How to Choose the Right Backup Generator for Your Business

Every industry, including the entertainment sector, healthcare providers, and food services, needs a backup generator for power outages and emergencies. A backup generator for business helps restore power and ensures your business does not lose money or customers. However, how does a generator work, and what should you consider when buying one?

Don’t worry! We’re energy experts, and we will tell you all you need to know about generators for business usage. That way, you find a generator that’s right for you and your company.

Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s an in-depth look at backup generators:

How Does a Backup Generator Work?

A common misconception about generators is that they create electricity. However, they don’t actually produce electricity; instead, they convert either machinal or chemical energy into electricity. In other words, a generator is an electric motor just working in reverse.

Commercial generators often rely on fuel sources like diesel, gas, or propane to create machinal power. Once machinal power is created, it can be forced into a circuit and directed to produce the flow of electricity.

The Benefits of a Backup Generator

The benefits are endless when you have a backup generator for business. For one, you won’t have to worry about missing important calls or meetings due to a power outage.

The generator will turn your power on, so it will be like nothing happened. Your business will have AC, lights can be turned on or off, and machines will continue to work.

A backup generator ensures that work doesn’t stop just because there’s a power outage. You can still serve customers and conduct business as usual.

A backup generator also allows employees to maintain comfort and safety during emergencies. If a power outage did occur, and your business didn’t have a backup generator, people would likely panic, which can lead to injuries. Instead, a generator lets you control your electricity, even in power outages, natural disasters, and accidents.

What To Look For In a Backup Generator

No two generators are the same. That’s why it’s important that you get a generator that’s right for your business. When your purchase a generator, look for these four backup generator features:

1. Total Wattage

You need to purchase a generator that can power the wattage amount you need to keep your business running. Generators have different wattage amounts ranging from 800 to 500,000 watts. If you purchase a generator with the wrong wattage amount, you’ll likely overdraw power and weaken the energy flow.

To find your business’s wattage amount, look at your energy bills. Your bill will state how much energy you use. Compare each bill and use the highest number, then add 25%. This ensures you have the energy you need and won’t overdraw.

2. Low-CO Engine

Generator brands have developed a new low-co engine that’s more energy efficient and safer. This engine prevents carbon monoxide poisoning by running off of less fuel.

Since generators burn fuel, they can give off carbon monoxide. When the generator is located in tight or closed spaces, carbon monoxide can build up and poison people leading to injuries and fatalities.

Over 900 people died of carbon monoxide poisoning from 2005 to 2017. So while it’s rare, it can and does happen. It’s best to be safe and buy a low-carbon monoxide generator.

Make sure you store it 20 feet or more from your business. Low-co engines help decrease the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it does not eliminate it completely.

3. Automatic Start

When you purchase a generator, make sure it has an automatic start. That way, the generator automatically turns on if the power turns off. This feature is great if your business is often busy or if you travel a lot and may not be in the office.

You don’t have to worry about going out and starting it yourself; instead, it will instantly restore power to your machines. Now, because there was a loss of power, your machines may need to restart or reset. This process may delay making orders and serving customers, but look on the bright side; at least you have power.

4. Noise Level

Generators produce different noise levels. They can be as quiet as a fridge, an interactive conversation, or as loud as a truck. It just depends on the output and power of a generator.

It’s important to keep the noise level in mind, especially if your business has an outdoor sitting or activity area.

After all, you don’t want your customer’s experience to be ruined because of a generator. Try to find a generator with a low noise level so your customers don’t even know it’s there.

How Much Does a Generator Cost?

A generator can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $13,000. It just depends on the make, model, and generator’s features. Comparing generator costs is the best way to get a good deal.

While some affordable ones may have the wattage amount you need, they might not have the other features you want. So find a generator that won’t break the bank but has everything you want to power your business in times of need.

Buy a Backup Generator For Your Business Today

No matter what industry you’re in, a backup generator for business is needed. If your building has a power outage, you’ll want to continue operations so you don’t lose money and valued customers. A generator can help you do just that; it will power all of your business’s necessities, so you don’t have to close for the day.

Remember, no two generators are the same. Look for a generator that has a low-co engine, an automatic start, and can power the total wattage you need. That way, you can buy a safer, more efficient, and more effective generator.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and pricing plans.