Standby - Backup Generator Installation and Repair Services
Companies & Individual Contractors in Chilliwack

Generator Installation & Repair Chilliwack / British Columbia / Canada

About Home Generator Installation in Chilliwack

Depending on where you live, losing electricity supply may be a very rare, or otherwise very common, occurrence. For consumers who live in areas prone to electricity loss, especially for extended periods of time, backup generators can be a literal lifesaver – or at the very least make the situation more tolerable. Portable generators are suitable for short-term purposes like re-charging phones, running some lights, and similar. But, for longer-term or higher-draw applications, a more significant, permanent backup generator is the only way to go. Specialty stores or branded dealers typically sell these home backup generators and after they are installed by standby generator installation services or home backup generator installation services.

In this article, we’ll talk about the differences between these two kinds of generator installation companies, talk about the reasons to buy a backup generator for your home or business. Look at the backup or standby generator installation processes that are generally followed by standby generator installation services and home backup generator installation services companies and provide some helpful advice on how to choose the best standby generator installation service or home backup generator installation service company for your needs.

STANDBY GENERATOR INSTALLATION SERVICES AND HOME BACKUP GENERATOR INSTALLATION SERVICES – DIFFERENCES

To understand the distinction between standby generator installation services and home backup generator installation services, one must understand the definition differences between standby generators and backup generators. While not a hard rule, in most cases the term standby generator refers to a generator that is always “waiting in the wings,” ready to automatically activate in the event of a power loss more than a pre-defined period (usually 1 minute or so). By contrast, backup generators typically must be triggered manually in the event of power loss.

The mechanisms involved in these two different types of generators also play a role in the various aspects of the installation process. These days, however, most professionally installed generators fall into the standby generator category, even if they are called home backup or backup generators. The most significant difference here is in the electrical wiring and switching installations, and the fact that generally, backup generators can include portable or semi-portable units, whereas standby generators are usually fixed in place. So, in some ways, it’s an old distinction in terminology, but worth understanding depending on precisely what kind of generator you end up purchasing.

STANDBY GENERATOR INSTALLATION SERVICES AND HOME BACKUP GENERATOR INSTALLATION SERVICES – REASONS TO BUY A BACKUP GENERATOR

For some parts of the country, it may be difficult to see why you would need to purchase a backup or standby generator, and likewise why you would need standby generator installation services or home backup generator installation services. In areas that don’t see violent thunderstorms, tornados, winter storms of snow and ice, or has all-underground electrical services, the power rarely goes out, and when it does, it’s usually for a relatively short period.

On the other hand, many regions contend with a wide range of potential power outage causes (mostly weather events). In the northeast and northern plains states, for example, severe winter storms can sometimes leave hard-hit areas out of power for days going on weeks in some cases. Areas prone to high winds can often have spring, summer, or fall storms knock out power for many hours. These are all situations where having a standby generator would be ideal.

Additionally, standby generator installation services and home backup generator installation services emphasize that these kinds of backups can be crucial when you or someone in your home relies on electrically-powered equipment for health reasons. Without power, for example, refrigeration isn’t functional, and temperatures can rapidly spoil the contents of refrigerators and freezers. For people with diabetes who require insulin, this can ruin the insulin, and leave them in a dire situation. A backup or standby generator can prevent this problem from occurring.

STANDBY GENERATOR INSTALLATION SERVICES AND HOME BACKUP GENERATOR INSTALLATION SERVICES – WHAT THEY DO

Standby generator installation services and home backup generator installation services typically perform some or all the tasks necessary to prepare for backup generator installation, complete the generator installation, and test to make sure the generator is working as it should. In some jurisdictions, there are limitations on the kinds of work that these services can perform, and specific services must be provided by a local utility company or a more specialized contractor. In general, however, the processes for the installation of a standby or backup generator can be loosely outlined as follows:

Standby, home backup generator installation service company will install the primary switching and sensing equipment alongside the home or office’s existing electrical panel. It serves as the means of automatically or manually switching over the power supply to the home standby, backup generator in the event of a loss of electric power. It also serves as an important safety backstop on the electrical system – without it, or when using a portable generator hooked to your central electrical system, you can potentially endanger utility workers who are working to restore your power, as current flows back out into the system.
Necessary electrical work is conducted, including running electrical lines from the generator location to the switching and sensing equipment.
The area for the generator installation must be prepared. That typically includes laying a concrete pad for the generator and may include other steps to ensure the pad remains secure.
Next, standby generator installation services and home backup generator installation services will perform the actual installation of the generator. It’s bolted to the concrete pad, and all the various electrical hookups and connections made. But it’s not functional yet, as it needs a fuel source. For most standby and home backup generators, this comes in the form of natural gas or fuel.
The local gas utility, gas pipe, and line service companies, or other contractors (or sometimes the standby generator installation services and home backup generator installation services themselves) will perform trenching operations, to run an extension of the gas line from your service meter to the intake on your new standby generator.
Once everything is hooked up, the generator can be fired up for a test, and current, fuel flow, and other factors inspected to ensure everything is working correctly. Then the generator is shut off, and left dormant, until it either is manually activated, or automatically triggered, either due to power loss or for a routine self-test and diagnostic.

