Reasons You Should Invest in a Backup Generator (Part One)

houseInvesting in a backup generator may seem like an expensive waste of money, but there are many reasons why it will benefit you.   Read on to learn more!

Severe Weather: Nearly every state in the US has experienced a devastating natural disaster at one time or another.  With natural disasters like: thunderstorms, hurricanes, ice storms, blizzards, etc., you need to be prepared.  With a backup generator, you can be assured that your refrigerators, freezers, HVAC systems, and other electric needs will still be satisfied.

Outages Prone Areas: If you live in an area where power outages are common, you should definitely consider purchasing a backup generator.

If you Need Constant Access to Electricity: If you or a member of your family require: stair lifts, oxygen, refrigeration for medications, or any other appliances for medical purposes, a backup generator is an essential investment.

Extreme Temperatures: If you live in an area where the weather fluctuates from extreme heat to sub-zero freezing, you will want to make sure your HVAC systems are constantly available. A backup generator can provide that comfortable security.

A Flood Prevalent Area: If you live in a low elevation area, it is a good idea to invest in standby generator because a backup generator can keep your sump pump running.  Be sure to talk to your generator rep about elevation requirements where you live.

If you want to purchase a high quality generator, consider Grasten Generator’s reliable and efficient Generac generators in Houston, TX, and surrounding areas.

Benefits of Using Propane Fueled Standby Generators in Houston, TX

houston, generators of houston, home generator, houston generator repair, backup generator for sale, generator supercenterGenerators are quickly becoming a popular investment for many homeowners and business owners because they are reliable and provide a sense of security.   When you are first purchasing a generator it all of the different options can be overwhelming.  There are natural gas, gasoline, propane, and diesel fuel options to choose from. While many of these generators are all good in multiple ways, propane is a common and efficient choice.  Read on to learn about propane powered generators!

 

Propane

 

There are various reasons why a propane generator is a better choice than a gasoline one.

 

  • Convenience: Propane comes in cylinders that are easy to store and cannot spill. They also burn clean and cost about half the price of gasoline per gallon.
  • Quiet: Propane fueled generators are typically quieter than diesel or gasoline driven generators.
  • Efficient Use: Since propane is something that is fairly easy to purchase at the local store, it is a good choice during a power failure. You do not need electricity to re-fill the tank and the shelf life of propane is indefinite. Gasoline can only be store for about 12 months and then it is not recommended to use. Since propane lasts forever, maintaining the tank is essential.

 

Overall, propane fueled generators are efficient and reliable.

 

Rid yourself of any worries by investing in a generator, today!

 

To learn more about our propane fueled standby generators in Houston, TX, call the experts at Grasten Generators by dialing (866)322-0715.

Benefits of a Natural Gas Generator

Generac Guardian Standby Generator

Guardian 11kW with 12-Circuit Switch Model 6437There are many advantages to using natural gas as a domestic fuel and many people choose it over liquid propane, gasoline, or diesel.   Read on to learn how a natural gas generator might be a great investment for you.

Natural Gas is Environmentally Clean

Natural gas is considered environmentally friendly because it is the cleanest burning fossil fuel.  When the combustion process occurs, very few byproducts are put into the atmosphere as pollutants.  Since it burns so clean there is no ash or soot.

Natural Gas is Efficient

With a natural gas generator the headache of waiting for a gas delivery or trying to find storage for your gas disappears.  Natural gas is delivered through an underground pipeline system.  There is an abundance of natural gas so you can rely on fuel for your generator.  The pipes that provide natural gas cannot be damaged by a hurricane or storm making it the best fuel choice for a generator if storms are prevalent in your area.

Natural Gas is Cost Efficient

Since there is a vast domestic supply of natural gas, you will not have to worry about prices increasing any time soon.  Oil gets transported from other countries and as a result, the prices fluctuate depending on their supply, transportation fees, etc.

 

While natural gas is a great option it is important to pick the generator that works best for your needs. For assistance with picking the best generator for you, just ask the experts at Grasten Generators!

 

To learn more about top quality natural gas standby generators in Houston, TX, and surrounding areas, give Grasten Generators a call at (866)322-0715.

