What Is a Standby Generator? (And Why Do I Need It)

Just as homeowners' insurance protects against unexpected events, a standby generator safeguards the systems your household depends on every day.

At Premier Generators of Texas, we help homeowners throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area find backup power solutions that act as reliable safety nets until power returns.

Standby generators are permanently installed units that connect directly to your home or company’s electrical panel and fuel supply. These units eliminate the hassle of portable models that need manual setup and constant refueling. Standby generators detect power loss within seconds and automatically switch on, restoring electricity before you notice the lights go out.

The system relies on several components working in sync, including:

When your utility power fails, the automatic transfer switch senses the problem within seconds and signals the generator to start. Power flows through your circuits so fast that most folks never even lose connection to their devices.

After your utility power returns, the system reverses itself just as efficiently. The transfer switch reconnects your home to the grid and commands the generator to power down. It then returns to standby mode, where it continues to monitor for the next potential outage.

During extended power outages, your refrigerator and freezer will continue to run, saving hundreds of dollars in otherwise spoiled groceries. Your sump pump, in the basement or crawlspace, stays on duty, preventing further loss from potential flood damage. Your standby generator keeps your essential devices, including security systems, powered.

Climate control protection is another benefit. With a standby generator, your HVAC system will remain running, which is especially important for babies and loved ones managing health conditions. Additionally, if folks in your home rely on medical devices or you run a business from your house, continuous power isn't a luxury; it's essential.

Determining the appropriate generator capacity requires listing the appliances and systems you want to power during outages. Calculate both running wattage and starting wattage for each item, as motors need significantly more power at startup.

Here’s a quick overview of what different-sized systems can handle:

• Smaller systems in the 7- to 12-kilowatt (kW) range typically handle lighting, refrigeration, and basic heating or cooling, but don’t support high-demand appliances like central air conditioning or electric water heaters.
• Mid-size units, ranging from 13 to 20 kW, accommodate most average-sized homes with major appliances, well pumps, electric water heaters, and larger central air conditioning units.
• Large generators with 22 to 26 kW can provide whole-house backup power, powering high-demand appliances, multiple air conditioners, and luxury features.
  

Generac® has earned recognition since pioneering the first affordable residential backup generator in 1959. Today, every 8 in 10 homeowners with backup power have chosen this reliable brand.

Modern Generac® standby generator models include automatic transfer switches that monitor utility power around the clock, seamless switching operations, and tracking systems with LTE cellular connectivity, so you’ll get alerts sent directly to your phone.

Unexpected power outages aren’t unusual occurrences in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so why not cover what’s essential to your home’s well-being? Our Premier Generators of Texas team will help you select the appropriate model, and you’ll have a professional installation and ongoing maintenance support that delivers reliable protection for years.

To request a quote today, contact us online or call (214) 945-2525. Premier Generators of Texas proudly serves our communities, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Collin County, McKinney, Plano, Tarrant County, and Denton County, TX.