STANDBY GENERATOR INSTALLATION SERVICES AND HOME BACKUP GENERATOR INSTALLATION SERVICES – CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPANY

Naturally, deciding to purchase a backup generator is not a routine thing. Most people will only do it once or twice in their life, if ever. Therefore, it can be hard to know how to find the best standby generator installation services or home backup generator installation services to complete the generator installation job. We’ve provided some information below on the main areas that consumers should evaluate before hiring any residential or commercial contractor personnel, along with some essential questions to ask yourself, or the generator installation company, before committing. With this guide, you’ll be much more prepared and able to choose the right generator installation company to meet your needs.

Services – what exactly does a generator installation provider offer? Do they only do the installation of the generator, or handle all aspects including trenching, gas line extensions, etc.?
Reputation – does the generator installation company have a good reputation? How are the reviews from customers? Do you know somebody who has purchased a backup generator and needed a standby generator installation service or home backup generator installation service before, and if so, who do they recommend?
Experience – how long have they been in the generator installation business? How many generator installation jobs have they completed? How many satisfied customers do they have?
Licenses/Certifications – are they bonded/licensed by the state or city where they work?
Safety – do they place a priority on safety? Do they ensure that the generator installation worksite is secure and safe for their personal and you and your family?
Professionalism – do they promptly return customer calls? Are they polite and courteous? Do they answer questions clearly?
Time and Cost – how long do they estimate the generator installation job will take them to complete? What is the generator installation cost estimate? How does this compare to other generator installation companies?

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT GENERATOR INSTALLATION

In conclusion, purchasing a backup or standby generator can be very valuable for many homeowners, especially those who live in regions prone to power outages. Little portable units generally aren’t helpful for running larger draw appliances or keeping whole-home lights, heating, or other devices in service. For total peace of mind and always-available power, a standby generator or backup generator is the ideal solution. Experts from standby generator installation services and home backup generator installation services can ensure that your generator will be properly installed. And when the time comes, and the electric supply will be interrupted, your standby generator will kick in and let you go on living your life without inconvenience until external power restored.

Generator Repair

While it may be hard for some to believe, there are many parts of the United States and elsewhere that are quite used to frequent and long-duration power outages. It’s true that in some locales, a combination of generally mild weather and mostly underground infrastructure keeps the power flowing with very high reliability and uptime. Other areas are not always so lucky, either due to more severe weather, more time-worn infrastructure, etc. For those who live in localizations prone to frequent or extended power outages, especially in the wintertime, a backup generator can be a very valuable addition to the list of home appliances and devices.

Once you have a backup or standby generator in your home, of course, you hope not to need to use it too often. But you want to be confident it’s reliable and in good working order, ready to go if the need arises. To this end, both annual tune-ups and periodic generator repairs may be required. The experts who repair and maintain these kinds of home backup generators are also known as home standby generator repair and maintenance services or home backup generator repair and maintenance services providers.

In this article, we’ll distinguish the differences between these generator service companies, which comes down to the differences between backup and standby generators. We’ll briefly look at some of the reasons to buy a backup or standby generator in the first place. Finally, we’ll discuss some of the typical repair and preventative maintenance tasks that home standby generator repair and maintenance services and home backup generator repair and maintenance services undertake during their duties.

HOME STANDBY, BACKUP GENERATOR REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES – DIFFERENCES

First, we should discuss the differences between home standby generator repair and maintenance services and home backup generator repair and maintenance services. As mentioned above, this amounts to the differences between standby generators and backup generators. Aside from this context, most of the actual services that these companies offer are mostly the same.

When we refer to backup generators, these are usually manually-operated devices. Quite often, they must be manually triggered in the event of a power outage, and may or may not have self-monitoring, testing, or other capabilities. That is different than standby generators, which are usually automatic. They tend to monitor power flow, and if there is an outage for more than a pre-set time (usually 30 seconds to a minute), they kick in, automatically switching the circuit breaker for a home or office over to accept power from the generator. They frequently come with self-test mechanisms, and are generally far more advanced, integrated with better technology, and even feature phone app integration in many cases.

Fortunately, most companies that work in this sector tend to deal with both backup generators and standby generators and don’t specialize in one or the other. However, it does sometimes come up, so it’s important for consumers to understand the differences between these two types of generators. If there is a division or specialization in your area, be sure you hire the right home standby generator repair and maintenance services or home backup generator repair and maintenance services company to match the type of generator you have!

