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Advantages of Permanent Generators vs. Portable Generators

Losing power as a result of a hurricane, snowstorm or another weather-related event or service downtime can be incredibly frustrating. If the power doesn’t return to your home for several hours – or, in a worst-case scenario, several days – you could be forced to throw out food that has gone bad, layer up your clothing to prevent the cold from affecting you, or even suffer from burst pipes or other issues as your home cools to the point where it affects your plumbing.

More and more homeowners have turned to generators in recent years to keep the power coming to their homes during outages.

Portable generator disadvantages

Portable Generators for Short Periods

If you are considering investing in a generator, you will typically be considering two main options: A portable generator or a permanent generator. Portable generators are typically cheaper than permanent generators and, during short power outages, they will do the trick once you pull them out of storage and get them going. But in general, installing a permanent generator is a much better idea and will absolutely prove to be a better long-term investment.

Backup Generators: Better Investment

Permanent backup generators are safer and quieter than portable options and designed to start automatically at the first sign of power loss which means there’s no need to fuss with unburying your generator and hoping you remembered to gas it up and maintain it between uses. These generators are also nearly impossible to steal since they are large fixtures and hardwired to your home, which adds security and peace of mind.

These generators are also able to provide enough power to keep your entire home or selected circuits powered for days on end. In fact, if you have a permanent generator hooked up to a natural gas line, it can usually provide power for the full length of any outage, which means you will be able to go about your business as normal even when your neighbors are still waiting for the lights to come back on. With a backup generator installation, regular maintenance and routine inspection, you’ll never have to worry about power becoming a problem for you or your family.

GenTech Generators

Best of all, permanent generators will usually increase the value of your home and provide another great selling point if you list your home on the market in the future. So, what are you waiting for? If you have been thinking about having a generator installed, GenTech Generator Systems can give you a quote and walk you through all of the benefits of having a system installed. Contact us at 301-469-7800 today for more information.

Signs Your Backup Generator Isn’t Working

It’s important to make sure your backup generator is working properly in case of an emergency. You never want to get hit with a power outage and not have your backup generator to save you. Here’s why you should check your backup generator see if it’s working properly and what signs to look out for if it’s not.

power outage from broken generator

Check the Entire Backup Generator

Regular maintenance on your backup generator is extremely important to make sure everything is working properly in preparation for a storm.

  • Check the Battery – Battery failure can happen from loose connections. If you have changes in charge rates and amperage increases, this could be a sign that your battery is working improperly.
  • Oil and Fuel – If you notice oil, fuel, and coolant leaks, get those fixed. You’ll be in a bad situation if you need your backup generator during a power outage and it’s having leaks within the machine.
  • Hoses and Belts – Wear and tear on hoses and belts can cause major problems with your backup generator. Check these areas to make sure there are no major tears.
  • Automatic Transfer Switch on Cummins Generators – This is an important aspect of the Cummins Generator. When you have a power outage, your backup generator will kick on from the automatic transfer switch. If this is not working, then you will not have backup power when a storm hits.
  • Fuel Tanks and Lines – Fuel tanks and lines are susceptible to sludge and rust buildup. It’s vital to check these in case there are possible buildups. Make sure your cleaning or replacing lines and tanks before a potential power outage. The working condition of the backup generator will have major problems if you don’t.

GenTech Generators

At GenTech Generators, we provide Cummins Generators for homeowners for backup power. We know it can be difficult during a storm when you lose power. We are here to supply backup power, so that you won’t have to deal with losing power. Contact GenTech Generators at 301-364-4226 today!

Power Outage in the Adirondacks Affects Thousands

A snow and ice storm hit the Adirondacks on Friday, February 7. Thousands of people suffered power outages around Lake George, which left nearly 7,000 without power even on Sunday. Many homeowners know that the winters and storms in the Adirondacks are difficult to live through, and many have backup generators, but do all have them?

