Generator Maintenance in the Atlanta Metro Area
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your generator is always ready to perform when you need it. We offer comprehensive generator maintenance services designed to keep your system in top condition.
Our maintenance plans include thorough inspections, routine servicing, and any necessary adjustments or replacements to keep your generator running smoothly. By scheduling regular maintenance with us, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your generator, giving you peace of mind year-round.
FAQs on New Generator Installation
Are Standby or Portable Generators Better?
Whether you should purchase a standby or portable generator depends on the size of your household, your power needs, your home usage, and your budget. The main difference between standby and portable generators is the manner in which the power is transmitted into your home, along with the electrical capacity.
Standby generators are pretty large, permanent structures located outside of your home that run on natural gas or liquid propane. Standby generators will turn on automatically the minute your power fails (even if you are not home), and then automatically turn off again once power is restored.
Portable generators are much smaller and run on gas. Unlike standby generators, you will have to physically wheel it outside and connect it using a heavy-duty extension cord made specifically for generators. Unfortunately, with standby generators, only a very limited amount of appliances and electronics can connect. Lastly, standby generators are more expensive than portable generators.
What Size Generator Is Right for Me?
The size of the generator you need depends on what you plan to power in the event of an electricity outage. It’s essential to understand that when discussing generators, “size” refers to the generator’s electrical capacity, not its physical dimensions.
For instance, if you want to run your air conditioner, refrigerator, and one television simultaneously, you can determine the required electrical capacity by adding up the total wattage of each device.
The most effective way to identify the appropriate generator size for your home is to have an experienced electrician from Keep Smiling Plumbing Electric Heating and Cooling evaluate your home and discuss your electrical requirements. They can then recommend a suitable generator and provide an estimate for the total cost, including installation.
How Much Do Generators Cost?
The cost of a generator depends on several factors, such as its electrical capacity (measured in watts), the specific features it offers, and whether it is a portable or standby system. Standby generators are generally more expensive than portable ones due to their additional convenient features. If you’re considering installing a generator in your home, contact Keep Smiling Plumbing Electric Heating and Cooling to get a free price quote from a trusted electrical expert.
Generator Repair FAQs
Does My Generator Require Maintenance?
Absolutely, generators need regular maintenance! It’s crucial to have Keep Smiling Plumbing Electric Heating and Cooling perform proper maintenance on your generator at least annually. Regular upkeep ensures everything operates smoothly and can even prolong the life of your system.
How Long Do Generators Last?
On average, generators have a lifespan of around 20 years. Proper maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. To ensure your generator remains in top condition, schedule annual maintenance with a professional from Keep Smiling Plumbing Electric Heating and Cooling.
Is It Safe to Connect My Portable Generator Directly to an Outlet?
No, because it is both extremely dangerous and illegal. Plugging your portable generator directly into a standard wall outlet can lead to backfeeding into the utility lines connected to your house.
This backfeeding can cause serious injury or even death to an unsuspecting utility worker who is working to restore power or repair downed utility lines. Additionally, connecting your portable generator to an electrical outlet poses a risk of overloading your circuits, potentially causing a fire. To avoid such disasters, it is best to have a licensed professional install a transfer switch.
A transfer switch will disconnect your home from the electrical grid while allowing your generator to power your home safely. Transfer switches are available in both manual and automatic options and are recommended for use with both portable and standby generators.
Avoid losing power during the next blackout. Call Keep Smiling Plumbing Electric Heating and Cooling at 770-273-9090 for generator repair appointments in Loganville, GA, and throughout the surrounding areas, including Auburn, Doraville, and Chamblee. We have same-day services!
