A power outage can be nerve-wracking and inconvenient, especially when at home with children. While it may be tempting to turn the power back as quickly as possible, there are a few steps to take to ensure that the environment is safe before restoring power. Review this guide to learn what to do immediately after the power goes out.

Check for Damage

When the power goes out, things can quickly get uncomfortable. Depending on the time of year, warm and humid or bitter cold air can creep in. Before restoring power manually or the generator starts running, assess each appliance for damage that could lead to shortages or fires in the future.

Perform a Complete Reset

Before restoring power, make sure the home or business conditions are safe before resetting the circuit breaker. Walk around every room and reset and unplug every device before restoring power. Some home and business owners may be unsure of where their circuit breakers are located or feel uneasy about performing the reset alone; in these cases, a professional electrician can help restore power.

Preventing Power Surges

Several measures can help prevent power surges caused by internal and external sources:

• Unplug small appliances when not in use
• Trim and maintain trees on the property to prevent them from growing too close to power lines
• Upgrade wiring when necessary in older homes

Power surges are often unexpected and can also be caused by uncontrollable factors like lightning strikes and severe storms.

Seidel Electric Inc. helps home and business owners throughout the Blairstown, New Jersey area with advanced electrical solutions. Whether you need generator repair or want to install a new unit, our qualified technicians will arrive to offer friendly and professional support. Contact our team today to learn more about our services and financing options.

Generators play a significant role in providing homeowners and businesses with power backup in case of an outage. While there are many brands of generators, you need to select one that is economical and reliable. Generac Guardian Series offers various types of generators to match the power needs of different homes. Below are the distinctive features of Generac Guardian Series generators.

Powerful OHVI Engine

Sometimes you may require to use your generator for consecutive days due to prolonged power outages. Generac Guardian Series generators use OHVI engines, designed to guarantee power availability for weeks. This engine offers low oil pressure protection, which shields your generator from the damages caused by insufficient lubrication. Also, dual-element air filters trap any dirt, reducing the number of times your generator’s engine requires servicing.

Mobile Link Remote Control Feature

This feature allows generator users to monitor their equipment’s functioning while away from home. You can use your mobile phone or computer to keep track of your generator’s operating status and receive maintenance notifications. Additionally, connecting your mobile link account to that of your service provider will enable you to communicate with them and easily access maintenance services.

The Evolution Controller

Generac’s Guardian Series avails a multilingual LCD controller that helps keep track of your generator’s maintenance and battery status. Some of the controller’s functions include triggering the automatic transfer switch, exercising the machine, monitoring utility power in addition to switching a generator on and off. The regulator can also shut down the generator in case of any low or high voltage surges to your appliances.

Generac Quiet-Test

With the Generac Guardian Series, you do not have to worry about lengthy generator tests. The Quiet test runs for a maximum of twelve minutes, which is two thirds less than the average revolutions per minute (RPM). Additionally, the feature lowers the generators’ speed during exercise mode, which lessens noise, carbon emissions, and fuel consumption.

Generac’s Guardian Series of generators possess features that not only provide you with a reliable power back up but also care for your health and safety. At Seidel Electric Inc, we are one of the certified Generac PowerPRO dealers. We provide generator installation, repair, and maintenance services to New Jersey residents. Moreover, we offer electrical project designing, residential electric work, and home entertainment wiring services. Contact us online, or call us today at (908) 362-6191 for a free consultation.

A loss of power can be very frustrating and prevents the charging of electronic devices that need a power connection in a home. Investing in a power back-up plan like a generator enables homeowners to live and work comfortably until the power is restored. There are two types of generators: portable generators, which can be switched on when the need arises, and whole-home generators, which connect to a source of fuel and automatically turn on during a power loss. Using this comparison of portable and home generators will help homeowners decide which one is best for them.

Type of Fuel and Consumption 

When deciding which kind of generator to put in a home, customers should remember that most portable generators require approximately 17 gallons of fuel per day and must be shut down and cooled off to refuel. On the other hand, to run a home generator, homeowners need to connect it to a propane tank or a natural gas source. Refilling a whole-home generator is easy as well, and only requires calling a liquid petroleum gas supply company. 

Cost and Labor Intensity

Small-sized portable generators can power a few appliances and cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500. However, they can also be more labor-intensive and require close monitoring. Whole-home generators are more expensive than portable generators, but require less labor and can support all essential home appliances. Purchasing, installing, and maintaining an average-size whole-home generator costs an average of $10,000.

Generator Maintenance

Home generators require periodic maintenance for performance, and if one runs for more than 10 days in a row, it should have the filters and oil changed. Most generator companies offer inspections and maintenance services for home generators, but portable generators require less maintenance. Refueling, ensuring there are no loose wires, and emptying the fuel tank are among the few maintenance requirements needed for a portable generator.

Purchasing a generator provides homeowners with peace of mind in case of any power outages. At Seidel Electric Inc., we understand that the high winds, heavy rain, and winter storms that are common in New Jersey can deprive many homeowners of power, so our professional team focuses on providing generators and electrical services with financing options if needed. Contact us to purchase, install, or repair a generator in your home today.

A great power backup system ensures minimal disruption during outages. It also protects against financial losses arising from spoiled food, frozen pipes, and other issues. Homeowners need to know the available power backup options on the market to protect themselves against these risks. This information will also help them make informed choices when shopping for backup power systems. Here are the most common power backup technologies that can power a home during an outage.

Portable Generator

Most of the portable backup units use gasoline, but some also run on liquid propane, natural gas, or diesel fuel. In the event of an outage, the homeowner has to wheel the unit out, connect it to the home’s breaker panel and manually start it. These generators are highly reliable, but they need regular refueling.

Standby Generator

This is a generator permanently installed by a certified electrician or generator installer. These generators start automatically during a blackout and power the entire home. Standby generators rely on large natural gas or propane fuel tanks and can run for days.

Battery Backup Systems

A battery backup system can handle both A/C and D/C loads, but this depends on the design. It is an affordable solution, but the power output is not sufficient to power an entire household. Battery backup systems are eco-friendly and run more quietly compared to diesel or gasoline generators.

Solar Generators

Solar backup systems require a single PV (photovoltaic) panel or multiple panels mounted on a roof or anywhere else on a property. Solar generators power D/C appliances and lighting, but using an A/C inverter can expand their function.

Homeowners in Blairstown, NJ, looking for power backup options can receive professional generator services from Seidel Electric Inc. We boast over 75 years in the industry, delivering outstanding services throughout North Jersey and the rest of the Tri-state area. Contact us today to get a free quote for a revolutionary Generac propane-powered generator.