In the middle of a Sarasota winter, backup generators are hardly top of mind. After all, we need generators in the dog days of summer, when power usage spikes due to A/C use and storms constantly threaten to take down the power grid. We don’t need to be thinking about a backup generator when days are cool, dry and beautiful – do we?
The fact is, winter is the perfect time to consider installing a backup generator. For one thing, there is far less demand this time of year, meaning that availability of product is much more accessible. It is also much easier to get on a schedule for consultation and installation. During hurricane season, thousands of households in reaction mode are all clamoring for attention. Businesses and commercial enterprises may already have a UPS system in place – but should they also consider a backup generator?
Knowing that hurricane season will be here before we know it, now is the time to move ahead and be prepared.
Back-Up Generators: Benefits and Drawbacks
Backup generators utilize gasoline, propane or diesel to generate power. They are available in a range of sizes and capabilities. There are small portable units designed to power just one or two key items for a household or business short term; or large, hard-wired generators meant to power an entire factory or household long term. Smaller units are relatively easy to find this time of year, and are typically easy to store and operate. In contrast, large generators require design, construction of a pad or area to properly house the generator, and professional installation.
The downside to generators is typically related to upkeep. From the smallest to the largest model, they will need to be powered on periodically, and checked to ensure that they are working properly. After all, the moment of emergency is the wrong time to find out that your generator is malfunctioning. Like any machine, sitting idle for long periods of time can cause problems, so having the generator professionally inspected prior to hurricane season each year is a smart move. If you are a homeowner with a small, portable generator, the process is much easier – but just as critical.
Some point to generators being noisy and giving off fumes. If you live in a residential neighborhood, you may wish to speak with the distributor to choose the right generator for that particular environment. While most neighbors will be understanding for a few days, in a long emergency situation the noise some models generate may become a nuisance.
How About UPS Systems ?
Uninterruptible Power Supplies, known as UPS systems, are basically sophisticated batteries. They are installed as a safeguard against power failure, blackouts or brownouts, and have traditionally been most closely associated with computer and network technology.
When the power is functional, the electrical current flows through the UPS and builds power storage. When the power goes out, that backup storage is used to continue providing power to whatever device it is attached to.
While a generator may experience a lag time of up to 30 seconds before it kicks in, there is no delay with UPS systems. Therefore the most critical of systems, such as medical devices and critical computer networks, may require a UPS. Like generators, they are available in all sizes and types, including personal products for your own PC or laptop. For business enterprises, a UPS systems can keep the power on long enough for stable power to kick back in – whether via your backup generator or the standard power supply. Because some devices will crash if power is removed even for a few seconds, UPS systems provide a critical bridge.
UPS systems tend to be expensive and trickier to maintain. As they are based on a battery system. Like generators, the larger and more sophisticated the devices you need to keep powered up, the more you are likely to pay for your solution.
Back-Up Generators and UPS Systems Work Together
For those homeowners or business managers looking for a seamless solution that offers the best of both worlds, call a professional to help you design the solution which works for your situation. You may wish to structure your setup so the most critical of devices are on UPS, and switch over to generator if the situation turns out to be long term. There are differences in duration, power quality, and costs for installation, maintenance and operation – so discussing your specific needs with a professional electrician is the best course of action.
The team at Promise Electric are not only master electricians, but we are the Sarasota area’s distributor of Generac brand back-up generators. If you are looking for ways to safeguard your power supply this summer and beyond, now is the perfect time to call us and get started.
