ACI Northwest Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Spokane Valley’

Generator Tip: Common Problems

Monday, August 27th, 2012

When it comes to having a generator in your Spokane home for those unexpected power outages, it is important to be aware of some common problems that might come up.

Back Feed into Grid

Backfeeding into the power grid is dangerous and should never be attempted.  Most power grids are designed on the basis that power will flow in a single direction, out of the power grid.  If your generator is not set up properly it can accidentally back-feed into the grid, causing safety concerns.  That is why it is important to have a professional generator technician install your whole house generator.

Overpowered Generator

An overpowered generator that takes up too much propane or gas to run it can be pricey to run. It will give you power to most of your home, but that is often unnecessary, and most of the time what is needed during a power outage is only enough electricity to keep essential devices running.

Not Properly Ventilated

Emergency generators are designed to be in places where proper venting can occur, and many times this means installing it outside.  When a gasoline, diesel or propane generator is not properly ventilated it can cause build-up of dangerous gases.  Having professional installation of your generator will ensure that it is well-ventilated and will not cause problems in your building.

Improper Generator Maintenance

Like any other appliance or piece of wired hardware, generators must be properly maintained.  This includes periodic oil changes and filter changes so that when the generator is needed, it doesn’t seize up instead of properly powering a building.  With proper generator maintenance, you can expect your generator to provide worry-free back-up electrical power during a power outage for years to come.

ACI Northwest can help you with all of your generator needs in Spokane and the surrounding area. Contact us today!

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Generator Tip: Whole House Generator FAQs

Monday, August 13th, 2012

If you are thinking about buying a new whole house generator in Spokane, you probably have a few questions about how to select and install the right model. Here are a few common questions and their answers on this topic:

 What Sizes Are Available for Whole House Generators?

Whole house generators generally come in sizes between 22 and 48 kilowatts. The number of kilowatts you want in a generator depends on the number of amps your home consumes. We know the maximum because no home consumes more than 200 amps due to limits in the electrical grid. A 22 kilowatt generator, for example, would replace 92 amps in your home, more than enough for most days – though probably not enough to keep your air conditioner running through the night.

How Long Does a Generator Last?

A quality whole house generator is often rated for up to 20 years of operation in standby conditions. That means that it will last for 20 years while actively installed on your property. That does not mean it can be operated continuously for 20 years, and operational lifespan will vary by model.

How Much Space Does a Generator Need?

You should allow for at least 3-5 feet on all sides of the generator for ventilation and to ensure nothing can get caught up in the system. It should be in a clear space away from entrances to your home but close enough to be easily wired into your electrical system during installation.

What Maintenance is Required?

The actual maintenance needed will depend largely on how often the system is actively used. Either way, it is recommended that you change the oil and all filters once per year. A full inspection is recommended if the system is used for more than 24 hours consecutively in that time period.

If you have any questions about installing a generator in your Spokane home, give ACI Northwest a call today!

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