The size of your generator will depend on how much of your home you will want to power during an outage. Some generators will put out just enough energy to run your most essential appliances, and some can power your entire house (depending on the size of the house, of course)! Your generator installation technician will be able to help calculate the precise wattage your home will need.

The cost of your generator depends on three main factors: its size, manufacturer, and its power source. The generator inventory at Personalized Power Systems offers generators from the nation’s leading brands like Kohler and Briggs & Stratton. Gasoline generators cost less than propane generators, but they accommodate fewer kilowatts than propane generators or some of the other types of generators. 

The important takeaway here is that the cost of your generator must be carefully assessed with the security and safety that generators provide during power outages. Generators vary in cost from household to household, but one thing remains the same: safety and security are priceless.

Once a generator is hooked up to your home, it will be running 24/7 to monitor the power of your home. Once the power is out, the generator will immediately turn on and provide your home’s backup energy. This backup energy will allow you to carry on as usual in your home until the energy is restored. When the energy is restored, the generator will power down again.

The installation process of a generator is a four-stage process. It has many moving parts within each stage, but our installation team will walk you through the steps of the process. These stages are as follows: 

1. Location selection according to local governing authorities and safety concerns.
2. Installation requires laying down a concrete slab to place the generator on top of it. 
3. Connect the transfer switch and fuel, which will power the generator. 
4. Generator testing by the technicians to ensure that the generator works appropriately. 

Once the installation process is complete, our team will set a self-test that the generator will conduct. At this time, our technicians will also offer the 24/7 monitoring service we provide our clients. 

One of the critical differences between gasoline and propane generators is that propane generators typically have the option to be portable or placed permanently. Gasoline generators do not offer this type of flexibility in installation. 

Propane generators are also less efficient than gas generators and are more expensive to install and refill over time. Most residents prefer natural gas and propane generators because their fuel lasts indefinitely, while gasoline must be replaced within a year.

Most generators are installed with the capability to run a weekly or bi-weekly self-diagnostic test that ensures that it is in proper working condition for the next outage. With Personalized Power Systems, you will have access to our 24/7 monitoring service, which will monitor your generator for you and alert you of any issues. You will be notified of needed repairs, and a technician will be arranged to resolve those issues.

We often get the question, “Can I just hook up a generator myself?”. While you have the freedom to attempt this installation yourself, we must warn you that generator installation is a very complicated DIY project. You will need to lay some concrete, connect the transfer switch to the electrical utility, and build out the connections for the fuel source of the generator. 

This entire process has many moving parts that require extensive knowledge of electricity, fuel, and other components of generators. The technicians at PPS have all endured complex classroom instruction, a state licensing exam, and a hands-on training period to provide you with the highest quality installation and repair services.

The best generator that will be worth your money will be the one that will accommodate your household’s needs and keep it running during a power outage.

The cost to repair a generator will vary from one generator to the next. The factors considered are the generator’s type and size, and the type of repair required. On average, generator repairs cost $268. Smaller, portable generators will cost less, while whole-house generator repairs will cost more than the average.

Most generators will come across the issue of battery failure. This problem will arise due to the unit’s wear and tear. As the battery wears out, it will begin to provide less power before giving out completely.

The official title for the person who repairs your generator is generator technician. Each technician endures a grueling training program and must be certified by the Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification Program before providing any repairs or installation work.

In Texas and Florida, we recommend that generators be serviced at least once a year before hurricane season. This will ensure that your generator will deliver the promised backup energy when a storm leaves you without power.

To prevent expensive repairs and ensure that your generator is in proper order, the generator maintenance technician will check the oil and coolant levels, refilling them as necessary.

The tech will also clear out any debris that would inhibit the generator’s work. They will clean the various parts of the generator, keeping it in good working condition. 

During the maintenance check, your generator technician will clean the starting battery and filter to help it run as smoothly as possible. Lastly, your generator will also be tested to ensure that it will provide backup energy during an outage. 

Are you in need of generator installation or repair? Call Personalized Power Systems for assistance today!