restored—so that you never have to stress about running out of food again.
Medical Support
Generators can provide power for medical devices like oxygen tanks, dialysis machines, and other equipment that might be necessary for survival in an emergency situation.
Climate Control
The weather is unexpected, and sometimes you need to control it. Whether you’re looking to keep your house at 69 degrees in the middle of summer or you want to keep your freezer running even when the electrical power goes out, a generator can help you stay cool, warm, and safe.
Emergency Preparedness
The nature of emergencies is such that they don’t make appointments or follow schedules. They just happen when they want to happen—and if you’re not prepared for them, it will become very inconvenient for everyone involved. A generator ensures that your family won’t be caught off guard by an emergency event like a fire or earthquake and can be ready for anything at any time.
Comfort and Convenience
The power goes out; you’re stuck in the dark with no way to charge your phone or keep your fridge cold. You can’t even fix a sandwich for dinner! A generator solves all these problems by supplying you with electricity whenever needed.
DIY Projects
Do you have a home improvement project that requires power tools? Are there some repairs around your house that need to be made? Get a generator so that you can continue working on these projects even when the power is out!
Peace of Mind
A generator is an excellent way to keep your mind at ease. Whether it’s a power outage or a thunderstorm, having a generator can mean you don’t have to worry about losing power.
Property Value
A well-maintained property with a reliable generator has more resale value than a house without one. When buyers see that you’ve made an investment in safety and comfort for your family, they’ll know that they’ll get their money’s worth from this purchase—and they’ll be able to rest easy knowing they’ve made the right choice!
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Generator For Your Home
Now that you’ve seen the benefits of having a generator, you might be tempted to buy one. However, there are a few factors to consider before buying a generator for your home.
Power Requirements
Whether you’re looking for a portable generator or a permanent installation, you’ll want to consider how much power it can provide for your home and what type of fuel type it uses. Portable generators are the right choice if you’re looking for an emergency backup plan, but they require regular refueling and careful maintenance.
Assess your power needs by identifying the essential devices and devices you want to run during a power outage. Calculate their wattage requirements to determine the generator size and capacity you need. Make sure the generator can manage the starting (surge) and run (continuous) power requirements of your appliances. Here are some rough calculations:
- Refrigerator: 600 watts
- Portable heater: 1,500 watts
- Window air conditioner: 1,000 watts
- Sump pump: 750 to 1,500 watts
- Lights: 5 to 80 watts (per bulb)
- Computer: 60 to 300 watts
Noise Level
The louder the noise level of a generator is, the less likely it is that people will want to be around it (especially when it’s in their living room!). If you plan on using your generator at night or early in the morning when most people are sleeping, this shouldn’t be an issue! Just make sure your neighbors won’t mind if they wake up early due to all the ruckus from your yard.
Fuel Type
Do you have access to propane, natural gas, or gasoline? If not, you’ll need to buy a generator that can run on diesel fuel. Not all generators are compatible with all fuels, so make sure to double-check before buying!
Size
Wondering, “What size generator do I need? Well. Generators come in all shapes and sizes—from small tabletop models that fit under a countertop to large industrial units that take up half a garage—so consider how much space is available and what type of look would work best in your home.
Safety Features
Safety features should also be considered when shopping for generators. Features such as overload protection and an automatic voltage regulator ensure that even if something goes wrong with your generator, it will protect itself and its users from harm by shutting off automatically before any damage can occur.
Runtime and Fuel Efficiency
How long does it last on a tank of fuel? And how much fuel does it use per hour? The longer your generator runs, the more power it will be able to provide during an outage. If you have an emergency that requires running electricity for longer than a day or two at a time, look for generators with high run times and low fuel efficiency.
Installation Requirements
Before you buy a generator, you need to make sure that it will be easy to install in your home, or you can hire professional generator installation experts in London, KY. If you have a small space and want something that fits easily into your garage, you should choose an inverter generator. These generators are lightweight and can be easily moved around with ease. However, if you have a large space and want something that will provide enough power for your appliances, you should go for a standby generator instead. Standby generators are bulkier than inverter generators but provide more power and can run on natural gas or propane fuel.
Maintenance and Serviceability
Another thing to remember when buying a generator is how much it will take to maintain it and how often servicing will be required. The best option would be one that requires less maintenance as well as less servicing so that you will save time maintaining it and hiring someone else who can do it for you at a fair price.
Budget
You don’t want to spend a fortune on a generator, but you also don’t want to get taken for a ride. Generator prices range from $500 to $5,000. You should be able to find a generator that fits within your budget but do not forget about other costs, such as installation and maintenance. The best way to do this is to shop around. Local hardware stores and online retailers are both good sources for finding generators that won’t break the bank.
Ready To Install A Backup Generator In Your Home? Call Kentucky Climate Control Today!
When you’re ready to install a backup generator in your home, you like it done right. You want someone who understands your home’s power needs and can ensure that your system is properly sized for those needs. You want someone who will work with you to find out what kind of fuel source will work best for your needs—whether it’s gas or diesel, propane or natural gas, or even solar power!
You want someone who can help you design and install a generator that meets all of these criteria while also being both aesthetically pleasing and easily maintained.
And with Kentucky Climate Control on your side, you can chill knowing it will be done smoothly.
We’re here to help. We’ve been installing generators in homes throughout the greater London area for many years, and we’d be so delighted to help you make the right decision.
Whether you’re looking to add a backup generator to protect against power outages or want to ensure your home stays cool during the hottest days of summer, our team has the experience and expertise to ensure everything goes smoothly.
We take our work seriously and pride ourselves on the quality of our service. We have been in London, KY, business for many years and have the experience to know that no assignment is too large or too small for us.
Our skilled team will provide you with honest advice about what kind of generator is best for your needs—whether it be portable or permanent—and we’ll help you determine how much power capacity you need. We’ll even help you navigate all the regulations involved so that everything goes smoothly when installing your backup generator.
Call us today at (855) 482-2522 if you’re ready to install Generators in London, KY!