Ontario is known for its harsh winters and severe summer storms, so occasional power outages are expected. Many people don’t realize that degrading power infrastructure and more consumer demand for power are also contributing to an increased frequency of power outages. Home and business owners are taking matters into their own hands to protect their property, families and employees by installing standby generators.

Continue reading to learn more about what a backup generator is, how it can protect your home or business and how to keep your generator in top working order. 

What Is a Backup Generator?

A backup generator provides power to a single building when it’s been disconnected from the power grid due to a power outage or failure. A traditional generator needs to be started manually and tends to provide limited power. It’s enough to run the bare necessities, but you have to be present when the power outage occurs to start the generator, and you need to decide how to allocate your limited power until the power outage is over.

A whole home generator or standby generator can detect power loss and turn itself on automatically. This means you don’t need to be present for the generator to activate, and these types of generators can even replace all the power you typically use so you don’t even notice the power’s out. Standby generators provide added convenience and security because you don’t need to worry about whether an outage has interrupted your heat or air conditioning, whether your security system is still active or even if you can still get into your garage.

Protecting Peterborough, ON, Homes During Power Outages

If you’re considering installing a whole home generator, you probably already have a few reasons in mind. Here are some of the benefits homeowners receive when they install backup generators in their homes:

  • Increased home value that often exceeds the cost of the generator
  • Protection from frozen pipes in the winter when the heat goes out
  • Perishable food kept from spoiling in the event of a power outage
  • Protection for vulnerable family members or pets during the summer 
  • Notification that the power is out and the generator is active, including fuel levels and generator status
  • Complete replacement of the power you normally use, not just what’s required for essential systems and appliances

Generac produces a wide array of generator options, so you can choose an option that provides the amount of power you need and uses the alternative fuel source you’d like. This is why Generac generators are such a popular choice for Peterborough homeowners. 

Why Commercial Businesses in Peterborough Trust Us With Their Electrical Needs

Most people don’t realize just how devastating even a short power outage can be for a small business owner. Some estimates show that a business could lose up to $5,000 per hour while the power’s out. This is due to several factors:

  • Employees must continue to be paid while they’re unproductive during the outage.
  • Perishable supplies are often lost if the power is out too long.
  • Computer systems are down, meaning you can’t check out customers and complete sales.
  • Employees and merchandise are at risk due to thieves who target businesses when the power’s out.

Generac commercial backup generators supply the power businesses need to continue with life as usual during power emergencies. This is why many offices, medical clinics, law enforcement agencies, restaurants, manufacturing companies, warehouses and residential healthcare facilities across Ontario trust them. 

What Type of Maintenance Is Required for a Backup Generator?

Once you install a backup generator, you should make sure it’s going to work correctly when you need it. Like any type of machinery, you should have your generator inspected regularly, perform maintenance at regular intervals and make minor repairs whenever they’re needed. As a premier Generac dealer, we can help you with your routine maintenance and emergency repairs.

If we discover you need repairs, we can even work with Generac if your generator’s still under warranty. This saves you the time and hassle of filling out claim paperwork and helps you get your generator up and running faster. 

Let’s Get Started Today

If you’re looking for a backup power source for your home or business, Platinum Electrical Contractors can help you explore your options so you find a solution customized to your needs. We can even help you explore financing options if you’d prefer not to pay the total cost for a new generator out of pocket. 

Contact us today to get a free quote and get started with the process.