Backup Generator Hurricane Enclosures

October 30, 2020April 24, 2019 by Josh Keller

In December of 2018 Kohler introduced hurricane-rated enclosures for their standby generators:

KOHLER INTRODUCES HURRICANE-RATED ENCLOSURES FOR INDUSTRIAL GENERATORS

New options meet strict wind and projectile-impact requirements; maintain standard lead times

KOHLER is pleased to introduce new hurricane-rated enclosures for its comprehensive lineup of industrial generators. The durable aluminum enclosures meet the most stringent and widely recognized Testing Application Standards (TAS) within the Florida Building Code for wind load and projectile impact – TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203. As an added benefit, the new hurricane-rated enclosures are factory designed and built, allowing KOHLER to deliver the units within the company’s standard lead times.

“Building these new hurricane-rated enclosures in our factory is a significant advantage – it allows us to ship faster while also offering our customers the cost savings and peace-of-mind that comes with a fully-integrated KOHLER power system,” said Beth Splittgerber, product manager for KOHLER industrial generators. “The same engineering team that designed your new KOHLER generator also designed the enclosure, ensuring it will meet the exact specifications of the complete power system. For example, these enclosures maintain UL2200 compliance without the need for additional onsite certification, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.”

The new hurricane-rated enclosures are an ideal option for a broad range of KOHLER gas and diesel industrial generators. The entire enclosure was subjected to severe wind and impact testing and received TAS 201 Level E Certification, the highest available designation for projectile/missile impact. The testing was completed at a TAS accredited test lab and certification letters for the product were issued by a certified Florida P.E.

“We anticipate a very strong response to our new hurricane-rated enclosures from senior living communities and other healthcare facilities located near the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts,” Splittgerber added. “But, these enclosures are really a great solution anywhere an extreme level of protection against high winds and potential storm damage is valued. A power system is a mission-critical asset and it’s imperative to keep it operational for the health and safety of individuals or the viability of a business. We’re offering these new enclosures to give our customers the security to rest easy knowing their power system will be ready-to-go when it’s needed the most.”

The hurricane-rated enclosures are available now on qualifying new KOHLER aluminum enclosure orders.

A global force in power solutions since 1920, KOHLER manufactures complete power systems, including generators (portable, marine, residential, commercial and industrial), automatic transfer switches, switchgear, monitoring controls, and accessories for emergency, prime power and energy-management applications all around the world. The company is committed to reliable, leading edge power-generation products as well as comprehensive after-sale support.

Source: https://kohlerpower.com/en/generators/industrial/press-release/2016/2018pr/hurricane-rated

Power Up Houston 2019

October 30, 2020April 7, 2019 by Josh Keller

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Grasten Power Technologies (Grasten) is proud to once again be participating in the limited-time “Power Up Houston” event with Generac Power Systems (Generac). Grasten is a Power Pro Premier Dealer for Generac, which enables us to offer the best prices on the Generac Guardian, EcoGen, Protector, QT, Synergy, and PowerPact series backup generators for both residential and commercial customers year round. But, during this event, which lasts until May 5th (extended date, originally April 21st) 2019, Grasten is able to offer a free 10-year warranty and one free year of preventive maintenance to all new customers, a $1,395 value!

Our preventive maintenance plans ensure that your backup generator stays running at peak efficiency and is ready for both short-term power outages caused by a downed power-line, a cut cable, or spring shower, as well as more serious events, such as a hurricane, summer heat wave, or winter freeze. Additionally, the ten-year warranty gives you peace of mind in your investment, knowing that if something unfortunate did occur, you have a dedicated and qualified team of professionals supporting you. We are also happy to offer zero interest financing options beginning at $99/month!

As one of the top automatic standby generator dealers in the country, Grasten Power Technologies has been servicing the greater Houston area for 12 years. We provide sales, installation, maintenance, and repair services to any present and future backup generator owner. Please contact us for the details of the Power Up Houston sales event and secure the best deal on a Generac generator today!

The Ten Worst Hurricanes in Texas, Before Harvey

October 30, 2020November 3, 2017 by Josh Keller

Everyone along the gulf coast of the UNited States knows about hurricanes, just a couple months ago we were rocked by Hurricane Harvey. Hurricanes are huge storms that can be up to, or over, 60 miles across, and often have strong winds clocking-in between 75 and 200 miles per hour. Hurricanes form over warm ocean water before heading towards land. In addition to the rain, when a hurricane reaches land it pushes a wall of ocean water called “storm surge” ashore. Hurricanes are the most damaging natural disasters that impact the United States. Hurricanes not only bring on financial damage after the storm has passed, but can make a return to normalcy difficult with road closures, crowded medical facilities, power outages, and supplies shortages. Below are top ten storms to hit Houston Texas areas since 1990.

