This also lets you power things like overhead lights, heaters, air conditioners, and other things that don't run on a plug. In the Lake Almanor area it’s not a case of loosing power once every few years, but a few times every year. If you are going to go with a portable generator, you won’t want to regret buying a generator you will grow to hate.
But watch out: For safety reasons, it's very important to keep portable generators running at least 10 feet away from your home so that you don't run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Got that?
Here are some nice-to-haves to look for when shopping for a portable generator:
- Push-button start—otherwise, it'll start with a chain like an old-fashioned lawn mower
- Fuel gauge
- Low-oil shutoff
- Inverter technology to help protect electronics
- Extra outlets
- Quite operation (60db and less. 60 decibel is the noise level of a typical human conversation)
Are you ready to have your generator safely hooked up to your home? Call us, we can help: 530-816-9616 (maleckaelectric@gmail.com)
Stationary generators
Cost: $3,000 to $30,000
Wattage: 5,000 to 100,000 watts
These generators, roughly the size of a garage-size freezer, are designed to keep your house fully powered for days in the event of serious (or frequent, smaller) power outages.
Stationary generators must be professionally installed by a contractor, usually on a permanent pad near your home. They can run on a variety of fuel options, including propane and diesel, or even be hooked up to the municipal gas lines—that way, they run cleaner and don't emit the carbon monoxide fumes of portable generators. In the Lake Almanor area, propane is the recommended option.
Even better, these units can be wired into your electrical system to automatically switch on when the grid loses power and automatically transfer back when the power comes on.
All in all, if you lose power frequently, work from home on tight deadlines, and/or have computer systems or medical equipment that are critical to run, a stationary generator guarantees a smooth ride through any blackout without a hitch. It will also save all the food in your fridge from spoiling. That can be costly $$$.
Do you still need help deciding on the right generator setup for you?
- Call Malecka Electric for expert advice and a free quote. 530-816-9616 (maleckaelectric@gmail.com)
- This wattage calculator is a great way to figure out how much maximum power you're going to need. However, to realistically calculate the power you will need and NOT buy a generator that is better used for emptying your propane tank than powering your house… That’s right, call 530-816-9616.
- Remember the old adage, you get what you pay for, is true when it comes to the generator you buy and who you have install it. Malecka Electric receives calls from time to time to come fix a generator installations performed by inexperienced individuals that met with problems.
But what about generator maintenance?
Come back soon to read a post about that very subject. Or, just want it done? Call 530-816-9616.
