5 Tips to Get the Most Value from Your Standby Generator

Power outages are a fact of life. They can be caused by anything from severe weather to a malfunction at the local power plant.

While a flashlight and some candles can get you by for a short while, a standby generator offers the peace of mind of uninterrupted electricity. But just like any other appliance, getting the most value from your standby generator requires some planning and maintenance.

Generator Authority can help. We install and service standby generators for homes and businesses in Dallas, Texas, and all the surrounding communities.

Why Do I Need a Standby Generator?

Standby generators provide a reliable source of backup power during outages, offering several advantages over portable generators:

• Automatic Operation: Unlike portable generators that require manual startup, standby generators automatically turn on when the power goes out, ensuring your home or business has uninterrupted electricity.
• Safety and Convenience: Standby generators are permanently installed outdoors, eliminating the need to handle fuel or extension cords during an outage. This is safer and more convenient, especially in harsh weather conditions.
• Increased Power Capacity: Standby generators can be sized to provide enough power to run all your essential appliances and lights, keeping your home or business comfortable and operational during a power outage. That includes crucial medical equipment.

Here are five tips to ensure your generator is there for you when you need it most:

1. Choose the Right Generator:

The first step to getting value from your generator is choosing the right one for your needs.  Standby generators come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to consider how much power you’ll need during an outage.

Identify your essential appliances (refrigerator, furnace, sump pump) and calculate their wattage requirements. Our Texas licensed professionals can help you determine the right size generator for your property.

2. Proper Installation and Maintenance:

Improper installation can lead to safety hazards and decreased performance. Trust our skilled Generator Authority electricians to install your standby generator according to manufacturer specifications and local codes.

We also offer comprehensive maintenance plans to keep your generator running smoothly. Regular maintenance includes oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections to identify and address potential problems before they become major issues.

3. Test Regularly:

Don’t wait for a power outage to discover your generator isn’t working correctly. Generator Authority recommends testing your generator monthly. Doing so ensures it starts easily, runs smoothly, and transfers power correctly. Consult your owner’s manual for proper testing procedures.

4. Fuel Management:

Standby generators typically run on natural gas or liquid propane.  For propane generators,  ensure you have enough fuel stored on hand to meet your needs during a power outage.   Refilling propane tanks during an outage can be difficult, so plan accordingly.

Natural gas generators connect directly to your home’s gas line, eliminating the need to worry about fuel storage.

5. Transfer Switch Considerations:

A transfer switch is a critical component that safely isolates your home’s electrical system from the utility grid when the generator is running. This prevents accidentally feeding power back into the grid, which can be dangerous for utility workers. Generator Authority can advise you on the right transfer switch for your needs.

Learn More About Standby Generators Today

Generator Authority is your one-stop shop for all your standby generator needs in Dallas, Texas, from selection and installation to maintenance and repair. Call us today at 817-984-3600 or request service online for a free quote.