Tag: generators

Generator Installation in Des Moines

Oct 21, 2021

Generator Installation in Des Moines

  • Electrical
generator installation in des moines

Do you need generator installation in Des Moines? A generator is an invaluable piece of tech that can serve you well in a pinch. In the event of a sudden storm or other power outage, a good generator is able to keep you and your home powered until the DPW can re-establish the grid. But the installation of a generator can be a difficult process without the proper background and electrical engineering experience. Homeowners looking for a solid generator installation need look no further than Integra!

Take this homeowner in West Des Moyne as an excellent example. They needed a generator installed before the cold months set in, and needed it winterized to protect against the winter weather. Over the course of a few short days, the Integra crew was able to properly outfit the home with a brand new Generac generator. 

The first order of businesses was installing a new meter main, as well as surge and ground rods. These components are critical for electrical safety, which should always be the first priority when embarking on any home improvement project. After the rods were in place, the next matter of business was the grounded water meter, which would help the homeowner get a feel for their upcoming water bill. The circuit from the meter was looped in to make way for the generator itself. 

generator installation in des Moines

generator installation in des Moines

Next on the agenda was the generator installation itself. Most generators are hefty pieces of hardware, so it required a level of precision to make sure it was safely and properly put in place. We first gave it a safe and secure home by placing a concrete slab for it to rest on. After it was safely in-place, we hooked it up and installed a transfer switch for the following day. 

After we let it sit overnight, it was time to come back and finish the job. We outfitted the generator with a cold weather kit, to keep the machinery safe from the harsh winter weather in the months to come. And after a quick technological process that allowed the homeowner to control the generator from their smartphone, we were able to clean up the worksite and drive away from a job well-done.

Our team of expert electricians are standing by now for help with generator installation in Des Moines! A generator is a massively handy piece of equipment to have in the event of an emergency, which can happen at any time. Don’t trust such an intensive project tony old provider. Call our office today and see why local homeowners trust their electrical systems to Integra!

Please check with lender for up-to-date terms, conditions and eligibility requirements. Information on this page is subject to change. Integra Electrical is not responsible for the terms and conditions of third party lenders, or the accuracy of this page.

By zach@admachines.com

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Get the Most Out Of Your Generator With These Generator Maintenance Tips

Oct 21, 2021

Get the Most Out Of Your Generator With These Generator Maintenance Tips

  • Electrical
generator maintenance

A good generator is a lot like a car: a heavy investment up front, but sure to serve you well for many years to come if you treat it right. “If you treat it right,” is the operative phrase here. Anyone can buy a generator and let it run itself into the ground, but the truly attentive homeowner will understand proper generator maintenance as the best way to get the most out of their investment. 

Remember to change out your fuel

The number one cause of generator issues is old, stale fuel clogging up the system and causing damage to the inner workings of the machine Unstable fuel leads to fuel breakdown, varnish and gum buildup. Thankfully, most manufacturers provide compounds called stabilizers that help with this, but it’s not a catch-all by any means. At the end of the day, the safest thing is to fully drain and replace the fuel in your generator. If your carburetor has a drain, wait for the engine to cool before draining it. If no drain is present, empty the tank and let the generator run until it’s out of gas. Then add more fuel as needed. 

Run Your Generator Every So Often 

Rolling stone gathers no moss, and a running generator develops fewer issues. Most people keep generators in the event of an emergency, which leads to them leaving it idle for long stretches of time. Ironically, this can lead to decreased performance when you actually do need it. Giving your generator a little work out once in a while is a crucial part of proper maintenance. Fire it up once every three months or so, just for a few hours. You’ll be thankful when that next big storm rolls in and your generator is at the top of its game. 

Replace Filters When They’re Dirty

This goes for most pieces of hardware with air filters, but doubly so for your generator. If your air filter is dirty, it’s just not doing its job. They’re fairly easy and cheap to replace, so getting a new one should be one of the first things you think to do. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, however, you can clean your existing filter yourself, but it’s hard for us to recommend this unless you’re in a pinch. Filters can tear very easily and a broken filter is an even worse issue than a dirty one. 

Stay on Top of Your Spark Plug

When it comes to generator maintenance, one of the main problems you’re trying to avoid is a non-start. If your generator won’t start up, a busted spark plug is one of the most common offenders. A spark plug is arguably the key component in starting your generator, being responsible for creating the electricity that fires it up. Because these components get such a workout, it’s common, even expected, for them to become dirty and break down. As always, make sure the generator is cooled down before attempting any check-up. If it’s dirty, remove it from the generator, clean it with a wire brush, and carefully place it back inside with a torque wrench. 

Store Your Gas Responsibly

Not strictly a generator maintenance tip, but still very important if you own one. Gasoline needs to be stored properly if you want it to work later on. Most local fire codes have limits on how much gasoline you can store at your home. You may be tempted to buy a larger container to limit the amount of refill runs. This is not advisable, as larger containers are unwieldy and are prone to spilling, especially when refilling the generator. Two smaller containers are preferable, both for reducing spillage and general safety. 

Call Integra Electrical Today!

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Please check with lender for up-to-date terms, conditions and eligibility requirements. Information on this page is subject to change. Integra Electrical is not responsible for the terms and conditions of third party lenders, or the accuracy of this page.

