Admit it, at some point in your life as a homeowner, you’ve sat in a dark room in the middle of a power outage wishing you had a generator. Did it happen to you this year? This month, even? Well, before you go out and buy the cheapest portable generator you can find, we’ve got some shocking news for you.
There’s a new type of generator on the block and it’s been a major turn-on for homes all over Michigan. I’m talking about automatic backup generators.
What is an Automatic Backup Generator?
So, what is an automatic generator? Also known as standby generators or whole-home generators, these efficient beasts are the answer to frequent, unpredictable power outages.
An automatic backup generator is hardwired into your home’s power center and plumbed into the natural gas line. This unique setup allows for seamless transitions in the event of a power outage.
As soon as the power goes out, the generator kicks on. It’s as simple as that.
Automatic backup generators are the bees’ knees and they offer a ton of benefits to homeowners here in Michigan.
Benefits of Using an Automatic Backup Generator
- Permanently installed outside, like a central a/c unit, so you won’t have to go find your generator in the dark.
- Heavy-duty, insulated design protects it from the elements while protecting you and your neighbors from intrusive sounds.
- Direct connection to your natural gas lines means no refueling necessary.
- Automatically kicks on within seconds of the power going out, then automatically turns itself off when power comes back.
- Powers everything in your home.
- Protects your home 24/7, even when you’re away.
- Eliminate the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning that comes with running a portable generator.
- Improves the resale value of your home.
How Does an Automatic Generator Work?
Now, I won’t get too technical here, because I want you to actually enjoy reading this article, but the way these innovative generators work is pretty interesting. In a nutshell, these big generators use an internal combustion engine (like a car) to spin an alternator to generate power.
So you could say that the technology isn’t new, but it is revolutionary.
Professionally Installed and Insulated
Unlike the portable generators we’re all familiar with, backup generators are professionally installed and wired into the home’s circuit breaker. They’re essentially immovable, personal power plants.
The tough exterior shell of a standby generator insulates and protects the complicated innards from our harsh Michigan seasons. This means that even in a winter rainstorm, a summer blizzard (or vice versa), and everything in between, your generator continues working.
Not only that, but automatic standby generators are also surprisingly quiet. The same insulation that protects your machine from the weather also protects your neighbors from noise. If you’ve ever had to suffer through the incessant noise of a portable generator, then you know how grateful your neighbors will be.
Seamless Transitions
One of the best benefits of standby generators is that they work automatically. To achieve a seamless transition between no-power and power, automatic generators are wired directly into the home’s main breaker panel.
When the power goes out, the generator’s automatic transfer switch detects the loss of power, automatically turns itself on, and directs all the power into your home through the breaker panel. When power comes back, the switch alerts your generator to turn itself off and reconnect the house to the grid.
It’s so easy that you’ll literally kick yourself for not getting one earlier.
Powers Everything at Once
With a whole-home generator, like the Generac ones offered at Mrs. Michael Electricians, you won’t have to pick and choose which appliances to turn off when the generator kicks on. These big boys can power every electrical object in your house, at the same time.
With standard sizes ranging from 7.5kW to 24kW, or even up to 80kW for custom homes and commercial properties, there’s a perfect option for just about every setup.
Non-Stop Electricity
Maintaining power through a seamless transition is great, but what about refueling the generator before it turns off? Well lucky you, these whole-home generators don’t even need refueling!
That’s right, these blessed bastions of power run for exactly as long as you need them to. When getting installed, whole house generators are connected to a fuel source for sustained action. If they’re connected to the natural gas line, then you’ll never have to worry about refueling again.
Connecting to a large liquid propane tank is also an option, but those do require refueling, though way less frequent than conventional portable generators.
Get a New Automatic Backup Generator From the Pros at Mrs. Michael
If you’re sick and tired of power outages and all of the inconveniences that come with them, then it’s time to seriously consider investing in an automatic backup generator. The expert electricians here at Mrs. Michael Electricians have the experience, tools, and expertise needed to safely install your new standby generator. Whether you’re looking for a brand new installation, repairs, or general maintenance, Mrs. Michael Electricians has your back.
