If there’s one thing every homeowner hates, it’s a power outage. A blackout is more than a minor inconvenience — if it’s not resolved quickly, it makes it nearly impossible to complete daily tasks. Not to mention, it takes all your major appliances (including your refrigerator and HVAC systems) out of commission. 

More and more homeowners rely on backup generators to avoid uncomfortable temperatures and food waste. Let’s look at how backup generators work, their benefits and where you can find high-quality generators in North Bay, ON. 

How Do Backup Generators Work?

Most people use electricity daily, but how many know where it comes from? 

Typically, people get their electricity from power stations, which reach homes through transmission lines. While some areas may have these lines underground, most feature above-ground lines. These lines may get damaged during extreme weather events, causing electrical outages.   

Unlike your home, backup generators aren’t connected to transmission lines. Instead, they use one of the following fuel sources:

  • Gasoline
  • Diesel
  • Propane
  • Natural gas 

Once the fuel enters the generator, it’s converted into electrical energy. This energy travels through a power cord to your home, powering your household items. The number of appliances depends on the size of your generator. For the minimum essentials, you’ll need a 5 kW generator; to live comfortably, you’ll need around 25 kW. 

Generators are also useful resources for commercial businesses, such as restaurants, retail outlets, law offices and medical clinics. With a backup power supply, businesses can preserve their supplies while continuing to serve clients. 

What Are the Benefits of Backup Generators?

The most obvious benefit of backup generators is that they let you enjoy electricity during power outages. However, they also come with a slew of other advantages, such as: 

  • Strong power capabilities
  • Automatic ignition  
  • Reduced electrical damage 
  • Improved safety 
  • Peace of mind 

A major benefit of backup generators is their strong power capabilities. If your generator is large enough, it can power your entire home. This is paired with quick, efficient ignition — an automatic backup generator can detect power outages and immediately kick into gear. 

Backup generators also improve safety. They can restore power safely, helping reduce electrical damage. Generators also let you keep your lights on, which may protect against burglaries.

Finally, backup generators deliver peace of mind. When you own a generator, you don’t have to worry about completing work, conserving spoiled food or managing extreme heat or cold — instead, you can rest comfortably knowing you have a backup power source on your hands. 

What Generator Is Right for Me?

When it comes to choosing a generator, you have two main options:

  • Select Circuit installations
  • Managed Whole Home installations 

Select Circuit installations let you power your essential loads, such as the lights, HVAC system and water heater. You can also use it for a couple of outlets, which will let you run your refrigerator.

Managed Whole Home installations, meanwhile, are budget-friendly solutions that give your entire home access to the generator. However, they require management whenever you want to use more major appliances, such as the air conditioner, stove or washing machine/dryer. 

Where Can I Find Quality Backup Generators Near North Bay, ON?

Now that you know how backup generators work and their unique benefits, you may wonder where you can find one. At Platinum Electrical Contractors, we offer high-quality residential, commercial and industrial generators available in various capacities and fuel options. The top features of our Generac generators include: 

  • True Power Technology: We use technology that delivers utility-quality electricity without signal interference.
  • Durable engines: Our generators feature reliable engines in all weather conditions.
  • Protective casing: We offer aluminum enclosures to protect your equipment from harsh Canadian weather. 
  • Automatic testing: Customers can enjoy automatic weekly or monthly self-tests that help ensure your generator is in prime condition. 
  • Mobile monitoring: Our Wi-Fi Mobile Link monitoring lets you check on your generator remotely. 
  • Low noise: Products come with noise levels as low as 60 decibels, which is as quiet as your HVAC system. 
  • Financing options: We’re happy to connect qualified customers to financing offers that suit their budgetary needs. 

Along with first-rate products, we provide an expert team. Not only are we a factory-authorized PowerProElite+ dealer and installer, but we’re also available 24 hours a day to assist with your electricity needs. 

Are you interested in learning more? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a quote today!