When the power goes out, your home shouldn’t come to a standstill. In San Antonio, where the weather can shift dramatically from blistering heat to intense thunderstorms, having a reliable backup generator can provide peace of mind and ensure that your family stays safe and comfortable. If you're considering adding a backup generator to your home, here's a comprehensive guide from Allgood Electric to help you make the right decision.
San Antonio's climate and infrastructure make power outages a common concern. Whether it's due to severe thunderstorms, extreme heat leading to grid overload, or unexpected utility issues, power disruptions can happen when you least expect them. A backup generator ensures your home continues to function during these outages by automatically supplying power to your essential systems.
When the lights go out, backup generators keep your critical appliances running—whether it's your refrigerator, air conditioning system, medical devices, or security systems. In a city where summer heat can soar well into triple digits, keeping your AC running during a power outage isn’t just a matter of comfort—it’s a safety necessity.
There are two primary types of backup generators available for residential use: portable generators and standby generators. Each option has its benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your needs, budget, and preferences.
These are smaller, less expensive, and can be manually connected to select appliances during a power outage. Portable generators are ideal for those who need a temporary solution or live in areas with infrequent power disruptions. However, they require manual setup, refueling, and are typically limited in power capacity.
These are permanently installed outside your home and automatically kick in when the power goes out. Standby generators run on natural gas or propane, eliminating the need for refueling. They are ideal for homeowners who want seamless, whole-house power backup. While they are a bigger investment than portable generators, standby generators provide convenience and peace of mind by keeping your entire home powered.
Selecting the right size generator is critical to ensuring it can handle your home’s energy demands. A generator that's too small won't be able to power all your essential appliances, while one that’s too large may be unnecessarily expensive to operate. To determine the right size for your home, consider the following:
Make a list of the essential appliances you want to keep running during an outage, such as your refrigerator, HVAC system, water heater, lights, and any medical devices.
Every appliance has a specific wattage requirement. Add up the wattages of your essential appliances to get an estimate of how much power you’ll need. For example, refrigerators typically require around 600 watts, while central air conditioning units can use anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 watts.
If you plan to add more high-powered appliances, such as an electric vehicle charger or a new HVAC system, factor this into your generator's capacity. It's better to plan for growth than to find yourself needing to upgrade in a few years.
At Allgood Electric, we can help you determine the exact wattage your home requires and recommend the best generator size to ensure your family stays powered, no matter the situation.
For homeowners choosing a standby generator, professional installation is a must. Generators require electrical and gas connections, which must be handled by a licensed electrician and, if necessary, a plumber. Allgood Electric provides full installation services to ensure your generator is correctly and safely installed.
Once installed, backup generators require regular maintenance to stay in optimal working condition. Key maintenance tasks include:
Regularly test your generator to ensure it’s functioning properly before an outage occurs. Many modern standby generators have self-test features that automatically check performance on a weekly basis.
Just like any engine, a generator needs periodic oil changes to run efficiently. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil change intervals based on usage.
A licensed electrician should inspect your generator annually to ensure it's in good working order. They’ll check the electrical connections, fuel lines, and overall system health.
Allgood Electric can provide ongoing maintenance services, so your generator is always ready when you need it most.
There are numerous benefits to having a backup generator installed in your home, particularly in San Antonio:
Standby generators automatically kick in during an outage, so you don’t have to worry about manually connecting or starting a portable unit.
Keeping essential systems like your security system, smoke detectors, and medical devices running during an outage ensures your family stays safe.
Backup generators keep your air conditioning, lights, and appliances running, which is especially important during extreme heat or cold weather. You won’t have to worry about spoiled food, disrupted routines, or a lack of power for critical systems.
Adding a backup generator is a valuable investment that can increase the resale value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Allgood Electric has been providing reliable, expert electrical services in San Antonio homeowners for over 20 years. Our team of licensed electricians has extensive experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of backup generators. We work closely with you to assess your home’s needs and recommend the best generator options to keep your household powered and protected during any outage.
From selecting the right generator to ensuring proper installation, Allgood Electric offers a seamless experience from start to finish. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes us the go-to choice for backup generator installations in San Antonio.
Are you ready to protect your home with a backup generator? Contact Allgood Electric today to schedule a consultation or request more information. Let us help you choose the right generator solution to ensure your home stays powered, no matter what. With our expert installation and maintenance services, you can rest easy knowing that your home and family are prepared for any power outage.
