How to Stay Powered During Texas Storms

Summer heat waves are no joke in Texas, and with these waves come the inevitable (and sometimes deadly) storms. Staying powered during these storms poses a particular challenge for residents of the Lone Star State, but it basically comes down to prioritizing preparedness, conservation and backup power options – this includes knowing how to manage appliances, having an emergency kit and considering a generator or battery storage. It may also be smart to have a professional electrical company on speed dial!

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the benefits of standby generators, installation steps, cost considerations and how we here at Wade Electrical ensure readiness when outages hit.

I. The Benefits of Standby Generators in Texas

Standby generators in Texas offer numerous benefits, primarily in the area of ensuring a continuous power supply during outages caused by severe weather, grid issues or other unforeseen circumstances. This reliability protects homes and businesses from spoilage, damage and disruption, while also increasing property value and providing peace of mind.

Let’s take a deeper dive into these.

• Protection From Outages – Standby generators automatically kick in when the power goes out, keeping essential appliances, HVAC systems and, in the case of hospitals, medical equipment running. This is particularly crucial in Texas, given its exposure to extreme weather events like winter storms, severe thunderstorms and hurricanes on the Gulf.

• Preventing Property Damage – Power surges and fluctuations during outages can damage electronics and appliances, and a standby generator provides a stable power supply to mitigate this risk.

• Preserving Food and Avoiding Waste – A continuous power supply ensures your refrigerator and freezer stay operational, avoiding food spoilage and saving money.

• Increased Property Value – Texas homes equipped with standby generators are often more attractive to prospective buyers, particularly in areas prone to power outages, making it a valuable addition that can increase resale value.

Employing a standby generator also provides a sense of security and comfort, long-term cost savings by preventing damage to appliances and a degree of energy independence.

II. Generator Installation Steps

Installing a backup generator in Texas involves several key steps, from site preparation and electrical/fuel line connections to transfer switch installation and final testing.

Planning and Preparation

This encompasses:

• Permits and inspections

• Location selection

• Concrete pad installation

• Fuel line installation

Electrical Installation

This encompasses:

• Transfer switch installation

• Wiring

• Main power disconnect

Fuel Line Installation for Natural Gas or Propane

This encompasses:

• Professional plumbing

• Underground conduit installation

Final Steps

This encompasses:

• Testing and commissioning

• Final inspection

• Maintenance

III. Cost Considerations

In Texas, backup generator costs vary based on size, fuel type, complexity of installation and permits, but a whole-house generator generally ranges from $3,000 to $20,000 installed. Natural gas generators are often the most cost-effective option due to readily available connections, while propane and diesel options may require additional storage.

The bottom line is that installation costs can vary significantly, but professional installation is imperative for safety and efficiency.

How Wade Electrical Group Ensures Readiness When Outages Occur

This is precisely where Wade Electrical comes in – our expert team of highly skilled and licensed electricians provides innovative backup solutions for residential and commercial applications, ensuring none of our customers are left in the dark during a Texas summer.

Wade Electrical Group powers your vision with expertise and integrity.