HOME STANDBY, BACKUP GENERATOR REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES – REASONS TO BUY A BACKUP GENERATOR

Backup or standby generators can be very useful, and even life-saving in some instances. Whether your area suffers from thunderstorms, tornados, massive winter storms with lots of snow and ice, is prone to hurricanes or typhoons, or other natural phenomena, frequent or long-duration power outages can be frequent. High winds, falling branches, heavy storms, and related events can all leave the electrical infrastructure devastated.

Being without power for a while is usually not a big deal for most people. However, those who need their power for life-saving or health reasons don’t have the luxury of waiting out the outage and hoping the power comes back on soon. For example, those who have diabetes and require insulin know well that insulin must remain always refrigerated. If a power outage strikes and the power is out for an hour, it’s not a big deal. If it’s out for a day or two, then you could be in real trouble. That is just one example of why backup generators are so desirable.

Another good reason to buy a backup or standby generator is for heating purposes. Being stuck for days in the wintertime with no power, when your home heating relies on electricity to function, can be a truly horrible time. It would usually coincide with severe winter storms, so it’s not like it would be easy to drive somewhere that has power, either. Backup and standby generators can pay for themselves in many consumers’ minds if the alternative is being without power for several days when it’s below freezing outside!

Regardless of your reasons for buying a backup or standby generator, once you’ve made your purchase and had the device installed, it needs periodic maintenance, tune-ups, and sometimes, repairs, to stay in working order. An unreliable, non-functioning backup or standby generator is useless, so it’s vitally important to have them tuned up and any malfunctions repaired as soon as possible. For that, we turn to home standby generator repair and maintenance services and home backup generator repair and maintenance services providers.

HOME STANDBY, BACKUP GENERATOR REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES – REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TASKS

As their name implies, the services offered by home standby generator repair and maintenance services and home backup generator repair and maintenance services can be broken down into both repair and maintenance tasks. In this section, we’ll highlight some of the most common generator maintenance tasks that these companies recommend to consumers, as well as the most common generator repair problems that they are facing.

A note before we begin, however – while these companies are fully capable of repairing broken generators, they are not able to get to your home amidst a massive hurricane, winter storm, or other disasters. So be sure to take maintenance and repairs seriously in time, and periodically check on the condition of your generator, so that you can get any issues repaired during normal weather, and not when you’re facing disasters and outages.

When it comes to routine maintenance, home standby generator repair and maintenance services and home backup generator repair and maintenance services generally suggest at least an annual tune-up by a trained generator repair and maintenance professional. Ideally, they recommend even two tune-ups per year, though this depends on the climate and weather conditions in your area. In more temperate regions, they suggest a tune-up before spring or summer storm season, and another in the fall, before the winter season beginning. These comprehensive tune-ups generally involve checking all the generator’s connections, the functioning of switching gear, the voltage outputs, fuel flow, operating temperature, lubrication, and other elements of the generator’s moving parts. That will ensure that the generator remains in ideal operating conditions.

If something does go wrong, and your generator stops working, or won’t start when you go to test it, then you should certainly call home standby generator repair and maintenance services and home backup generator repair and maintenance services for their repair capabilities. Home backup, standby generators are finely-tuned pieces of machinery, and as you’re dealing with electricity and usually natural gas or other fuels, there is a high risk of danger if you don’t know what you are doing. That is not a project that should be undertaken on a DIY basis!

Like any machinery, generators can break down. Some of the most common generator repair tasks reported by standby, backup generator repair, and maintenance companies include:

In generators that use belts, dry, cracked, damaged, or worn belts are often the cause of dysfunction or malfunction, and fortunately are quick and easy to replace.
Coolant issues, such as low coolant, leaky coolant, etc. can lead to significant damage to the generator over time.
Generator fuel supply issues, including low or insufficient pressure or fuel flow, contamination, blockages, and similar.
Electrical components are shorting out or are damaged.
Clogs, overheating, or damage caused by pests and insects who might make a home inside the generator case.
Physical generator damage (usually noticeable) from impacts on the generator by branches, lawnmowers, and similar.
Drained or dead batteries in onboard electronics and starters.
Faulty or burnt-out relays or switches in the switchover gear that feeds power to your home circuit breaker panel.

No matter what the is the cause of the generator issue, experts from home standby generator repair and maintenance services and home backup generator repair and maintenance services provider can almost always quickly identify the problem and have the parts, knowledge, and equipment necessary to fix the generator problem and get your backup generator back to top working order.

CONCLUSION ABOUT HOME STANDBY, BACKUP GENERATOR REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE

In conclusion, a home backup or standby generator can be an excellent investment to keep the power going for you and your family, regardless of the cause of a blackout. However, like any appliances or devices, home backup or standby generator needs routine maintenance to keep them working like new. Occasionally, they will break down, and need repairs from generator repair services professionals. In both cases, the service providers that can help are home standby generator repair and maintenance services and home backup generator repair and maintenance services companies.