Standby Generators
A standby generator is designed to automatically provide electricity during a power outage. It is permanently installed at the home or place of business. The system – in standby mode – constantly monitors utility power 24/7/365. The automatic transfer switch (ATS) will detect a power failure and will send a signal that automatically disconnects from utility feed wires, connects generator feed wires, and starts the generator engine. The home or business will receive power from the generator smoothly and with minimal interruption similar to operating from utility power. When utility power is restored, the ATS will switch back to utility feed wires and return itself to standby mode.

Backup Generators
A backup generator, also known as portable generator, does not offer automatic outage detection. When utility power fails, the business owner or homeowner must start the generator‘s engine manually. Power is then available to selected appliances by setting up extension cords directly from the backup generator to the needed appliance.

Other Considerations
Most standby generators will exercise themselves at regular intervals that can be set by the homeowner or business owner. During a short run, perhaps 12 minutes, the standby generator will lubricate its engine, charge its batteries, and run a diagnostic check. Some models may even alert the owner immediately to any potential problems. A backup generator will require the owner to run periodic maintenance and diagnostics to ensure that is remains in perfect working order and ready for use at any moment. Owners of standby generators, which are permanently installed and automatically engaged, are less affected by weather conditions when the device is needed. Owners of backup generators will need to store, retrieve and fire up the generator manually, often times during severe weather conditions that might prove problematic.

For either standby generators or backup generators it is advisable to run them using natural gas or propane gas as a fuel source. In Phoenix, Arizona, and the surrounding area, natural gas and propane gas, including all of the necessary gas line piping and propane storage tanks, are readily available. If your home or business cannot afford to be without power, then a generator and gas fuel supply can alleviate your concerns and safeguard your loved ones.

• The difference between standby generators and backup generators
• The features of generators and which ones are most important
• The best wattage and fuel supplies for generators
• The location and installation of generators

Why Get a Generator?
An electrical power outage can last a few hours to several days, and usually happens during major weather events. For most Arizona residents, a short power outage is just an inconvenience. But during the extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter, losing your climate control and hot water could actually prove dangerous to the health of the very young, very old, or those who are sick or injured. Even more, losing the ability to run medical equipment could quickly turn life-threatening. There is also the cost of spoiled food and other items that could be damaged without electricity for an extended period.

By selecting a standby generator or backup generator, you have access to electricity during a power outage. And by choosing a generator that runs on natural gas or propane gas, you will have a low maintenance, fuel efficient, and cost effective alternative to municipal electricity available whenever you need it. Properly installed, gas powered generators are safe to operate and the fuel supply is stable for long term storage.

Over the next few blogs, we will explore everything that you need to know about gas standby generators and gas backup generators, whether fueled by natural gas or propane gas stored in propane gas storage tanks. Check back often for the latest installments. Standby generators and backup generators might be perfect solution for your Arizona home and business.

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.

When building, remodeling, or upgrading a home or business in the Phoenix, Arizona area, propane gas is a smart choice.  A reputable gas piping contractor will evaluate the needs of your property and propose a plan to install or upgrade your propane gas pipe system.  This will include an inspection of any existing gas pipelines and a recommendation for storage tank placement that is convenient for both delivery trucks and gas line plumbing to appliances.

Propane is cleaner burning than coal, heating oil or gasoline, as well as costing less to use than those fuels.  And since electricity can be generated in coal-fired plants, propane also reduces carbon dioxide emissions overall.  Propane meets the standards set by the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) for reducing acid rain and controlling air pollution in urban areas and is considered a leading solution for a cleaner, healthier environment.

Propane gas vaporizes quickly and easily, so it will not contaminate soil or groundwater should a leak or spill ever occur.  Propane gas is usable under a wide range of pressures and temperatures.  A continuing supply of propane gas can be obtained from natural deposits or manufactured from organic materials.  Propane is easily transportable and is an existing part of the nationwide transportation and handling system. 

Propane is available economically and efficiently all year long, and is easily and safely stored in onsite propane storage tanks.  Millions of people each year use billions of gallons of propane gas to fuel their homes, farms, businesses and industries.  Safe and dependable propane gas plumbing and propane storage tanks deliver clean-burning, easily renewable fuel for a growing multitude of uses.  Propane is an excellent energy source and a truly green option that you can feel good about.

Fireglass is small rustic glass stone-like pieces that have been specially treated so that, when exposed to extreme or prolonged heat, they do not break down, emit toxins, or fade.  Each piece of fire glass is polished to a safe, smooth-edged shine. Fireglass is available in a wide variety of colors for that perfect addition no matter the project.

Custom fire features or fire pits are dramatic art for your landscape.  Adding a modern edge, these outdoor statements provide beauty and versatility without the mess and expense of wood or worry about excessive smoke.  Fireglass features can be turned on with the flip of a switch and the burn flame can be set at varying levels.

Fire glass can be used to replace the logs in your indoor propane fireplace as well. The multitude of hues will compliment and add depth to any room.  The subtle shine and great textural look of fireglass provides a superior design element to the traditional lava rock of most indoor natural gas fireplaces.

Natural gas or propane gas fireplaces, fire pits, and fire features can be added to homes or businesses that do not currently have  gas pipe lines installed.  But remember that tapping into existing natural gas lines or installing propane gas storage tanks should only be done by a licensed gas pipeline company with the experience necessary to guarantee a safe and worry-free gas pipe installation.