Tropical Storm Arlene (1993)

This storm brought about torrential rainfall to the Western United states gulf coast, particularly to the US states of Texas in June 1993. It started June 12th and ended June 21st that same year. It maximum wind speed was 40 miles per hour and has a minimum pressure of 1000 mb. There were 26 deaths attributed to the Arlene storm; 20 in El Salvador, 5 in Mexico and 1 in Texas. During this period of the storm, flooding from rainfall was also reported in Texas. The Texas division of emergency management estimated $22 million damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure.

Tropical Storm Dean (1995)

Dean started July 28th and ended August 2nd. It maximum wind speed was 45 miles per hour and it minimum pressure was 999 mbar. Thankfully, there was no reports of injuries or deaths associated with Dean. However, heavy rainfall was a problem causing $500 million USD in damages.

Tropical Storm Charley (1998)

This was the third storm of the 1998 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Charles was the first of two tropical storms to make landfall in Texas during that season. It started on the 21st of August and ended on the 24th. The storm had a maximum wind speed of 70 miles per hour and a minimum pressure of 1,001 mbar. There were 26 fatalities; 6 missing, and 20 were direct victims of the storm.

Tropical Storm Frances (1998)

This storm caused extensive flooding in Mexico and Texas in September of 1998. It lasted for only 5 days (September 8th to 13th). It had a maximum wind speed of 65 miles per hour and a minimum pressure of 990 mbar. Two fatalities were recorded and over $500 million USD worth of damage was caused by the storm.

Tropical Storm Bret (1999)

This storm was very severe. Its maximum wind speed was 145 miles per hour with a minimum pressure of 994 mbar. The storm lasted for 5 days (August 18th to 25th). Bret threatened several cities along the Texas coastline, prompting over 180,000 residents to evacuate . Numerous shelters were opened throughout the region and prisons were evacuated as well. Seven fatalities and $15 million USD worth of damages were recorded.

Tropical Storm Allison (2001)

This storm devastated southeast Texas in June 2001. It lasted 14 days (June 4th to 18th). It had a maximum wind speed of 65 miles per hour and minimum pressure of 1,000 mbar. 23 people died in Texas due to extreme floods. The worst flooding occurred here, in Houston Texas, where over 35 inches of rain fell. The storm also caused over $15 billion USD in damage making Allison the costliest and second deadliest tropical storm on record in United States (at that time).

Tropical Storm Bertha (2001)

This storm was mild compared to Allison. It lasted for 5 days (August 4th to 9th), with a maximum wind speed of 47 miles per hour and a minimum pressure of 1,007 mbar. Only one person died during this storm, due to heavy surf. The storm also caused damages of $200 million USD.

Tropical Storm Fay (2002)

Fay was a relatively light tropical storm for this list, but unique. It lasted for 3 days (September 5th to 8th). It had a maximum wind speed of 60 mph and a minimum pressure of 998 mbar. There were no fatalities, but the storm caused extremely heavy rain in inland areas; damaging properties worth more than $4.5 million USD.

Hurricane Rita (2005)

The storm was very severe with a maximum wind speed of 180 miles per hour and a minimum pressure of 895 mbar. It lasted for 7 days (September 18th-25th 2005). According to an October 25th, 2005 Disaster Center report, “4,526 single family dwellings were destroyed in Orange and Jeff ergonomic counties located in Southeast Texas.” In all, nine Texas counties and five Louisiana Parishes were declared disaster areas after the storm. In Texas, 113 were deaths reported, 107 of which were associated with the evacuation of the metropolitan area. Throughout the path of Rita, damage totalled about $15 billion dollars.

Hurricane Ike (2008)

Ike was massive, covering nearly the entire Texas coast – spreading from Corpus Christi all the way into Louisiana. With damage near $40 million dollars, Ike was until recently the fourth-costliest hurricane in the United States. And indirectly cost Texas (especially Houston) businesses millions by cutting down transportation, oil wells across the state and in the gulf, and interrupted several sporting events.

