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The lights dim, then flicker, and seconds later it’s dark. Power outages from sudden storms, downed lines, and other acts of nature are all too common in some local communities. But now homeowners are taking matters into their own hands. Residential backup generators are becoming more prevalent for a variety of reasons. Mostly it stems from the fact that an interruption in service is an inconvenience homeowners would rather avoid. We spoke with Mark Fitzpatrick, marketing director of Bangs Generator Systems in Bethesda, about this trend.
When is the best time to install a backup generator?
When a home is under construction or is being renovated is the ideal time to install a backup generator. But one can be added at any time and in reality, most homeowners install a backup generator as the need or want arises.
Are people asking for backup power for heat and air conditioning or other things in their homes?
There are many reasons for a backup generator, including for medical reasons where a child or elderly adult needs oxygen, air conditioning, or the use of an elevator. But homeowners often request the service because they work at home and don’t want interruptions in telephone or computer service due to power outages. Garage doors, security systems, koi ponds, pools, and home theatres are other reasons to have backup power, as well as wine cellars because an expensive wine collection may spoil if the power is out for too long. The generator provides security for the investment.
How often do homeowners use the backup generator?
Some clients use their backup power almost daily. Even if the weather is not a factor, the extra demands on the power grids make it necessary for the backup generators to kick in for minutes or even hours at a time.
Aesthetically, how do the generators look and what about noise?
Generators are often placed alongside an outside air conditioning unit and masked with landscaping. Usually the generator will have some kind of shrubbery or fencing around it. Our generators have quieting systems to curb the sound, which is similar to a car running.
In what areas are you seeing the highest concentration of backup generators?
Ninety percent of our business comes from the communities of Great Falls, McLean, Potomac, Bethesda, and Arlington. Bangs is also installing generator systems as standard amenities in The Preserves, a new 32-home development by NVHomes in Potomac.
