A home standby generator is a backup generator that automatically operates when a utility outage occurs. Within seconds of losing power in the home, the standby generator switches on and transfers the electoral load to the generator. Having a home standby generator means your home will not lose power, even during the worst storms. Once the power is back up and running, the generator will transfer the electrical load back to the home’s utility and automatically return to standby mode, waiting for the next outage.
Home Standby Generators are available in air-cooled and liquid-cooled models.
Air-cooled generators circulate air inside the unit to bring its temperature down as it provides power to the home. The engine takes fresh air from the atmosphere. It blows it internally across different parts of the generator, ensuring the unit will not overheat. Air cooling is commonly used for generators up to 22 kilowatts of power. One limitation of air cooling is the potential to overheat during periods of extended use. Regular maintenance is required to ensure the unit continues functioning at optimum capacity.
Liquid-cooled generators use oil or coolant to keep the temperature of the internal parts down, which is facilitated through a radiator or water pump internally pushing the coolant liquid through the unit, transferring the heat from the engine back and into the coolant, like an automobile. Heat is stored in the radiator and cooled by the air outside the generator unit. Liquid-cooled generators are typically more expensive than air-cooled to install and maintain but provide a more durable and robust backup power source.