Why Having a Backup Generator in Wausau, WI is a Good Idea
Losing power in your home or business can be scary, frustrating, and dangerous. Backup generators are designed to make sure your property is never without power. They are installed inside or outside of your home depending on which type you choose to receive.
Backup generators can give you and your family peace of mind in case of any emergencies. If you live in an area with a lot of storms, these powerful devices will allow you to still have power throughout your home during them.
It’s likely that you or someone in your household strongly relies on having power for daily tasks; for example, if someone uses a chair lift to get up and down the stairs, or if they have certain medications that need to be refrigerated, or if the kids need access to the internet to complete their school work.
You may not even realize how dependent you are on having a power supply until the power goes out. Especially with how cold Wisconsin winters can get, you don’t want to be stuck without heat or access to basic appliances.
Maintenance and Repairs for Your Backup Generator
While generators work wonders in power outages, they must be serviced in order to work properly and efficiently. Just like any other HVAC system in your house, its parts need to be maintained throughout its lifespan. Some common backup generator maintenance and repair services include:
- Oil changes: getting the oil changed in your generator is vital for it to be up and running
- Spark plug replacement: spark plugs tend to get rusty and dirty over the years, which hinder their ability to produce power
- Replacing air filters: dirty air filters keep a generator from working efficiently
- Fuel lines: if they are loose or leaking, you could encounter a big problem with the generator
- Battery: it’s vital to make sure the batteries are still functioning, don’t show any signs of corrosion, and that the battery cables aren’t loose. They should be replaced about every 2-3 years.
- Broken belts: over time, the belt can break or crack from being used so much, and should be replaced before causing a bigger, costlier problem
What Size Backup Generator You Should Get
Your generator size will depend on the size and electricity needs of your home or space. Typically, to pick the right size, you should multiply the running wattage of each device you need powered by three and add the running wattage to the starting wattage.
This formula is just an estimation, and if you’re not familiar with your appliances needs and wattages, it can be tricky to figure out on your own. The technicians at PGA Inc. are experienced in selecting the right generator for your needs and can guide you through the process. Depending on several factors such as your budget, home size, and electrical needs, you will be able to work together to find the right generator for you.
Different Types of Generators
If you decide to get a generator installed, you have a few different options to consider. Portable generators are typically less expensive and are much more convenient and easy to move around. However, they use up a lot of fuel and can’t typically be used indoors. They are also only able to generate power for a few appliances at a time.
Conversely, standby generators are more expensive to buy, but they can be used indoors and can power all of your appliances. They also last much longer and can even turn on automatically in the event of a power outage. Depending on your budget as well as what you’ll be using the generator for, our service technicians will help you pick and then install the right one.
Contact Us Today
To make your residential or commercial business as comfortable as possible, it’s best to put safety measures in place to deal with emergencies. Having a backup generator installed will give you the peace of mind that no matter what happens during a power outage, storm, extreme weather event, or other natural disaster, that you will still have power.
To get your backup generator installed or repaired by our trusted PGA Inc. professionals, call us today at 715-355-6717.