A backup generator can’t stop a hurricane, but it can help you, your family, and your neighbors stay safe when the storms hit.

Tropical Storm Cindy is Coming!

October 30, 2020June 20, 2017 by Josh Keller

The first tropical storm to hit Texas this year is almost here. The National Weather Service believes Tropical Storm Cindy will make landfall this evening. Read more on Weather.com.

3 Safety Tips for Emergency Generators

October 30, 2020January 18, 2017 by Josh Keller

If you live in an area that is prone to blackouts, a reliable backup generator can be a benefit to your household. The right generator can provide your family with power during outages and allow them to continue enjoying their favorite modern-day conveniences. If not properly handled; however, backup generators can prove very dangerous. You can help keep your family safe by applying the following generator safety tips.

Keep the generator a Safe Distance From Your Home

When running a generator, carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real risk. For this reason, it’s imperative that you avoid running your generator in your garage, under your porch, in any enclosed or partially enclosed area, and around any doors, windows or openings in your home. NEVER run a generator inside your house. For maximum safety, the generator should be installed at manufacturer and NFPA specified distances and never be operated inside enclosed spaces.

Make Sure Your Generator Can Be Serviced Locally

If your generator breaks down or when it’s in need of a routine tune-up, it’s only natural to want the problem fixed as soon as possible. This is why it’s recommended that you invest in a local generator company. Anyone on the hunt for affordable Generac generator service, maintenance, or installation in Spring, TX and surrounding areas should get in touch with our experts at Grasten Generators.

Know the Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the things that make carbon monoxide so dangerous is the fact that it can’t be seen, tasted or smelt. As a result, it’s important to know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning especially, if you own a backup generator. Some symptoms include — but are not limited to — nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches. If you or your family members experience any of these symptoms, shut off the generator and seek medical attention immediately. As an added precaution you should install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, which is a good idea even if you do not own a generator.

Backup generators do a lot of good for countless homes and businesses. Still, these devices can be very dangerous if the necessary precautions that come with proper installation and routine maintenance are not taken. For an installation you can trust or maintenance you can depend on, rely on the professionals at Grasten Generators!

To schedule an appointment, give Grasten Generators a call today at (281) 259-6500!

Grasten Power Technologies Earns Esteemed 2016 Angie’s List Super Service Award

October 30, 2020January 13, 2017 by Josh Keller

Grasten Power Technologies has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of customer service to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2016.

This achievement is particularly significant as Angie’s List experienced unprecedented member growth in 2016. More than 1.6 million consumers, many of whom were eager to quickly hire highly qualified service pros, joined Angie’s List after the company added a new, free membership tier.

“Companies that can meet higher demands without missing a beat in their exemplary performance standards truly do stand apart from their peers,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Only a fraction of the standby generator sales & service companies in the Houston Area were able to do it.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2016 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade. The SSA winners must also be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For more than 21 years, Angie’s List restricted access to its verified reviews to consumers who paid membership fees. When the company removed that barrier, some companies worried that the new, non-paying members would not be as engaged as members of the past. Experience has shown, however, that these newly added members are just as engaged – across all age groups – as prior members. Also, because the company continues to adhere to its review verification process, there has been no degradation of review quality.

“The biggest change at Angie’s List is that we are connecting even more consumers to high quality service professionals,” Hicks said. “And that’s good for everyone.”

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Angie’s List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than 4.5 million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly rated service providers in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of more than 10 million verified reviews of local service, Angie’s List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

Types of Backup Generators

October 30, 2020November 21, 2016 by Josh Keller

A power outage at your home or business is inconvenient and can be dangerous. If it lasts a long time, food can spoil, pipes may crack, sump pumps will not work and security systems will fail. A backup generator will allow your home or business to continue working as usual. A company that sells portable and standby generators in Houston can help you choose the right type of generator for your needs.

Portable and Standby

Portable generators are used for homes, businesses, RVs, and recreational applications. They have to be started when the power goes out and are connected to an extension cord or a manual transfer switch subpanel off your main circuit panel. Portable generators for industrial use run on gasoline or diesel. Some can be transported to a construction or industrial site.

Sizes

Backup generators come in many sizes, from small ones for RVs to large ones for commercial use. To get the right size, you need to know the maximum wattage you will need and buy the generator that can supply it. As an example, the average house will need a 5 kilowatt generator that will use a gallon of gas every 2 hours if it is running at 50 percent capacity. A generator should not be operated at more than 75 percent capacity so you need to buy one that is a little more powerful than you need.

