Backup Generator Installation in Libertyville, IL
If your Libertyville, IL, home suddenly lost power, would you be prepared? Making sure you have flashlights, extra batteries, and candles available and easy to find is crucial to being ready in case of a sudden outage due to severe weather or an electrical failure.
But if you want to create the safest, most comfortable home atmosphere during a power outage, consider investing in a backup generator. Depending on the type of backup generator you buy, they can power several of your home’s most important appliances like the HVAC system and refrigerator, while some models can power your entire home.
If you’re interested in learning more about backup generators, or you’re in the market to replace your existing one, contact the licensed electricians at Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric today.
What Is a Backup Generator Used For?
Backup generators are becoming incredibly popular among residents of Libertyville, IL, Chicago’s North Shore and Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. They are installed outside of your home and are connected to your natural gas line or a propane tank.
When there’s a power outage, the unit’s automatic transfer switch automatically transfers the electrical load to the generator, which begins supplying power to the circuits its connected to. Once power is restored to your home, the automatic transfer switch transfers power back to the utility.
Backup generators are incredibly beneficial if you experience frequent outages due to the weather. Backup generators allow you to use your HVAC system to keep safe and comfortable, while also preventing your food in the refrigerator and freezer from spoiling.
What to Look for in a Backup Generator
If you’re in the market to buy a new backup generator, there several things to consider, including:
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to determine when buying a backup generator. Bigger generators aren’t always better, but they are more expensive. If you want to power several items in your home such as the HVAC system and refrigerator, a standard standby generator with a range of nine to 20 kilowatts should do the trick. However, if you want to power your entire home for several days at a time, consider buying a whole-house standby generator with 20 kilowatts or higher of power. You can work with your local electrician to determine the size of generator you desire based on your home’s size and how many appliances you’d like to power up during an outage.
Type of Fuel
Backup generators can run on diesel, natural gas and propane. If the generator runs on natural gas, it can be connected directly to your gas line if the gas mater and gas line are the correct sizes. This is a good option because you won’t have to worry about your backup generator running out of fuel. If you use propane, make sure to buy a big enough tank that can power your home for several days before running out of fuel.
Remote Monitoring
Some backup generators come with Wi-Fi options that provide you with alerts about your generator when you’re not at home, including when it turns on or off.
Maintenance
Yearly maintenance is important to ensure your generator is properly maintained and will work when you need it during a power outage. Ravinia Plumbing offers backup generator maintenance service.
How Much Does a Backup Generator Cost?
Backup generators can range in price from as low as $3,000 up to $20,000 depending on the type and size generator you buy. A generator with a higher capacity can power more circuits at once. If you want to buy a generator but save a little money in the process, buy a generator with only enough power to power up essential appliances in your home such as the HVAC system, refrigerator and freezer and the water heater, for example.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for Backup Generator Installation in Libertyville, IL
Buying a backup generator is a big decision, so it’s important to have a company you can trust to advise you on the best type for your individual needs while providing quality installation services. That’s where Ravinia Plumbing comes in. We’ve been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, heating and cooling, and electrical companies in Libertyville, IL, and the rest of Chicago’s North Shore and Chicago’s Northwest suburbs. Contact us today to request an appointment.
