According to the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. homeowners experience, on average, more than seven hours of electrical interruptions each year. The average of duration of outages is two to three hours. With extreme weather events on the rise, homeowners need a reliable source of backup power more than ever. Owning a natural gas generator can help give you that peace of mind.


How Natural Gas Generators Work

Similar to a central air-conditioning unit, natural gas generators are installed outside the home. Natural gas is piped in underground directly from the utility, providing an unlimited and reliable source of backup energy.


Key components of a generator unit include:


  • A commercial-grade engine built to withstand extreme workloads.
  • An automatic transfer switch (ATS), which monitors the electricity coming from the utility.
  • A power indicator that denotes whether the home's energy is coming from the utility or the generator.

When the utility’s energy is restored, the ATS transfers energy from the generator to the utility, then shuts itself down. Most units are designed to automatically run regular diagnostic tests to help ensure they are ready when needed. Some models can also be operated remotely from a smartphone or other mobile device.


The Benefits of Natural Gas

Natural gas generators offer several advantages over portable units and other backup power options, such as:


  • Reliability: Natural gas is piped in, so you'll never run out of fuel
  • Convenience: No need to refuel like with portable gas units
  • Seamless: Generators switch on when power is lost and turns off once power is restored
  • Safety. No worries about storing potentially flammable fuel on site, like with diesel fuel

Sizing & Installation Considerations

The cost to install a natural gas generator can vary widely depending on power and installation requirements. Evaluate the size of your home and its potential energy needs. This includes equipment such as HVAC systems, large appliances and lighting.


You can install a generator to power select equipment or your entire home. The capacity of permanent standby generators ranges from 5 kW to 24 kW. Energizing an entire home typically requires a unit with the range of 16 kW to 24 kW. Work with your unit supplier to find the best unit for your home’s size.


If you're looking for a dependable source of backup power without the hassles associated with portable units, a natural gas generator is the best option for your home. Visit www.piedmontng.com/generators to learn more about purchasing and installing a generator at home.


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