things you need to know about a stand by generator
The thought of owning your very own stand by generator seemed outrageous just a few years back. Only big companies and businesses needed stand by generators to supply electricity in case of an outage. No one would have ever thought that it would someday become an indispensable apparatus in the common household.
Nowadays, using a stand by generator at home is not so unusual. Being almost totally reliant on electricity to perform different tasks, families just couldn't afford to risk losing electricity during a power outage. And if you really want to be able to live life as you do everyday even when a power outage occurs, consider getting a stand by generator.
What is a Stand by Generator?
When an electric generator is permanently installed, this is what you call a stand by generator. And just as with any electric generator, it powers electrical devices in case of a power outage. This works similarly with your air-conditioning unit, but has 2 major differences.
A stand by generator has an engine, rather than the electric motors of an AC unit. Obviously, when a power outage occurs, the electric motors of your AC cannot function, while the stand by generator can.
Aside from this, a stand by generator has an automatic transfer switch instead of a thermostat, to monitor utility power. Once power goes out, the automatic transfer switch immediately turns the generator on - whether you're home or not - and continues to supple energy until electricity is restored. Once power returns, the automatic transfer switch then turns off the generator.
Is a stand by generator better than a portable generator?
It all depends on what meets your needs. If you'd rather have a generator that is light, and can be transported anywhere, a portable generator is definitely right for you. On the other hand, a stand by generator is recommended to those who do not like having to turn the generator on every time a power outage occurs. A stand by generator also means not having to carry it with you, no power cords, and no need to fill up the gas tank.
OK. Now I know what a stand by generator is. What's the first step in choosing the right one?
The first thing you should do is determine whether you want the whole house to be powered, or just a few selected circuits leading to important electrical devices such as the burglar alarm, computer, microwave, night lamp, etc.
You can choose a stand by generator that powers the whole house if you really want to be protected from a power outage. Just be forewarned that these generators are very expensive. A 20-kilowatt liquid-cooled generator can cost anywhere from $6,275 to $12,500, and this still does not include installation costs and the automatic transfer switch.
Stand by generators that power mission-critical circuits are also available to those who cannot afford an expensive generator. These select circuit standby generators can power about 8-16 circuits and can cost you anywhere from $1,999 to $3,850, including the automatic transfer switch.
If you have the money to invest in a stand by generator that powers the whole house, go for it. It will be worth every cent. If you can't afford one however, don't fret. There are creative ways available for you to maximize your investment by reviving as many parts of the house as possible.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
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