Adirondack snow storm

Backup Generators for Winter Climates

Especially if you live in a place like the Adirondacks, backup generators are needed in case a massive winter storm hits. Homeowners are encouraged to be prepared in these circumstances. During a major storm, no one can determine how long homeowners will be without power. In the Adirondacks, traffic jams, downed trees, frozen pipes, and other damages occurred from the winter storm.

So, why do homeowners need backup generators?

Well, it’s common sense to have a backup generator. No matter where you live in the country, a backup generator can be a safety net in case of an emergency. Certain parts of the country need backup generators more than other parts, but it is necessary if you want to feel safe during a situation where there’s a storm.

Saratoga Springs Gets Hit

Saratoga Springs is a place that also got hit with this storm. Approximately 88,000 were without electrical service. This makes the biggest case for people to go out and invest in a backup generator. There aren’t many reasons why you shouldn’t because if you do get hit with a storm, you’ll have backup to protect you with the loss of electricity.

GenTech Generators

If you’re living in an area where you’re susceptible to major storms, we encourage you to invest in a backup generator from GenTech Generators. We provide Cummins Generators for backup power. Contact GenTech Generators at 301-365-4226 today!

Why Are People Buying Backup Generators?

All over the country, more and more people are purchasing backup generators for their homes to prepare for possibly severe storms depending on the season. We see in California that the wildfire intensity is on the rise each wildfire season, and more people are experiencing power outages or worse losing their homes.

Other places down south and near the east coast, people are making sure that they will have power during possible tropical storms and sever hurricanes during hurricane season.

Hurricane Natural Disaster

California Wildfires

Backup generators are in high demand in California due to the increase in intense wildfires. Blackouts are occurring in the state for safety reasons, and people are looking to purchase backup generators in case the blackout lasts too long. The reason for cutting off power to a large portion of the state is to keep power lines from contributing to the spread of wildfires in the state.

Storm Shelters Upgrading in the South

Lee County in Florida is taking initiative in upgrading their storm shelters in preparation for hurricane season. They’re putting in backup generators at the storm shelters including schools and arenas. When hurricane season hits, many people leave their homes to hunker down in these shelters to stay safe during the storm. They rely on these places for shelter and food, which is why the government is installing backup generators in these places because of the result of a horrible Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Do I need a Backup Generator?

This is a very good question to ask yourself. If you’re living in an area where power outages are frequent due to tropical storms, wildfires, or other natural disasters, it’s a smart decision to purchase a backup generator. Even if you don’t live in an area where these events take place, you never know when a power outage may occur leaving you without electricity for an extended amount of time.

Purchasing a backup generator from GenTech Generators is the safe way to go. we supply Cummins Power Generators to homeowners. Contact us at 301-364-4226 today!

Preparing Your Backup Generator for the Storm

Let’s say a storm is about to hit your region, and you have a backup generator, but you haven’t used it in quite some time. It’s extremely important that you check up on the generator before the storm hits, so you know that it will work properly if you lose electricity in your home.

Here is a checklist of things you should do before the storm hits:

Backup generator maintenance

Make Sure the Backup Generator Starts Up and Runs

If you haven’t taken the backup generator out in a while, it may not startup right away or run properly. This is a common occurrence, and it is usually an easy problem to solve. If it doesn’t start up and run properly, then you may want to start checking on all the working parts of the generator. These include:

  1. Check spark plugs and condensers for adjustments, cleanings, or replacements if needed
  2. Change the oil and oil filters if you have not in the last year
  3. Clean out filters and other areas that have rust or sludge
  4. Check for oil, fuel, and coolant leaks
  5. Check coolant level and antifreeze level
  6. Make sure every part of the generator is cleaned, updated, and in working condition

If you know a big storm might be on its way, it’s beneficial to you and your family to make sure your backup generator is ready to weather the storm and provide power to your home if needed.

GenTech Generators

If you don’t already have a backup generator from GenTech Generators, we recommend you get one to have just in case of an emergency, storm, or other power outage that may occur for several reasons. We provide Cummins Power Generators to our customers who need a standby generator to keep their utilities running.

If you have questions on maintenance, installation, or storm preparation, contact GenTech Generators at 301-364-4226 today!

