For Torrance, CA residents, having a generator installed on their property provides indispensable backup power during power outages and emergencies. With the frequent earthquakes in the region, many homeowners choose to invest in generators to keep their homes powered when the electricity goes out. When selecting a generator, homeowners must decide between a standby generator or a portable generator.

Key Takeaways

• Having a generator installed provides backup power during outages and emergencies in Torrance.
• Choose a generator based on your power needs – a standby generator runs on gas/propane and turns on automatically, while a portable generator runs on gas and is wheeled out when needed.
• Get quotes from licensed, bonded and insured generator installation companies before choosing one. The cost depends on the generator type and capacity.
• Proper generator installation is crucial – it must be placed outdoors, far from home openings and on a level surface. Permits may be required.
• Routine generator maintenance includes changing oil, replacing filters, testing and cleaning. Annual professional servicing ensures it’s running optimally.
• Warning signs like surging, stalling or failure to start indicate generator repair is needed. Diagnostics tests and part replacements may be required.

Standby generators are permanently installed outside a home. They connect to your home’s electrical system and uses either natural gas or liquid propane for fuel. When the power goes out, a standby generator will automatically turn on within seconds to restore electricity to preselected circuits. This allows you to run appliances, lights, and outlets even during a prolonged outage. Standby generators range in capacity from 7kW to 15kW for most homes. The installation cost ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on capacity.

Portable generators offer an affordable and versatile alternative. They run on gasoline and range from 2kW to 10kW capacity. When the power goes out, you take the generator outside, plug it in and connect appliances via extension cords. Portable generators cost $200 to $1,000 – more affordable than standby generators. However, they require manual start up and you can only power a few appliances at once.

Proper generator installation is crucial to ensure safe operation. Permits are required by the city inspector. The generator should be installed outdoors, far from any doors, windows or vents where deadly carbon monoxide gas can seep indoors. It needs open, unobstructed space on all sides for ventilation and air circulation. The generator should be placed on a firm, level surface strong enough to bear its weight. An electrician will connect it to your home’s electrical panel and gas lines or propane tank.

To ensure your generator runs safely and efficiently over the long term, regular maintenance is essential. For standby generators, an annual service check by a certified technician is recommended. They will change the engine oil and filters, inspect components, test the generator under load, check for leaks or corrosion and ensure it starts up properly. Any worn parts like spark plugs will be replaced.

For portable generators, you’ll need to change the oil after the first 20 hours of operation and then every 50 hours of running time. The air, fuel and oil filters must be cleaned or replaced periodically as per the manufacturer. Only use fresh gasoline with fuel stabilizer added to prevent stale gas issues. Prior to any major storm, start up and test your portable generator to ensure it’s functioning.

Warning signs your generator needs repair include surging or fluctuating power output, stalling or shutting down during use, failure to start, reduced performance, strange noises, leaks, smoke or other troubling symptoms. Diagnostic tests can pinpoint issues like bad sensors, alternator problems, carburetor defects, starting system faults and more. Generator repair specialists can troubleshoot issues and perform necessary repairs or part replacements so it runs like new again.

Investing in proper generator installation, ongoing maintenance and timely repairs helps ensure reliable backup power when you need it most. For Torrance homeowners, having backup electricity and lighting provides safety, security and peace of mind when emergencies and outages occur. Consult Torrance generator experts to choose the right generator and installation company for your needs and budget.