Southern California is no stranger to extended power outages. The region often experiences extreme weather and earthquakes that can affect the grid. There are other factors as well, including population growth, an aging electrical system, and frequent construction. The most effective way to protect yourself against such outages is a backup generator. Let’s explore why a backup generator is an excellent investment for your Palm Springs home.
Automatic Power Transfer
Backup generators connect to a transfer switch, which an electrician installs in the electrical panel. Most modern systems use an automatic transfer switch as opposed to a manual one. When it detects a loss of power from the grid, it automatically engages the generator. This transfer of power typically completes within 5 to 10 seconds. The other advantage of a transfer switch is that it provides power through the electrical panel. You can plug devices directly into the generator, but you don’t have to. It will supply power through the panel to your home’s subsystems, such as your:
- Lighting
- Water heater
- HVAC equipment
- Refrigerators and freezers
Protect Against Power Surges
When there’s a sudden loss of power from the grid, there’s a dip in voltage. That can cause electrical surges within the home’s electrical system. It can damage electronic devices, appliances, wiring, outlets, and so forth. While the power transfer isn’t quite instantaneous, backup generators protect against this phenomenon. Backup generators also have integrated surge protection to help protect your home against any power anomalies. Homeowners without whole-home surge protection may also want to upgrade their electrical panels.
Continuous Power Supply
Backup generators can provide a continuous and consistent power supply as long as they have fuel. If you have access, natural gas is preferable because you’ll never run out. The main alternative is liquid propane. You must ensure a large enough LP tank for extended outages and regular deliveries. Systems that use gasoline are the least convenient. They often require frequent trips to a service station during a time when gas is in high demand.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Food loss is a chief concern with power outages and one of the reasons a backup generator is so important. Consider that a refrigerator can only keep food safe for four hours without power. Full freezers can keep food safe for up to 48 hours without power. Even a household with a single refrigerator can experience losses between $200 and $500. Those with multiple refrigerators and freezers can easily lose thousands of dollars. Insurance often covers up to $500, but that doesn’t account for having to deal with all the spoilage and replacement.
Air Conditioning in Summer
A backup generator can keep your cooling system running throughout the power outage. It’s important to maintain as much comfort as possible during a period of inconvenience, but there are safety concerns too. The National Weather Service warns that a 90-degree Fahrenheit or higher heat index is a health risk for all. Desert summertime temperatures often reach triple digits. The safe threshold is even lower if you have children, pregnant women, and older adults in the home.
Heating in Winter
While winters are generally mild in Southern California, they’re cold enough to be dangerous. The World Health Organization recommends 64 degrees as a minimum safe indoor temperature. If there are infants or seniors in the home, that threshold increases to 69 degrees. Cold indoor temperatures can cause poor sleep, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular problems. Long-term exposure can lead to hypothermia.
Indoor Lighting
Even generators that only provide essential coverage, which are among the smallest, allow for lighting throughout a home. You won’t have to worry about using flashlights and lighting candles. Family members won’t have to stumble around in areas where it’s hard to see, reducing the risk of an injury.
Avoid Frozen and Burst Pipes
Although it’s quite rare, the Coachella Valley does experience freezing nights. When this happens, your home’s heating serves another purpose. It keeps your pipes warm so that water flows and can’t accumulate into ice. Without that heat, pipes can freeze. That creates additional pressure in the pipes, which can eventually cause them to burst. A generator avoids this risk, which can result in significant damage to your home.
Sump Pumps During the Rainy Season
Many homeowners install a sump pump to avoid excess moisture and even flooding in the lower levels of their houses. Primary sump pumps require power to run. Households without a generator need to invest in a battery-powered backup sump pump. With a generator, you eliminate those additional equipment, installation, and maintenance costs. You’ll also get more peace of mind. Most backup pumps can only run for about 12 hours. Your generator can provide power to your main pump for much longer than that.
Outdoor Lighting and Security Systems
There are heightened security risks during a power outage. Homes may be more prone to theft and vandalism. A generator can supply power to your spotlights and all other outdoor lighting. It can also keep your alarm system active, which gives you peace of mind that help isn’t too far away.
Internet Access and Phone Charging
If you choose a generator that provides managed coverage, you can provide power to modems and routers. You’ll also be able to power some desktop computers, laptops, and televisions. Households will also enjoy the convenience of charging all phones and tablets in the home without worry.
Hot Meals
With managed coverage, you’ll have a wider selection than sandwiches and canned foods. You can cook meals just as you would during normal times. These generators provide enough power to run the main stove and range. You’ll also be able to selectively use small kitchen appliances, such as microwaves and air fryers.
Increased Property Value
The real estate industry estimates that a backup generator increases home values by up to 5%. In Southern California, that increase often covers the cost of the generator, its installation, and annual maintenance. Homes with backup generators also sell faster. As power outages are a concern in this region, buying a house with a generator is one less thing you have to worry about.
Backup Generator Installation Pros in Palm Springs
If you’d like to install a backup generator in the Palm Springs, CA area, General Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Serving the Coachella Valley for over 40 years, we specialize in backup generators, indoor and outdoor lighting, electrical panels, outlets, and EV charging stations. You can count on us for whole-home wiring and rewiring and wiring for pools, hot tubs, and spas. Our HVAC technicians install and service air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, hybrid heating systems, and ductless mini-splits. We perform home energy audits, clean ducts, and specialize in air purifiers, UV lamps, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Our plumbers clean drains and repair pipe leaks, sewer lines, and slab leaks. We also install and service bathroom and kitchen fixtures, tank and tankless water heaters, water softeners, and water filtration systems. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment for electrical services.
