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Written on: August 26, 2024
As tropical storm Debby showed us, even farther from the coast, systems like this bring epic levels of rain. And with the saturated ground, it doesn’t take as much wind to bring down trees. It all translates to potentially more frequent power outages. Losing power for two or three hours is annoying, but clearing trees and debris makes repairs take longer. And longer outages can be expensive, and even dangerous. It’s important to be prepared. One of the best ways to protect your home and property is with a backup or standby generator.
We’ve been getting plenty of questions lately about the benefits of adding backup power. Here’s everything you need to know about a piece of equipment that can keep your home and family safe during a power emergency.
A standby or backup generator is propane-fueled power source that is directly wired to your home’s systems so that it comes on within seconds of a power failure to keep your lights on and your refrigerator, furnace and a/c running until the utilities get the lines back up. Propane generators are quiet, extremely efficient and clean-burning, with low emissions. A standby generator runs off propane already stored at your home, and turns on automatically when the power goes out.
A portable generator is a generator that runs on gasoline. While they can be useful for camping, they may not be as helpful during an extended power outage at your home. That’s because you need to make sure you have a supply of gasoline ahead of time, and a safe place to store it on your property. Or you need to get on line with everyone else at the gas station to fill jerry cans when a storm is forecast. Also, a portable generator needs to be set up and turned on—outside—after the power goes out, probably while a storm is still raging, maybe in the middle of the night.
It depends on the size of your generator—and the size of your propane tank.
Most homes have storage tanks that are 100 to 500 gallons. The average 5000-watt whole-house generator will run for one to two days on a 100-gallon tank. A 500-gallon tank would keep the same generator running for 7 to 10 days.
Bigger generators will run more appliances and equipment, but they will use more propane: Typically, 5,000-watt whole-house generators use about two gallons of propane per hour. The most powerful, 9000-watt generators use three gallons per hour.
Typically, a gas-powered portable generator can run continuously for about six to 16 hours at a time. After that, most manufacturers recommend some maintenance, such as an oil change. Keep in mind that 5 gallons of gas will last about 6.5 hours in a continuously running generator.
A portable generator should be a minimum 20 feet from your house or any enclosed space like a garage that can trap carbon monoxide gas.
A whole house generator should be situated at least five feet from any windows, doorways, or soffit vents, but your local codes can vary; trained installers (like the Pico team) will know rules for your area. Also, never install a generator beneath an overhang, in a breezeway, or in an area that collects snow drifts. Ideally, installation should be done near the electric and gas meter.
There are a wide variety of size options, from “essential power” models that will run key equipment such as your refrigerator, heat and lights, to true whole-house generators that can manage the demands of most extra-large homes, even during extended outages. Pico’s experts can work with you to determine the best size generator for your home and needs.
While portable generators are less expensive out of the box, they can cost you a lot more in the long run. Just keeping it full during an extended outage will add up quickly, not to mention potentially having to wait on long lines for more gasoline.
On the other hand, having a standby generator can help you save money even before the power goes out. Many insurance plans will offer discounts on your homeowner’s insurance plan if you install a standby generator. That’s because, like a security system, a generator helps protect your property. Speaking of security systems, a standby generator will keep yours operating during an outage, protecting your home if you are away.
With a standby generator, there’s no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. There’s also no need to wrestle the unit out of the garage and get it set up and started, while messing with fuel, possibly in the dark or in treacherous conditions.
Not only is it safer to operate, because it comes on instantly, people who rely on medical equipment are protected.
Peace of mind is priceless. But when you do the math, a standby generator usually comes on top when it comes to dealing with the expense (and hassle) of a power outage. By keeping even just your essential systems running, a standby generator can help you avoid the cost of replacing spoiled food, the cost of a hotel room—if you can find one, and if the outage is in winter, prevent pipes from bursting.
Another thing: According to Consumer Reports , a properly installed whole-house generator can increase the value of your home by as much as 5%. That’s a great return on your investment, even before you even need to use it.
When you add a backup propane generator, you’re making a power move to protect your family and your home.
At Pico, we’ve got the experience and training to install your generator correctly and connect the lines to your propane tank, so it powers up your home without damaging your home’s electronic equipment or appliances. (And we can provide you with safe and reliable propane delivery, too.)
Contact us today for more information.
