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Do You Need a Backup Generator for Your HVAC System

Do You Need a Backup Generator for Your HVAC System

Power outages can strike any time in New Jersey. If it happens on a cold January night or a blazing July noon, it can make life uncomfortable. You crave comfort, but it is impossible without power backup. This nightmare influences many homeowners and business owners to choose a power backup before an inconvenience happens. If you are thinking the same way, this blog has some useful information. It explores whether a backup generator is worth it for New Jersey's climate and which generator options make sense.

Why Power Backup Is Important for HVAC

Power backup is important for both residential and commercial HVAC systems. For residential, it removes uncertainty. You have peace of mind that if a power surge occurs due to a storm or grid maintenance, your HVAC won’t stop. For businesses, it keeps staff and customers comfortable every time. If you deal with perishable goods that need refrigeration, power backup is non-negotiable. It keeps your stock safe even when power goes out for extended hours.

When a Generator Is a Must-Have

We know that a generator removes uncertainty and adds peace of mind. But this doesn’t make a generator a must-have for everyone. Some scenarios make a generator as essential as a functional HVAC. Here are some of those scenarios.

You Have a Vulnerable Family Member

If you have a senior, minor, or patient in your family, a power backup is essential. Even a few minutes of discomfort can have drastic health effects. Power backup becomes extremely essential if you have a patient with a critical illness.

You Encounter Frequent Power Outages

If you regularly encounter power outages, a power backup is essential. It prevents the system from turning on and off due to power surges and maintains steady performance. A better option is to choose an HVAC system with a different power source, such as an oil or gas furnace for winter comfort.

Your Business Relies on Refrigeration

If you deal with sensitive items such as medicine, bakery items, or vegetables and fruits, a power backup is compulsory. Extended power outages can put goods at risk of damage.

Best Generator Types for HVAC

Generators have many types, depending on fuel type, capacity, brand, and mechanism. For HVAC backup, two generator types make the most sense.

Home Standby Generators

These are permanently installed outdoor HVAC units that start automatically when there is a power outage. These systems are usually used for running heavy HVAC units such as central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, commercial rooftop units, or walk-in coolers. The capacity and working mechanism may vary with the model and the equipment specifications. You should ideally choose this unit type if you have a large home or your business relies heavily on the HVAC system.

Portable Inverter Generators

As the name indicates, these are fuel-powered, portable machines that generate on-demand power. The machine uses raw fuel such as oil or gas and generates heat energy from combustion. This energy is converted into electrical output, which is then used to run the equipment.

Pro Tips for Choosing HVAC Backup Generators

Not every generator is the same, and not every one is suitable for your needs. Here is what Lehigh HVAC recommends when choosing one for your residential or commercial needs.

  • Calculate essential loads like refrigerators and HVAC units first
  • Factor in starting wattage, which is higher than running wattage
  • Choose a generator with 20% more capacity than your minimum needs
  • Avoid overloading by zoning your climate control expectations
  • Place the unit at least five feet away from windows and doors
  • Select automatic transfer switches for hands-free power restoration

Final Thoughts

If your HVAC relies on electricity, a backup generator is usually sought after. This is essential to keep HVAC running when power is out for extended periods. Having a power backup is especially non-negotiable for businesses dealing with sensitive products or perishable goods, or families with patients, kids, or senior members. When choosing the right unit, you have two choices. Either you choose a portable unit, or you buy a home standby unit. Regardless of what you choose, make sure it has enough capacity to deliver the power required.

Contact Lehigh HVAC for professional HVAC services anywhere in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Some backup generators can power a home's HVAC system, but the generator must have enough capacity to handle the system's running and startup electrical demands. Whole-home standby generators are often better suited for central HVAC equipment, while portable generators may require careful load management.

A permanently installed standby generator can automatically restore power to connected HVAC equipment when paired with a properly installed automatic transfer switch. The generator and electrical system must be correctly sized and configured for the HVAC equipment.

It depends on the generator and the air conditioner's electrical requirements. Central AC compressors can require significantly more power during startup than while running, so a small portable generator may not have enough capacity. Always check the equipment's electrical specifications before selecting a generator.

Generator size depends on the HVAC system's voltage, running wattage, startup requirements, and the other appliances you want to operate during an outage. There is no single generator size for every HVAC system, so a qualified electrician or generator professional should calculate the required capacity.

Yes. Although a natural gas furnace uses gas as its primary heat source, modern furnaces still require electricity for components such as the blower motor, control board, ignition system, and safety controls. A properly sized backup generator can provide the electrical power needed to operate the furnace during an outage.