Why You Should Invest in a Standby Generator as a Business Owner

As a business owner, it is very wise to invest in a standby generator. No matter what your business, when you have a backup generator, you will benefit in the following ways:

Protection

  • With a standby generator, you can protect your inventory, store and office from possible theft because you can quickly restore lighting and security systems.
  • The standby generator can ensure that the HVAC systems will stay running therefore, protecting your products and equipment from humidity and heat.
  • If you utilize technology systems, you could potentially lose important data when the power goes out. With a backup generator, you will never lose power and your computer systems will continue running smoothly.

Consistency

  • By investing in a standby generator, you can ensure that everything in your business continues to run smoothly. Your employees will never have to pause to wait for the power to come back on.
  • If you lose power, you could potentially lose clients or customers because they will see you as unreliable if you have to shut down business.

Cost Saving

  • Many people shy away from the thought of purchasing a backup generator because of the potential high cost. However, there are many different models so you are bound to find one that fits your budget.
  • If your power goes out, there is a high potential that things get destroyed. If this happens, you will spend a lot of money trying to replace it all. With a backup generator, you can avoid any possible property damage or loss.

To learn more about generator service in Houston, TX, and nearby areas, call Grasten Generators at (866)322-0715 today!

Guardian 11kW with 12-Circuit Switch Model 6437

Reasons to Maintain Your Backup Generator

Most people are good about maintaining their car but not so good about equipment at their home. Generators are not used often, so it is critical that they be maintained so they can work at any time they are needed. Here are some of the reasons to maintain your backup generator.

Complex Machine

Most people would never go a year without performing maintenance on their car and they wouldn’t let it sit a long time without running it. Your generator is as complex as your car and there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Systems in a generator include coolant, fuel, air and lubrication. They have alternators, belts, cable, hoses and a transfer switch that will need to be checked. Dealers that offer generator service in Houston, TX can put you on a maintenance schedule so you won’t forget and your generator will work perfectly when needed.

Longer Life

As with a car or a furnace, a properly maintained generator will last many years. The normal operating life for generators can be from 20 to 30 years. Your generator was a major purchase and maintenance will help you get your money’s worth. It will be ready to work when you need it the most.

Peace of Mind

When a power outage occurs, you need your generator for several reasons. Your family will be safer and will have the heat or cooling they need to remain comfortable. No food will spoil in the refrigerator and appliances will work so you can cook a meal. You will have access to weather updates and warnings so you can evacuate if needed. With a well-maintained generator, you will not have to worry that the generator will not work and run for a long time. If you have not maintained your generator in six months, it is time to call a professional.

Benefits of Having a Backup Generator

Kohler 12kW Generator RESV

Kohler 12kW Generator RESVThose of us who live in the South are not strangers to extreme weather, from severe winter ice storms to powerful tornadoes. Power outages can last a few minutes or linger for hours and that can cause a lot of problems. If you are a homeowner, you should look into Generac generators in Houston so you will have a generator to supply continuous power during power outages. Here are some of the benefits of backup generators.

Personal Benefits

One of the personal benefits of having a backup generator is comfort. If it is a hot muggy day or an icy cold one, a backup generator will keep you and your family comfortable.

The appliances on your home will also stay operational. This means no food will spoil and you can still prepare a meal. So, family life will continue in spite of the storm.

Financial Benefits

Here are a few of the financial benefits of a backup generator:

  • If you work from home, your internet will stay on and you can continue making money
  • Power can help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, causing expensive repairs
  • Sump pumps will continue to work during an outage. That can save thousands in repair and replacement costs of items damaged with flood waters
  • Hotel stays and the cost of eating out can be expensive

Safety

If a power outage occurs in the evening, you have to look for candles or flashlights. Not having lights can cause safety issues for the whole family, especially if the flashlight batteries are dead.

Having power for a radio, the television and the internet can keep you informed of changing weather conditions. Staying up-to-date with weather alerts is essential in case your family needs to seek shelter.

Switching from a Manual Transfer Switch to Automatic Can Keep You Safe in a Storm

Guardian 9kW Backup Generator with 16-circuit Transfer Switch

Having a backup generator is always a good idea, because you never know when your power will go out. Not having a generator can mean hours of sitting in the dark, unable to use every day items that we have come to view as basic necessities like our refrigerators, stoves, and microwaves.

