360-499-6604 Are you interested in getting a generator installed for your home? Being prepared for bad weather in Olympia, Washington helps you and your family stay safe and comfortable. Generators are reliable backup power sources for homeowners during outages due to severe weather, aging utility grids, or even car accidents involving utility poles.
G&G Heating is a trusted generator service provider in Olympia. We offer generator installation, repair, and maintenance services so you can ensure dependable backup power.
Our skilled technicians understand the challenges of local homeowners and provide fast, long-lasting repairs and service to generators.
What a Power Outage Does to Your Home
Often, power outages can leave you feeling unsafe and uncomfortable in your home. Whether the outage lasts two hours or two days, it’s important to understand the impacts. Here’s what happens when the power goes out:
Takes Security System Offline
When power outages occur, your security equipment will be taken offline. Security cameras, alarms, and automatic locks may stop working without backup power, leaving your home vulnerable to break-ins.
Spoils Food
Your refrigerator and freezer will only keep food at safe temperatures for a handful of hours without backup power. This leads to spoiled food and costly food waste.
Stops Heating or Cooling
A power outage also shuts down your HVAC system, making it difficult to keep your home comfortable, especially in extreme temperatures. This can create unsafe living conditions for your family during extended outages.
Causes Plumbing Problems
Homes that rely on electric-powered pumps for water supply or sump pump operation can be in trouble during outages. Power outages can affect water access or increase the risk of flooding in basements or crawl spaces.
Disrupts Your Routine
Everything seems harder when the power is out. This includes navigating your property, working, cooking, and staying connected to loved ones.
Types of Home Generators
There are two primary types of home generators: portable and standby. Let’s break down their differences.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are designed to provide temporary power during outages.
Key features:
- Smaller and more affordable
- Easy to move around and store
- Run on gasoline or propane
How they work:
- Must be manually started
- Power appliances using extension cords or a transfer switch
Limitations:
- Only powers a few essential appliances (fridge, lights, etc.)
- Require frequent refueling
- Must be used outdoors due to exhaust fumes
Standby Generators
Standby generators provide automatic, whole-home power for extended periods.
Key features:
- Permanently installed outside your home
- Connected to your electrical system
- Powered by natural gas line or propane
How they work:
- Automatically kick on when power goes out
- Can power entire home or key systems
Benefits:
- No manual setup required
- Continuous fuel supply/no refueling needed
- Reliable for long-term outages
Why Standby Generators Are Ideal
Portable generators can be a good short-term solution, but standby generators offer advantages to homeowners looking for reliable, whole-home backup power.
Standby generators are often the better choice because they:
- Automatically turn on during outages
- Provide power to your entire home or essential systems
- Eliminate the need for manual setup and refueling during storms
- Run on a continuous fuel source like natural gas or propane
- Offer greater safety and convenience
Benefits of a New Generator
If you don’t have a standby generator yet, you can benefit from getting one installed. The primary benefits of a new generator include:
- Uninterrupted power: With a generator, you can keep your lights, appliances, and essential systems running during outages.
- Property protection: Prevent issues like frozen pipes, sump pump failure, and food spoilage with a standby generator.
- Increased property value: Standby generators can significantly increase your property value.
- Improved home safety: Keep security systems online during outages to protect your family.
- Comfort during extreme weather: Keep your HVAC running during outages to prevent uncomfortable or unsafe temperatures at home.
Our Generator Services
G&G Heating provides comprehensive generator services ranging from installation to maintenance and upkeep.
Generator Installation
Whether you’re replacing an existing unit or adding a brand new one, we’re the experts. Our technicians will ensure you get the proper sized unit to serve your backup power needs and professionally install it on your property.
Generator Repair
If your generator is malfunctioning or shutting off after starting, it may need repairs. Our generator technicians can quickly fix common and complex issues for reliable performance.
Generator Maintenance
Routine maintenance keeps your generator operating smoothly. This way, you have reliable backup power right when you need it. Our technicians will tune-up your generator and inspect it for hidden issues.
Contact Us to Learn More About Generator Services
Interested in learning more about G&G Heating’s generator services? We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about installation, repair, or maintenance.
Give us a call at (360) 499-6604 or contact us online.
FAQs
Do generators need regular maintenance?
Yes, generators require routine maintenance to ensure they run when you need them. An annual maintenance call will generally include:
- Inspecting components for damage or issues
- Checking fuel and electrical connections
- Testing the battery and startup performance
- Changing oil and filters
How do I decide which generator I need?
A generator technician can help you decide what type of generator is best for your needs. Both portable and standby generators have different advantages and drawbacks to consider. A professional can assess your home to determine the best option for backup power.
What size generator do I need?
The size generator you need will depend on how much you want to power. Smaller generators can power select appliances while larger standby models may be equipped to power your entire home. A professional generator technician can perform an electrical load calculation to help you choose the right generator.
How loud are home generators?
Home generators produce noise, but most modern standby generators operate rather quietly. They may sound similar to a central air conditioning unit. Portable generators can be louder, especially when running at full capacity.