Whatever the project for your home or business, working with a reputable licensed gas piping contractor ensures that all necessary precautions are taken.  Working with a gas piping company that is familiar with the Phoenix, Arizona area can help you to understand and plan for the possible weather conditions your new feature will be subject to, and help you get the most longevity from the piece.

The design possibilities with fireglass are endless both indoors and outdoors.  Using fire glass in your fireplace or fire features will provide a stunning visual effect that will last for years to come.

Most homeowners and business owners prefer natural gas or propane gas pool heaters for use with their swimming pools.  Gas pool heaters warm water quickly and maintain a consistent water temperature more reliably than other types of heaters. They will continue to warm water on cloudy days or at night, unlike a solar heater. 

Gas pool heaters not only heat water quickly, but can be set to hold a specific temperature.  This keeps the water temperature from fluctuating too widely, as it would with an electric heater, and reduces energy waste.  And both natural gas and propane gas are clean, abundant, and affordable fuel sources.

In the Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding areas it is a simple task to run a gas line to the pool heater – either natural gas or propane.  If natural gas is available at your home or business, then extending the gas pipe plumbing to a heating unit can easily be accomplished by a professional gas line plumbing company.  If natural gas is not available, a qualified gas company can install a propane storage tank and complete the gas pipe plumbing installation from the tank to the pool heater.

If the gas swimming pool heater is installed on an indoor pool, proper ventilation will be required.  An experienced gas line plumber should be consulted to complete the installation for safe operation indoors.

It is important that the gas line plumbing to your pool heater meet all state and local building codes, and permits will likely be required.  Always choose a licensed gas line contractor that is in good standing with the local contractors’ association and you will be assured of safe, inspected gas pipeline installation.

Choosing a propane backup generator makes the most sense.  Propane standby generators or propane portable generators offer a significant advantage over gasoline, oil, or natural gas.  Propane gas is delivered to storage tanks located on site.  The propane gas fuel source is readily available at all times, including during electrical blackouts, natural gas leaks, and gasoline shortages. 

Propane gas storage is stable, and is reliable for years without degradation, so that propane backup generators can provide the necessary heating and power when an emergency strikes.  And generators that run on propane gas tend to run longer, start better in cold weather, and breakdown less than generators using gasoline or oil.

Propane backup generators are ideal for homes or businesses that are remote, off-grid, or seasonally grid-connected.  Propane also fuels engines for vehicles, combined heat and power units, heat pumps, generators, irrigation pumps, and other systems.  Having one propane fuel source for many different needs makes sense in a remote location.

An experienced gas line company can install propane gas storage tanks and gas line piping to fit the needs of each location.  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.

Propane is a cost-efficient fuel source, so that homeowners and business owners see real energy savings along with the reliability and ecological advantages.  Propane backup generators provide reliable, affordable, and efficient power generation that produces fewer emissions than conventional alternatives, making propane backup generators the strong choice.

New construction projects are fun and exciting.  Dreaming of how the finished project will look and function is the best part of any plan.  But anytime there is gas line piping involved, you will need to involve a professional gas line plumber to help you determine what gas sources and gas lines are nearby.  This is not just a practical suggestion.  In nearly all areas of the United States, failure to accurately locate underground utilities can result in a fine or criminal charges.  Repair and emergency charges would also be levied if damage is done or a dangerous situation is created.

An experienced gas piping company will do more than simply locate the natural gas and propane gas sources and gas pipelines.  They will also inspect the gas pipe installation for needed repairs and recommend the safest, most efficient ways to reroute any gas pipe plumbing to meet the needs of the new project.  With these decisions accounted for early in the project, the final plan will be more effective and more complete.

When conducting your search for a gas line service company, be sure to hire only gas line contractors that are licensed with the state and local authorities and are in good standing with the better business bureau and governing contractors association.  In the Phoenix, Arizona area and throughout AZ, that is the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, or AROC.gov.

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.

1. Check the integrity of the gas line.

I If you have a propane tank directly attached to the gas appliance, it is a good idea to check that the line is still intact after a winter without use. You should also check the supply line of a natural gas grill. Use the steps below to confirm that the line is not leaking.

2. Leave plenty of space around the grill.

The appliance should be at least 10 feet from the nearest structure. Stay clear of tree branches and shrubs, too.

3. Store propane grills and propane tanks in open areas.

It is dangerous and illegal to store or use propane on a balcony, terrace, or roof. Use only in a well ventilated outdoor area.

4. Plan an emergency extinguishing method.

Never attempt to put out a grease fire with water, as this will cause the flames to flare up. Have a working fire extinguisher on hand whenever flames are to be used. If the fire involves or is near the tank, DO NOT attempt to extinguish it. Evacuate the area and call the fire department.

The connection lines from small 20 pound propane storage tanks to gas grills are the primary spot for gas leaks and fires. To check for leaks, first prepare a small amount of soapy water. With the tank valve in the full off position, rub the soapy water on all parts of the storage tank and the gas line. Turn the tank valve on and observe for several minutes. If gas is leaking, bubbles will form at the spot of the leak. It is also a good habit to check the natural gas supply line running to an outdoor grill or fire pit.

With a few simple safety precautions, this barbeque season can be focused on fun and good company. If you have questions about propane gas safety, contact a licensed gas piping contractor or the local fire department.