Fountain Electric & Services is the leading installer for residential standby generator systems in Western North Carolina and the South Carolina upstate. With over 75 years of electrical experience, our team is here to get you prepared for the next emergency outage. We work with generators of all sizes and fuel types, so our trained technicians can install exactly what you need to stay up and running.
What is a backup generator?
Most houses run off electricity supplied by a power company, and sometimes, the power goes out due to storms, accidents or other unforeseen circumstances. While power companies are generally consistent when it comes to keeping the power flowing, outages still frequently occur. Often, these outages last only a few minutes, and everything in your home quickly goes back to normal. But, in a worst-case scenario, like during Hurricane Helene in 2024, power could be disrupted for hours or even days.
A backup generator provides emergency electricity to your home when power from your power company is disrupted for whatever reason. These are also called standby generators or whole home generators and are installed outside of your home much like your home air conditioning’s condenser unit. Standby generators come in a variety of wattage capacities and fuel types and are made to kick on automatically whenever the system detects an outage. Propane, natural gas, diesel and gasoline are common fuel types that are widely used today with these generators.
What makes a dedicated standby generator better than a portable generator?
While a portable generator is an excellent option for limited use during an emergency, there are several disadvantages when compared to a dedicated automatic home backup generator. First, portable generators are constrained in size and capacity, forcing users to prioritize what to keep running at the expense of other needs. Second, many portable generators are pull-start or cannot otherwise be remotely started. This could be dangerous during a lightning storm, heavy rain or intense wind. And finally, limited fuel capacity, even on a larger portal generator, restricts how long and how often they can be run during an emergency. A home standby generator solves these problems by providing adequate power to your home to power what matters, starting automatically whenever an outage is detected and offering the ability to run for extended periods without constant refueling.
What can a standby generator power?
A standby generator is designed to step in and take the place of your power company during an outage. These generators can power appliances, lights, HVAC systems, well pumps, modems and wireless routers, medical devices (such as oxygen concentrators), security systems, TVs and more. Depending on the capacity of the generator, large appliances, such as a washing machine and dryer, can also be powered if you really need to finish that load during an outage.
What kind of generator do I need?
Every home is different. Your specific needs might not be the same as your next-door neighbor’s. Anyone considering a standby generator should speak to an expert to determine what capacity and fuel type best suits their individual needs. Thankfully, generators come in all kinds of capacities with various fuel sources, meaning you can choose a generator that’s just right for your home.
How long do standby generators last?
With proper maintenance, your standby generator can function for decades to come. Fuel type, usage, load and build quality all factor into how long your generator might last. For more information, we recommend speaking with one of our experts.
Why can’t I just install a standby generator myself?
Our professional technicians are trained and experienced in standby generator installations. For your safety and the safety of your home, we recommend installation from someone who fully understands the process and any risks associated with setup and configuration. Electricity can be deadly! Our technicians provide peace of mind that your generator will be installed correctly without cutting any corners. We guarantee our labor for up to one year.
What benefits do standby generators offer?
The biggest benefit a standby generator offers is peace of mind, but there are other perks, such as increased home value (3% to 5% according to Consumer Reports), safeguarding your home against potential mold infestations during extended outages and allowing you to remain safely in your home during an emergency.
When is a good time to install a standby generator?
A standby generator is insurance against potential loss during extended outages. The best time to install a whole home generator is before you actually need one.
If you’re considering a standby generator for your home and would like more information, our experts are on-hand to answer any questions you may have. Call us today at (828) 287-4343 to learn more.
