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The Dark and Cold is a Terrible Place to Be
Consider a Generator System from SWS Builders
The unexpected should now be expected. And that's why you might consider purchasing a generator system. Before choosing a generator, you'll need to assess what appliances and equipment in your home must keep running in the event of an outage.
Here are some of the most common and critical ones:
- sump and sewage pumps
- boiler or furnace
- air handlers for heat (not A/C)
- well pump
- refrigerator
- stand-alone freezer
- lighting circuit
While each family's appliance and equipment needs are different, they usually fall into one of three different scenarios:
Minimal manual system
Runs all critical components listed above
 This system uses a gasoline-powered generator of about 5-8 kilowatts. This requires manual disconnection of your electrical system and connection of your generator to your house system. The generator needs to be refilled with gas every 5-6 hours during use, which means you must have enough gas on hand, and you won't get a solid eight hours of sleep.
The manual system also requires that your house is set up with a generator panel and disconnect installed by a licensed electrician. This kind of system costs $3,000-5,000 and will run all appliances and equipment listed above.
Automatic emergency generator
Runs half the components in an average house
This system uses a propane-powered generator fed from a propane tank. You can choose from an above-ground propane tank with a running time of approximately 20 hours, and an underground tank with a running time of four days.  The clear advantage of this system - besides the longevity of the propane fuel - is that it automatically starts up when the power goes out.
These systems automatically start themselves once a week to ensure they are operable during a power outage, and need to be professionally maintained. They also require a licensed electrician to install the system. Most automatic emergency generator systems are 10-17 kilowatts with air-cooled engines and cost about $10,000-15,000 with an additional $4,000-5,000 if you choose the underground propane tank.
Upgraded automatic system
Keeps an entire house running smoothly
This system is powered by a much quieter, more efficient liquid-cooled engine and provides 17-27 kilowatts of power. These systems provide the power to keep most average-size homes running smoothly. They cost between $15,000-25,000 plus $4,000-5,000 for an underground propane tank.
Don't wait for disaster to strike
SWS Builders has provided customized generator systems for many of our clients.
"The SWS team identified key issues and more than met all of our unique challenges.
They never said 'no,' but instead found creative ways to solve problems."
Fairfield County Homeowner
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