6 Reasons to Install a Standby Generator

Did you know that Texas ranks second for most hurricanes in the United States? And storms that hit Texas tend to be worse than in other parts of the country – and 30% of them are classified as major hurricanes.

When a power outage from a storm or hurricane affects you, it can be more than inconvenient – it can cause an emergency. That’s why many Texas residents have installed standby generators for their homes and offices.

Let’s look at six reasons you should consider installing a standby backup generator – before the next hurricane hits!

1. Backup Generators Start Automatically

During a thunderstorm, the last thing you want to do is drag out a portable generator and fire it up every time your lights go out. A backup generator is on standby to instantly reconnect you to power, so your electricity is back on within seconds!

This kind of convenience provides peace of mind. If you’re out of town when an outage occurs, you can rest assured knowing your security system is still fully operational – and you won’t lose everything in your refrigerator. And if the power goes out in the middle of the night, you won’t have to go out in the dark to start the portable generator.

2. Standby Generators are Safer

Portable generators must run outside because they emit carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and deadly in enclosed spaces. But it’s not safe to leave them outside in the rain, so you have to use them in an open garage or under a tent. Most portable generators use gasoline, which is highly flammable and can cause a fire when spilled on a hot generator or exposed to an open flame. You have to refill portable generators every 12-18 hours, so they require constant supervision. You also have to store extra gasoline to have on hand for extended power outages because gas pumps may be inoperable, and gas may be unavailable.

Standby generators also expel carbon monoxide, but they are enclosed in a weather-proof casing, making them much safer. Automatic backup generators run on natural gas or propane fuel supply, so they don’t require refueling and run safely without supervision. This also makes them less expensive to operate than portable generators that are powered by expensive gasoline. The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed standby generators as a safer way to provide backup power to your home – especially if you have family members who require oxygen or have other medical conditions.

3. Standby Generators are More Convenient

Portable generators can power appliances like your refrigerator, but it’s not always convenient. You have to run extension cords from the generator to a power strip, then pull heavy appliances out to plug them back into the extension cord. And you’ll have to do the same to power up portable fans.

When you install a standby generator, you’ll never have to worry about moving heavy appliances – or the fire hazard of an extension cord. Your backup generator is hardwired into your electrical system. So, when the power goes out, your generator automatically and instantly starts delivering power to your essential appliances, lights, and air conditioning unit.

4. Backup Generators Provide Long-Term Power

In addition to reducing your risk of fire hazards and fume inhalation, standby generators are built for long-term power. These permanently installed units are designed to run for days at a time – portable generators are only meant to operate for a few hours. So, if you want a generator that will provide power to all your electrical appliances and keep you safe and comfortable during extended power outages – a standby generator is your best option.

5. Standby Generators Have Higher Wattage to Provide More Power

Portable generators can only supply 3,000-8,000 watts – that’s only enough wattage to power a few household appliances for a few hours. Standby generators provide 10,000-20,000 watts of electricity which is often enough to power most, if not all, of your home. This means you can continue to use your refrigerator, air conditioning, security system, and all other major appliances until power is restored. With the extra wattage of a backup generator, you won’t have to sacrifice your daily needs or huddle around a fan trying to get comfortable. 

6. Backup Generators Require Less Maintenance

Most Texas homeowners only need to use a generator a couple of times each year. But if you think this is a good reason to choose a cheaper portable generator, you may be making an expensive mistake.

Both generators require routine maintenance – but portables need frequent oil changes and a constant supply of fresh gasoline. Propane-fueled standby generators have larger tanks, which require fewer trips to refill them and less frequent oil changes. And it’s even better if you have a natural gas line under your home – a natural gas generator has a steady and constant fuel supply.

If you already have a standby generator, you can find out how to make sure it’s ready for the next hurricane here.

Malek Generators – Proudly Serving College Station and Central Texas

Standby generators provide peace of mind to both homeowners and commercial property owners. If you don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of an extended power outage during the next storm or hurricane, then a standby generator is a smart investment that allows your home or office to function uninterrupted. As a locally owned and operated business for over 30 years, Malek Generators is here to meet all your generator needs – whether that’s a new generator or servicing and repairs. We provide fast, same-day service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. contact our friendly staff today for more information or schedule an appointment online.