After learning more about the different varieties of backup generators, you need to find a trustworthy company that can help you find the generator that’s just right. Whether you’re looking for portable or standby generators in Houston, GrastenGenerators.com is here to help.

Facts About Backup Generators

October 30, 2020November 5, 2016 by Josh Keller

A backup generator will provide power to your home or business when the power fails due to storms, equipment failure or traffic accidents. If you are considering buying a generator for your home or business, contact a trustworthy company that provides generator service in Houston TX to explore options and prices. Here are some facts about backup generators.

Types

The two basic types of backup generators are portable and standby. The portable ones need to be started and plugged into an extension cord or a sub-panel. Portable generators are suitable for recreational, residential, and industrial purposes. On the other hand, standby generators will start automatically after a power outage and are powerful enough to power your heating and air conditioning systems and appliances. These are suitable for homes, businesses and agricultural uses.

Fuel Sources

Generators run on propane, natural gas, gasoline, and diesel. The most popular choice is propane because it is cheaper than gasoline, easy to acquire and no electricity is needed to refill the generator’s tank. Natural gas is the most environmentally friendly choice because it burns cleaner than other fossil fuels. Since natural gas is connected to a supply line, you don’t have to worry about shelf life like you do with gasoline and diesel.

Maintenance and Safety

Fortunately, maintenance is not difficult for generators. They need to be tested regularly by starting them or using the exercise feature of permanent generators. Fuel needs to be available at all times and it’s important to note that gasoline and diesel have a shelf life. For safety, never fill a generator when it is operating and do not place a running portable generator in the house or garage.

Benefits of Having a Backup Generator

Generators supply power for the internet and television to monitor weather alerts
Home and business security systems will remain operational
Sump pumps will continue operating
Pipes can be prevented from freezing
Heating and air conditioning will continue a backup generator

Preparing Your Backup Generator for Fall and Winter Weather Cont.

October 30, 2020October 5, 2016 by Josh Keller

In our last blog, we talked about ways you should prepare your backup generator for the fall and winter weather. Read on to learn more!

Stock Up

It is always a good idea to keep a stock of backup oil and other maintenance supplies. This ensures that your backup power source can always stay running!

Run Your Generator

The best way to test if your generator needs maintenance is to just let it run and do it’s thing. Listen to see if you hear any weird noises or any other issues. If you do hear or see anything weird, it’s best to call a professional for a checkup.

Overall, the best thing you can do for your backup generator is to run regular maintenance checks. Generators are great for any home and for any lifestyle because it never hurts to have a backup source of energy.

If you need generator repairs in The Woodlands, TX, or surrounding Southeast Texas area, trust in the experts at Grasten Generator. Our professionals provide a high quality and efficient 24-hour emergency service to our customers!

To schedule visits for generator repairs in Houston, TX, and nearby regions, give our friendly staff a call today at 866.322.0715.

Preparing Your Backup Generator for Fall and Winter Weather

October 30, 2020September 28, 2016 by Josh Keller

With the fall and winter weather approaching, it is important that you properly prepare and maintain your backup generator for the colder climate. A generator is a great thing to have because it serves as an extra source of energy for your home. Having this backup ensures that you will not have to worry about losing power.

Fall is the best time to start running maintenance checks on your backup generator to make sure it is running at its best. Below freezing weather and snow can make it harder to start and run the generator so preparing your generator now is a great idea. Thankfully, in Texas, there is not much snowfall but it is still important to maintain your generator as the weather gets cooler!

Clean

Keeping the area around your generator clear and clean is always important. You should remove all the leaves and dead grass from around the generator, clear out any debris in the vents, etc. Proper air flow is essential for the generator because it prevents it from overheating.

Replace Oil, Filters, and Plugs

Since the weather is still bearable to be outside in, now is a great time to replace any fuel, oil, filters, and plugs that need maintenance. This is especially important if you keep your generator running in the summer as well. You will not want to have to go out in the freezing air and wind to change plugs, oil, etc.!

For more tips on generator maintenance during the fall and winter months, please refer to our blog often!

If you are interested in purchasing standby generators in Houston, TX, and surrounding areas, please trust in the experts at Grasten Generators! Give us a call today at 866.322.0715 to learn more.