Backup Generator Installation Services – Tulsa Electrician

Modern families rely on electricity to power just about every aspect of their daily lives, and most depend on the municipal grid to supply all that electricity. When something goes wrong, power outages can leave homeowners and their families dealing with annoying or even dangerous disruptions to their routines. The most affordable way to get the household through power outages safely is to install a backup generator.

How Do Backup Generators Work?

Home backup generators work a lot like the engine in a car. They create mechanical energy through the conversion of fuel into electrical power, often with the help of a heavy-duty rechargeable battery. If the municipal power grid goes down, the backup generator will kick on to provide electricity until it is restored.

The amount of power produced will vary depending on what type of generator homeowners install. A properly sized generator can power everything from refrigerators and freezers to stoves, furnaces, sump pumps, lights, and more. Smaller generators may only produce enough electricity to keep basic systems running, while larger ones can power entire homes.

Types of Backup Generators

Homeowners interested in Backup generator installation have two primary options. They can purchase portable home generators or home standby generators. Here’s what they need to know about each option:

Portable Generators

Portable home generators typically cost somewhere between $500 and $1,500, depending on their size, complexity, and fuel source. They should be set up outside to avoid problems with carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly, and must be started manually and connected to each individual appliance by hand. Portable generators may be large enough to power a few appliances, but they won’t power an entire home.

Standby Generators

Standby generators must be installed by professional Backup generator installation services in Tulsa, OK. They run off natural gas or propane and feature automatic transfer switches that allow them to turn on as soon as the municipal power cuts off, preventing interruptions in service. A large home standby generator can power the entire house, offering families maximum comfort and convenience while they weather storms or blackouts. They cost more than portable generators, though, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

The Importance of Proper Sizing

Whether homeowners opt to purchase a portable generator or install a full home standby generator, sizing is key. The first step is to calculate the total wattage used by the household’s lights, appliances, and electronic devices if using a home standby generator, or the total wattage of the appliances that will be plugged into a portable generator.

Keep in mind that most appliances and devices have different starting wattages vs. running wattages. In other words, they may need to draw more power to start running than they do to continue operating as intended. The starting wattage may be up to three times higher than the running wattage, and the generator will need to be sized to accommodate it.

Sizing a generator can be tough. Some appliances measure power draw as a function of amperage instead of wattage. Others do not indicate starting vs. running wattage. The easiest way to calculate the total power draw is to contact Mission Electric to speak with an expert who can help.

Generator Replacements

A backup generator won’t do the household any good if it doesn’t provide reliable power every time it’s needed. When generators start pulling too much fuel, providing inconsistent performance, or having trouble starting, it’s time to call an electrician with experience working on residential backup generators. In some cases, the unit may just need to be repaired. In others, a backup generator replacement may be the only viable option.

Generator malfunctions aren’t the only possible incentive for homeowners to switch out their equipment. If the generator was undersized, to begin with, or the family has performed substantial renovations or added more appliances, it may be time to think about replacing the old generator. Remember: the key here is to make sure the generator is sized appropriately to accommodate the family’s needs without breaking the household’s budget.

Call a Qualified Tulsa Electrician Today

Ready to have a backup generator installed in a Tulsa home or need to replace an existing generator with one that’s more appropriately sized for the family’s current use? It’s time to get in touch with the experts at Mission Electric. This customer-focused company offers comprehensive electrical services, including generator installation services in Tulsa, OK, and all of their work is covered by an unbeatable 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Schedule an appointment online or call (918) 407-1333 today.