Florida Nursing Homes and the Backup Generator Requirement

Florida mandated all long-term care providers to have backup generators in their facilities or else they will be faced with losing their license. As of 2019, there are still less than half of the nursing homes that have not obtained state and local approvals for the mandate. The mandate requires nursing homes and assisted living facilities to keep residents cool for 96 hours during a state of emergency.

Nursing homes need backup generators

Hurricane Seasons

Florida is a state where hurricanes affect it every single year. If nursing homes and assisted living homes don’t have the approval for this mandate, the residents and patients will suffer from it. Not only can these places lose their licenses, but elderly can suffer from death and medical issues.

There was an incident back in 2017 at Broward Country nursing home after Hurricane Irma where residents died. This is where the initiative started for this state mandate requirement. The hurricane did damage to the air-conditioned system, which left residents in uncomfortable heat for three days. 12 residents died in the event.

Backup Generators Save Lives

Many industry representatives have had problems meeting deadlines because of high costs, but the state is pushing to make sure this gets done. The important thing to know is that backup generators save lives. We know that hurricanes happen every single year, especially down in the southern part of the United States, so it’s important that nursing homes and assisted living homes get approvals for the mandate to have backup generators.

GenTech Generators

Here at GenTech Generators, we know the importance of having a backup generator at your home. In case of an emergency, you don’t have to worry anymore about losing power, heat, or air-conditioning. Contact GenTech Generators at 301-364-4226 for more information on backup generator installation and maintenance.

Places that Need Backup Generators the Most

It’s very important that homeowners and businesses have backup generators because you never know when a power outage or storm can occur. Some places need backup generators more than others, and here is why.

If a storm or power outage occurs, hospitals, nursing homes, and other emergency services need to have power in order to function. A backup generator can help people in need when the power is out.

Hospital Staff Walking down the hall

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are places that need backup generators. The elderly living in these homes already need attention and care, and if there is a power outage, it will be beneficial to have backup power in order to have food and heat in the homes.

Hospitals

Hospitals need backup generators because of the amount of care people need when in the hospital. Many patients are hooked up to machines to help with their recovery, life support, etc. Backup generators will save lives when a power outage happens.

Residential Homes with Elderly and Young Families

There have been many storms around the country, whether they were hurricanes, snowstorms, floods, or windstorms. Elderly living in their own homes can have problems when the power goes out. If they need extra attention and the power goes out, you’ll have to bring them to a place where there is power. A backup generator will fix the situation, so that they can stay warm, have food to eat, and not have to worry about flooding.

Young families should have backup generators as well. Babies and young children may get scared or even restless if the power goes out. When you have a newborn, they also need special care and the right food. Taking care of the house and the kids can be a daunting task at once.

At GenTech Generators, we supply the best cummins power generators for your convenience. If you’re in need of a backup generator to prepare for unwanted circumstances, we’re here for you! Contact us at 301-364-4226 today to learn more about our backup generator installation and maintenance.

How Does a Cummins Generator Work?

Many homeowners are wondering how a Cummins Generator actually works in an emergency situation. There are many of great benefits to having a generator for your home when a storm hits and a power outage occurs, but actually goes into the mechanics on how it turns on and fuels energy for your home is a mystery to some people.

Here is how a Cummins Generator from GenTech Generators works:

This is What Happens When There is a Power Outage

A standby generator offered from GenTech Generators will keep your house running with power when there is a power outage. This is how it works:

When there is a power outage in your home, whether that’s from a storm or other malfunction, the automatic transfer switch connects the generator to your home’s electrical system and powers your home.

  1. Transfer Switch monitors voltage from utility line
  2. Transfer Switch signals generator to supply electricity when a power disruption occurs
  3. The electrical circuits in your home are connected to Cummins Generator set
  4. When power is restored, circuits switch back to the home’s utility power line

The Advantages of Cummins Generators

The Cummins generator set produces some of the highest quality of clean power to your home when there is a power outage with the home’s utility line. When purchasing a generator from GenTech Generators, you’re getting the highest quality installation services. Our generators are lower in noise than the competitors, easier to repair, and lower cost for installation.

