Generator Types & Sizing Services in Frederick & Westminster, MD
Provident Electric Provides Generating Sizing Services
When inclement weather arrives, will you be prepared or left in the dark? Provident Electric can help you choose the right size generator for properties in Frederick, Mr. Airy, Germantown, Westminster, and Middletown, MD. Since 2002, we have been the electrical company home and business owners throughout the community trust for reliable services. Maryland is home to a wide range of extreme weather conditions, including hurricanes, heavy snowstorms, nor’easters, and much more. A new generator provides you safety, comfort, and peace of mind, knowing you and your family are safe. However, choosing the correct size generator for your home or office is crucial. If you’re considering using a generator for your property, learn more about the importance and process of choosing the right size generator. Speak to a qualified electrician today.
Do I Really Need a Property Generator?
It’s important first to decide if you even need a generator for your property. Generators provide your home or office with electricity when the power goes out due to weather, electrical malfunction, or a downed power line. Nowadays, people are so dependent on technology for news and entertainment that the idea of being without power for hours, days, or even weeks can become difficult. Some of the advantages of installing a generator for your home or business include the following:
- Comfort and Convenience – When the power goes out around the block, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your family is safe at home. You can enjoy many of your favorite activities with the correct generator.
- Run Essential Appliances – From the moment the lights go out, the clock is ticking. When essential appliances, such as refrigerators and sump pumps, stop working, it can lead to significant damage to your home and financial loss.
- Improves Safety – Is your family protected in the face of a power outage? Heat, lighting, and air conditioning are all powered by electricity. When they aren’t available, it can lead to hazardous or even deadly conditions.
- Increase Property Value – Home buyers are willing to pay more to protect their new investment. A well-maintained standby generator can help increase the value of your home.
Why Does the Right Size Generator Matter for My Property?
Generators give you peace of mind, safety, and convenience during a power outage, making them a sound investment for you and your family. However, whether you’re a home or business owner, choosing the right size generator to match your energy needs is critical. During a power outage, you want to be confident you have the correct size generator to power your home. Discover why choosing the right size generator is critical for you and your family:
- Helps Saves You Money – If you buy a generator that far exceeds your energy needs during a power outage, you may be spending too much money running it. Choosing the correct generator for your property can help you better maintain costs.
- Protects Your Generator – Conversely, if your generator doesn’t have adequate power to maintain your electronics, it can damage the generator. Ensuring your generator can handle your power needs is crucial for your family’s safety and comfort.
- Preserve Your Electric Equipment – Electronics are still vulnerable to power surges caused by inadequate or unstable wattage. Maintaining a reliable and constant electrical current helps protect your electronics during an outage.
How Do I Know Which Generator to Choose?
Determining the type of generator you’ll need to power your home or office is crucial. Selecting the incorrect generator can lead to a variety of costly issues. However, calculating the required wattage you need for your generator to power the necessary appliances is simple. You can follow our step-by-step guide below or speak with one of our trained and certified electricians to ensure precise calculations:
First, you'll need to determine which appliances or devices you'll run during the event of a power outage. Whether it's only a few essentials like a refrigerator or sump pump or you want enough power to generate your entire home, it will significantly impact the generator you'll need.
Calculating the wattage is the most important step. Find each device's starting and running wattage on the device's identification plate or owner's manual. If the power usage is displayed as amperes, you'll need to convert the number to wattage. To convert amperes to wattage, multiply the labeled number of amperes by the number of volts.
Finally, you'll select the generator type based on the necessary wattage. However, it's crucial your generator can provide power well above the total wattage calculated to account for a power surge.
What Are the Benefits of a Portable Generator?
As their name suggests, portable generators are typically stored until a power outage occurs. Most portable generators use gas as a fuel source and convert it to electrical energy. They have a smaller output, typically up to 7,500 watts, so they are usually only used to power essential appliances such as your air conditioning, heat, fridge, sump pump, well pump, or some combination. While most portable generators require a hookup using extension cords, some may be hooked up directly to your breaker. Some of the benefits of a portable generator include:
- Affordability
- Easy Operation
- Versatile Usage
- On-Demand Access
Is a Large Inverter Generator Necessary for My Property?
Inverter generators can power up to 7,500 watts. However, they need to be connected directly to your property’s circuit breaker, which requires the expertise of an experienced electrician. They provide you with ample power for your essential appliances and some additional conveniences. One of the most significant differences between an inverted generator is it offers better power control, which provides better efficiency, making it ideal for longer power outage situations. Home and business owners should choose an inverted if they value the following:
- Energy-Efficient Solution
- Quiet Operations
- Compact Size
- Direct Connection to Breaker
When Is a Home Standby Generator Necessary?
Home standby generators are a permanent installation directly connected to your property’s circuit breaker. They are usually powered by your natural gas source, eliminating your need to refuel throughout the power outage. Most models can power up to 20,000 watts, which is typically enough to power your entire home. While more powerful than other generator types, they do carry a higher price tag. When the power goes out, your standby generator will automatically activate to provide you and your family with comfort and convenience during the worst storms. Some additional benefits include:
- Ease of Use
- Longevity
- Increase Home Value
- Sufficient Power
- Peace of Mind
What Fuel Types Are Available for My Generator?
When choosing the right size generator for your residential or commercial use, fuel type is always a consideration that some property owners may overlook. There are numerous fuel types available to power your generator. When you meet with our team of experts, we’ll work with you to determine the best option, depending on your generator type and usage. Learn more about the different fuel types of generators:
The most common fuel type for generators is gasoline. One key consideration is accessibility. In many power outage situations, residents throughout the affected area are filling up on gas, so you must maintain some on hand.
Natural gas is generally used to power standby home generators. They utilize the home's natural gas system to maintain power during an outage, making it an incredibly convenient option.
Some generators can provide power using multiple fuel sources, depending upon availability.
We’re the Trusted Expert for Generator Sizing and Installation
The next time there’s a power outage in your area, make sure you’re prepared. In 2020, American homeowners were without power, on average, for a record-breaking seven hours. Property owners throughout Frederick, Mr. Airy, Germantown, Westminster, and Middletown, MD are familiar with the extreme weather conditions experienced throughout the year. As a locally owned and operated electrical company, the expert team at Provident Electric is here to ensure you and your family are safe by offering complete generator services, including sizing, repair, and installation. We have the proper skills and experience to help ensure your family is safe the next time the power goes out. Contact us today to schedule your service today.