Power outages aren’t the most common occurrence in Baton Rouge and nearby areas, but they do happen enough to warrant purchasing a backup generator. Without power in your home, you can kiss the convenience of using your appliances goodbye. Everything that’s plugged into an electrical outlet will cease working, including your refrigerator, washer and dryer, oven, water heater, and more. But that’s not all! A power outage also affects your heating and cooling system, as well as your electrical. 

A working coffee machine may not be your top priority, but a functional HVAC system certainly should be. It’s times like these when having a home generator system comes in handy. A backup generator is designed to be another power source for your home in the event of a power outage. For a short period of time, a generator enables your home to continue functioning normally while you wait for power to be restored to your neighborhood. 

How Does a Backup Generator Work?

Backup generators use natural gas or propane to power your home, so they can run as long as there is fuel. When you first install a backup generator, you choose how it’s wired. Therefore, you have complete control over where the power goes. You can choose to power your HVAC system, lighting, kitchen appliances, or anything else you deem important. 

The process of turning on and using your backup generator is as simple as it gets! All you have to do is engage the transfer switch, which switches the power source from your electricity to your generator. Our transfer switches are automatic; once they detect a power outage, they will immediately employ the generator. Once the generator is put in use, it will power your home until it runs out of fuel or the electricity comes back on. 

Do Backup Generators Require Maintenance?

Yes!

Your generator is like any other home appliance. If you service your HVAC and your electrical, why would you neglect your generator? (Side note: if you don’t service your HVAC or electrical, you should start now!) 

Your generator should be serviced at least twice a year for cleaning and leakage, if it hasn’t been in use. In the event of a power outage where you depend on your generator to supply you with power, it’s imperative to check your generator right after use. Take care to change the oil and filters, if needed.

If you’re already preparing for the next hurricane season, you need to install a backup generator in your home. Contact Keefe’s to ask about appointment times and the installation cost of standby generators in New Orleans, or anywhere in between. We are always available and happy to lend our services to local customers.