GenTech Generators

At GenTech Generators, we take pride in our service and installation of backup generators for homeowners that may be worried about losing power due to a storm or power outage. We can help you get the backup energy you need in case of an emergency. Contact us at 301-365-4226 today!

The Backup Generator Boom in California

The wildfires happening in California have been devastating to families and their homes. The wildfires have been a major concern for residents, especially with the warm weather and the wind coming off the ocean. Backup generators weren’t a he necessity to California residents until now when the state utility Pacific Gas & Electric decided it would be conducting rolling blackouts for the next several years.

Backup generator outside home

The Reason for Rolling Blackouts

Rolling blackouts are temporary power outages that are happening in California due to the wildfires and overheating. In California, transformers and other electrical equipment has overheated and some caught fire due to the excessive heat.

A Need for Generators

If residents will be experiencing rolling blackouts now due to precautionary measures, the demand for backup generators will be increased. Backup generators come with great benefits, especially if the rolling blackouts last for some time. Older residents and younger residents with families will need power for their home. If people have babies, they’ll need food and other necessities during a blackout. It’s beneficial for the elderly residents to have a backup generator during these blackouts to prevent injuries in the house.

Even if you’re not in the California area experiencing the wildfires or rolling blackouts, a backup generator can help you tremendously during any storm power outage.

GenTech Generators supplies Cummins Generators to residents in the New Market, Maryland area since 1995. We have the experience and expertise to help you with your new backup generator.

GenTech Generators

At GenTech Generators, we offer fully automatic backup generators for your convenience. We offer generators large enough to back up the entire house, and we also have smaller ones to generate power for select circuits. Don’t wait for the storm to cause an annoying problem for you to deal with. Be proactive now, and you won’t have to worry about extra damage or costs if you don’t have one.

Contact GenTech Generators at 301-364-4226 today to find out more information on our backup generator systems, and how we can help you get the right one you need for your home.

Do We Need Backup Generators More Than Ever?

If you’re wondering about how to backup your home’s power, then you have come to the right place. A backup generator system from GenTech Generators might be the best solution and precautionary measure in case of an emergency. Power outages aren’t just caused by storms and other common accidents anymore. Overloads, hacking and rolling blackouts are now major factors.  

Power outages

A Backup Generator Will Save You Money and Time

Rolling Blackouts

A rolling blackout happens when the utility intentionally shits off the power in a specific area, turns it on, and then shuts it off again in a different area. These can last 60 to 90 minutes at times, which means you will be without power. Your Cummins Power Generator that you have installed from us will have your back.

Hacking

Now that the digital world is our life, electrical grids are susceptible to hackers causing a power outage for many different reasons. Foreign hacker groups have in the past, hacked different countries’ electrical grids. A backup generator could be your safety net in case of an emergency like this.

Overloads

Overloads can happen often if you are trying to draw too much power from a single circuit. An overuse of extension cords, plugging too many appliances in, and using an appliance above the circuit’s amp levels can cause overloads.

Young Families and Elderly Will Benefit

Being a young family with a new house, you never want to have the power go out during a severe storm or electrical grid problem. The refrigerator is usually stocked with all your food for the family, which will eventually go bad during a power outage.

For elderly homeowners, having a generator will allow you to keep warm and have your food stay fresh during a severe storm. This is so important for everyone no matter what your age.

Getting a backup generator installed is a significant investment, but down the road it will save you the stress and time of panicking during a storm or problem. A Backup generator will also increase the value of your home!

GenTech Generators

At GenTech Generators, we offer fully automatic backup generators for your convenience. We offer generators large enough to back up the entire house, and we also have smaller ones to generate power for select circuits. Don’t wait for the storm to cause an annoying problem for you to deal with. Be proactive now, and you won’t have to worry about extra damage or costs if you don’t have one.

Contact GenTech Generators at 301-364-4226 today to find out more information on our backup generator systems, and how we can help you get the right one you need for your home.

GenTech Generators

GenTech Generators