What is a Standby Home Generator?
A standby home generator is a back-up electrical system that can automatically generate power in the event of an outage. It is a permanent fixture that must be installed professionally unlike a smaller portable generator. The standby home generator uses an automatic transfer switch that can sense a power loss and within seconds command the generator to start and then transfer the electrical load. Once power has been restored, the automatic transfer switch returns the electrical load back to the utility and shuts off the standby generator.
A standby home generator acts like an insurance policy. You never know when you may need it but it is worth the investment if you do. While having a portable generator is convenient during an outage, having a standby home generator may have some other benefits you hadn’t thought of before.
Benefits of a Standby Home Generator
Having a standby home generator offers homeowners a peace of mind during unexpected power outages. It allows a homeowner to maintain the comfort and safety levels needed during emergencies like a weather related disaster. So much of what we use in our daily lives depends on electricity. A standby home generator allows you to run the appliances you need during an emergency like air conditioners, heaters, sump pumps, refrigerators, televisions, and lights.
A standby home generator can provide more power than a portable generator allowing the ability to run more appliances. Standby home generators can produce power in upwards of 30,000 watts. Considering the heavier appliances like refrigerators and washing machines need approximately 1,200 watts each, the larger generators could easily power anything in your home.
They’re also quieter than portable generators. Also with a standby home generator, you don’t need to worry about connecting cords or storing gasoline. It can run off your home’s natural gas supply or an underground propane tank.
Installing a standby home generator increases the value of a home. According to the 2013 Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling, adding a generator can increase the resale value of a home by over 50 percent of the generator’s cost. That is a sound investment in the safety and value of your home.
Standby home generators also utilize a transfer switch to automatically turn on and off making them safer and eliminating the chance of accidentally “backfeeding” electricity into the local power grid.
Depending on your needs and budget, Bradley Mechanical can help you find the right generator for your home. We offer a full range of generator units and our experts can help you design and install a new system. For over 50 years, Bradley Mechanical has been the trusted name in installing, servicing and repairing generators throughout Central Virginia. Give us a call today at (804) 748-6728 to learn more about our standby home generator systems.