By zach@admachines.com

5 Signs Your Generator Needs a Repair in Iowa

Nov 15, 2019

5 Signs Your Generator Needs a Repair in Iowa

  • Electrical

With winter storms on the way, it’s a good idea to get some way of keeping your power on. One of the best ways to do this is by installing a standby generator. However, owning a generator is a big responsibility, and you’ll need to care for it. Failing to care for it might mean you won’t get power when you need it most. Experts suggest calling to repair your Iowa home’s generator once or twice a year. However, you may need to call for repairs sooner if you notice any of these warning signs.

Here are five signs you should call us to help you with generator repair for your Iowa home:

 

Leaking and puddles

When generators get old, they can sometimes develop leaking problems and leak gasses or fluids. These leaks are bad for your generator and can be safety hazards depending on what’s leaking. Give us a call if you notice any strange puddles or the generator is leaking.

 

Visible damage

It’s no surprise that a damaged-looking generator needs repairs. Your generator should look fine for the first several years of its lifespan. However, falling branches, bad weather, and more are all capable of damaging the generator. Any sort of damaged wiring, water damage, or cracks/dents are worthy of a professional evaluation. Even small dents can cause critical damage to something inside your generator.

 

General alerts

Unless you work with it often, you likely won’t notice if your generator is damaged. Fortunately, some modern generators run weekly automatic self-tests and notify you if they have a problem. However, it’s also possible you’ll just have to do the test yourself. The generator manufacturer’s instructions should tell you when and how to get their products inspected. You can tweak their instructions to better suit your generator’s usage and needs.

 

Non-functional electrical components

When inspecting your generator, it’s important to ensure that the electrical components are working properly. A single non-functional component is capable of preventing your generator from working when you need it.

 

Slow starts

Standby generators start up right when the grid’s power goes out. That means you want little to no delay when the generator starts. When there is a noticeable delay, it’s usually because of engine and battery problems. Battery problems can be especially nasty because they can cause further damage to your generator’s engine if untreated.

 

Why call Integra to keep my generator healthy?

Electrical systems may be complicated—but that doesn’t mean electrical service has to be. When you call on our Integra professionals, we keep things simple by providing superior service at a price that you can feel good about. At Integra Electrical, we believe that affordability and safety should never be compromised. Bridging the gap between fair prices and valued service, we provide the consistent and customized solutions that Central Iowa homeowners and businesses deserve.

We believe there’s more to business than making a profit. We are a value-driven business dedicated to delivering honesty, integrity, and exceptional service. People first, we commit to providing for you, our customers, our employees, and our community. You deserve the comfort of knowing we’re available whenever you need us. Someone is always answering our phones 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With our affordable services, you’ll discover that bringing back the light can make all the difference in your home. Call Integra today to learn more about our generator services!

By zach@admachines.com

All About Getting a Standby Generator in Des Moines

Jul 26, 2019

All About Getting a Standby Generator in Des Moines

  • Electrical
generator in Des Moines

With summer in full swing, there’s always the possibility of summer lightning storms taking out your electricity. Given how many important electronics you have in your home, you probably don’t want to lose power. If you have family members who rely on medical equipment, the need for reliable power is even more serious. Fortunately, there’s something you can install on your property to help you avoid outages. If you live around Des Moines, Integra Electrical can help you keep the power on by installing a standby generator.

Here are 6 benefits of having a standby generator in Des Moines:

 

Seamless switching

Standby generators sit idly on your property waiting for your power to go out. When the main power grid goes down, an automatic transfer switch in the generator activates. With a portable generator, you need to go outside and manually switch it on. The process with a standby generator is done in a very short amount of time, so you only lose power for a moment.

 

Maintain electrical power

When you have a standby generator running, you don’t have to worry about losing use of electronics that should always be on. This provides a variety of benefits. Whether you have food that needs to stay in the fridge or you have medical equipment that relies on electricity, you can keep using it.

 

Stay safe during emergencies

Having power at your home means you don’t need to leave for any power-related issues. If your home loses heating in the middle of a winter storm due to a loss of electricity, you might have to travel to a hotel to stay warm. You don’t want to have to go out during dangerous weather, so having a standby generator will keep you and your family safe. 

 

Protection from electrical damage

Even when the power is out, your electronics can be damaged. When you’re connected to the grid, there’s the possibility of violent power surges, spikes, and brownouts. All of these can damage sensitive electronics still connected to the grid. Fortunately, the generator keeps you off the grid and safe from electrical dangers. It’ll only switch you back to the grid when your home has power and it has stabilized.

 

Protection against other damage

Having no electricity means your other ways of protecting your home from damage aren’t going to work. While sump pumps normally help you avoid flooding, they’re useless if there’s no power. Likewise, when you have no electricity, your water heater can’t keep your pipes from freezing over. If you have a standby generator, all of these systems will stay functioning.

 

Increased home value

Convenience and peace of mind are both major considerations for potential home buyers. When they see that you have a standby generator, they’ll be very interested in your home’s safety feature. You can likely get a higher price on your home if you have a standby generator installed.

 

What makes Integra my best choice for purchasing and installing generators?

For over a decade, Integra has been helping Central Iowa residents keep their homes and businesses powered even during the worst conditions. We offer high-quality yet affordable service and are available via phone no matter the time of day. Our company provides the consistent and customized solutions that people deserve. Call Integra today to learn more about how we can help you get a standby generator!

By zach@admachines.com