In Arizona, backup generators that are fueled by natural gas or propane gas are growing in popularity.  There are many circumstances in Arizona where owning a backup generator makes a great deal of sense, such as blizzards, triple digit heat waves, or flash floods.  A backup generator to maintain services for your business, home and family can save lives as well as provide comfort.

Both propane and natural gas are readily available, making them the best fuel choice for backup generators.  Gas storage is stable and reliable for years without degradation, providing the necessary heating and power when an emergency strikes.  Standby generators or portable generators can also be run from natural gas or propane storage tanks, as can the engines for vehicles, combined heat and power units, heat pumps, generators, irrigation pumps, and other systems. 

Installing a backup generator means planning for a fuel source.  Any propane gas storage tanks or gas line plumbing should be installed by an experienced gas line company.  The propane storage tank can be installed above or below ground, depending on the property and the local regulations.  Choosing a licensed gas pipeline company in good standing with state and local authorities is essential to ensuring that the gas plumbing installation is safe and is inspected for compliance with all necessary laws.

Even though world events continue to change rapidly, homeowners and business owners can feel secure knowing that a backup generator is prepared for use in any emergency or unexpected situation.  Propane or natural gas fueled backup generators provide reliable, affordable, and efficient power generation as well as peace of mind.

For example, if consumers will be installing household appliances, upgrading outdoor appliances, or plumbing a new business or home, even more consideration than usual should be placed on the fuel source required to run those appliances for their lifetime.  Natural gas, which is already widely available and affordable, will likely become even more so over the coming years.  The same is true for propane gas installations.  The gas line piping and gas storage tanks needed to provide fuel to homes and businesses are already in place and the research already exists to support their environmental superiority as a fuel source.  Since it is no longer a matter of if – but rather when – oil ceases to be the dominant fuel, it is prudent to be ahead of that curve.  And even more so when the benefits of that decision already exist in the form of lower operating costs and lower noxious emissions.

Investing in the gas pipe line installation and gas pipe plumbing needed in today’s project will prove to be a wise decision down the road as the U.S. begins to migrate away from petroleum sources.  Domestic natural gas is abundantly available, sustainable, affordable, and environmentally responsible.  On a national level, and even the local level here in Phoenix, Arizona, the conversation for a better future is already taking place.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AROC) explains the problem this way:  “Property owners often look for the lowest price when looking to build or remodel a home.  Since most unlicensed contractors are not bonded or insured and do not pay into the residential contractors’ recovery fund or pay any unemployment compensation for their workers, they can often under bid the licensed professional.  This bottom line may at first be attractive to the property owner, as a way to lower costs and save money.  Most of the time, it is not.”

RP GAS PIPING has witnessed first-hand this growing and problematic trend in our industry, which is not only unethical, but truly dangerous.  Homeowners allow critical work to be performed by unlicensed contractors or by contractors with different licensing – such as general landscaping – that does not qualify them for gas line piping work.  We are often contracted to fix the problems that result from these types of hiring decisions.  Gas lines will fail if the proper procedure and materials are not used when the installation process is completed.  Specific permit procurement is required and must be completed to ensure that the proper inspection of the work is completed.  The outcome of an improper installation can be gas leaks, premature corrosion and propane tank failure.  At best the consumer will pay for the gas line service twice, and at worst, a dangerous accident could occur. 

RP GAS PIPING cannot overstate the importance of hiring the proper contractor that is licensed and qualified for gas line and propane tank installation and of verifying a contractor or landscaper’s claim of qualification.  The AROC website offers free information for consumers about how to locate and choose a licensed contractor.  The website further explains that, “… with a licensed contractor, you as a residential property owner have significant protections not available to persons utilizing an unlicensed contractor.  This is your guarantee should the workmanship be below standard or in violation of existing codes.” 

Fortunately for consumers in Arizona, AROC makes it easy to check on the licensing and good standing of all contractors in the state.  Check a contractor’s license number online at http://www.azroc.gov/ or by calling 602-542-1525 or toll free 1-877-MYAZROC  (1-877-692-9762)