Generators are pretty much always located outside of your home, and if you’re still using a manual transfer switch that means that when your power goes out you have to venture outside to turn your generator on. Your power could go out for many different reasons, including violent storms. Going outside in a thunderstorm can be very dangerous. Which is why, it’s smart to consider getting an automatic transfer switch installed for your generator. Then, when you lose power, you can just sit back and relax in your comfortable home as the generator kicks on automatically and restores your power. An automatic transfer switch is safer, because you don’t have to risk injury by going outside in a storm, and it’s much more convenient because you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to go turn your generator on.

Find out more about Kohler Generators in Houston at grastengenerators.com.

3 Essential Generator Services Offered in Spring, TX

houston, generators of houston, home generator, houston generator repair, backup generator for sale, generator supercenter

houston, generators of houston, home generator, houston generator repair, backup generator for sale, generator supercenterOwning a backup generator offers the ultimate peace of mind for your home or business. When the power goes out, the generator kicks in and continues to power your home. However, to ensure that your generator runs smoothly, it is important to maintain it. Here are some ways to maintain or replace your generator.

  • Regular Cleanings

Since generators are typically located outside, they’re exposed to the elements year-round. Debris gets caught inside and dust collects, both of which can clog up the machine and interfere with regular functions. Regular cleaning by a pro ensures the machine is clean and ready for operation at a moment’s notice.

  • Repairs

If something seems off about your generator, an expert can examine the machine to see if it’s in need of repair. Routine regular maintenance can prevent potential problems from turning into serious issues, so you’re not stuck relying on a broken generator when the power goes off.

  • Installation

If your generator is many years old or otherwise doesn’t meet your expectations, you can’t go wrong with a new Generac model. Generator service experts are skilled at both installing brand new generator systems and swapping existing generators for new models. Some new models offer more power and better circuit breaker protection than old varieties.

Don’t wait till something happens with your generator! Schedule a service appointment with Grasten Generators, the best generator service in Spring, TX and surrounding areas.

The Causes of Power Outages

While bad weather is a common factor in power failures, there are many other reasons why they occur. For example, about 11 percent of the time, animals cause stoppages in electricity because they bite lines or squirrels that often climb up on the electrical lines. If you live near a power line that has an electric pole near a roadway, car accidents where they hit the pole can cause an electrical disruption. Another factor is too many people using power at peak electricity times, typically hot afternoons when air conditioners are on full blast. According to statistics, this causes the power failure about 5 percent of the time.  Another issue could be your own home and if you have an AMI meter, it is important to look and see if it says “closed” on the screen. This means that the electrical connection is closed in and power should be flowing through the meter. If the screen says “closed” but you have no power then check your breakers to see if that’s the issue. Because of all these potential factors, it is wise to invest in a generator.

For the best selection of brand-name Houston Texas generators, visit the experts at Grasten Generators!

 

 

Preparing Your Standby Generator for Winter Part 2

Generac PowerPact 7.5kW Backup Generator with 8-circuit Transfer Switch

With winter weather come nasty winter storms. Ice storms and blizzards can snap power lines and leave your home without power and heat for an indefinite amount of time. It is very important to have a standby generator installed to make sure you are not without power or heat this winter. Grasten Generators have a great selection of standby generators for Houston and surrounding areas. Once you have a generator installed, there are a few additional steps you can take to make sure your generator will run smoothly.

Make sure your standby generator is inspected prior to winter weather and after major storms. When you have an inspection done, an itemized list should be made to ensure each part of the standby generator was properly inspected. Coolant levels, battery life, and battery specific gravity should be checked. Grasten Generators offers these services and more for standby generators in Houston and surrounding areas in Texas.

Proper maintenance should also be done prior to any winter storms. Diesel generators require preventative maintenance to keep fuel from gelling. It is also important that coolant heaters or block heaters are running properly, oil heaters are maintained, and batteries are fully charged. To ensure optimal performance, fuel tanks should be cleaned, polished, and treated prior to major winter events.

To ensure best performance for your standby generator, have professionals perform any needed maintenance or repairs on yours prior to a winter storm. Contact us at (866)322-0715  to have our high-quality professionals service your standby generators in Houston and surrounding areas of Texas, today.Generac PowerPact 7.5kW Backup Generator with 8-circuit Transfer Switch