In recent years, summer power outages in the Bay Area have become increasingly common. As local power grids struggle to keep up with demand, frequent and sometimes prolonged outages occur. Additionally, aging infrastructure and extreme weather events further exacerbate the situation, leaving many households without power during the hottest time of the year.
To mitigate these disruptions, many homeowners are looking for ways to become less reliant on the local power company. Consequently, installing a backup generator can be the right choice for many Bay Area residents.
The Role of Backup Generators
Backup or standby generators provide a reliable power source during outages, ensuring that essential appliances and systems continue operating smoothly. They offer peace of mind and maintain home comfort even during prolonged power interruptions. While you likely know these benefits, how do you know if a backup generator is a good idea for you, specifically?
You may want to install a generator at your home if any of the following apply to you:
- Frequent power outages: Experiencing regular and prolonged power disruptions
- Remote or rural location: Living in areas more prone to infrastructure issues
- Medical equipment needs: Requiring uninterrupted power for medical equipment
- Work from home: Needing consistent electricity for remote work operations
Below, we review the two types of backup generators and how to determine which one is right for your needs.
Automatic Cut-In Generators
This type of backup generator is designed to provide an uninterrupted power supply during outages, ensuring that your essential appliances and systems continue to function. When the main power supply is disrupted, your automatic backup generator kicks in, supplying electricity to your home or business. An automatic transfer switch makes this seamless transition possible, detecting the power loss and activating the generator within seconds.
Consider an automatic cut-in generator if you:
- Desire seamless power continuity: You want an uninterrupted power supply without manual intervention
- Need immediate whole-home power restoration: You require instant electricity during an outage to prevent disruptions
- Want greater convenience: Prefer a hassle-free solution that eliminates the need for manual startup
- Have a high-tech home: your home relies on automated, smart home devices and systems that need consistent power
Manual Generators
Manual generators provide a reliable yet flexible solution for managing power outages. Unlike automatic generators, they require manual activation, giving you control over when and how power is utilized. To get started, simply turn on the generator and connect it to the necessary appliances or devices. Our technicians can set up dedicated appliance circuits or backup electrical circuits for added convenience and safety. This setup ensures you only supply power to the crucial systems you need, precisely when needed, without overloading your generator.
You may want to consider a manual generator at your home if any of the following apply to you:
- Less frequent power outages: You only experience occasional power disruptions that don't warrant an automatic system.
- Budget constraints: You want a more cost-effective solution compared to automatic generators.
- Flexible power needs: You want the ability to selectively power specific appliances or devices as required.
The Importance of Professional Installation
When selecting and installing a backup generator, working with professional electricians like ours at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar is essential for several reasons. While you may be able to find incredible deals online, there's a significant risk of choosing an outdated or inappropriate generator that doesn't suit your home's specific needs. Our experienced electricians can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you invest in a generator with the suitable capacity, efficiency, and features to meet your requirements.
Additionally, a DIY backup generator installation presents various risks, including potential safety hazards, incorrect installation and code violations that can lead to severe consequences. Furthermore, improperly installed generators can cause electrical fires, carbon monoxide poisoning or damage to your home's electrical system.
By relying on the expertise of our professional electricians, you ensure that your backup generator is installed correctly, safely and is in compliance with all relevant local and national codes.
Contact Valley online to discuss your backup generator options.