Backup Solution
Backup Solution | Generators | Electrical | Palmer
Palmer’s weather can turn from crisp sunshine to howling winds in minutes, and when the grid falters, downtime isn’t an option. HEP keeps homes, farms, and businesses humming with rugged, high-efficiency generators that start instantly and run quietly, protecting everything from sensitive data centers to walk-in freezers full of this season’s harvest. Each unit is sized for your specific load, installed by our local, licensed electricians, and linked to a smart monitoring system that texts you before you even know the lights flickered.
As a proud member of the Palmer community, HEP believes backup power should be simple. We handle every detail—permits, fuel plans, and 24/7 maintenance—so you can focus on what matters, confident that your investment will fire up when it counts. Discover how our reliable generators bring peace of mind to the Valley, one switch at a time.
FAQs
Why should I consider a backup generator in Palmer, Alaska?
Palmer experiences severe winter storms, high winds, and occasional power outages caused by heavy snowfall or ice buildup. A backup generator ensures your heat, lights, well pump, and critical appliances stay online, preventing frozen pipes and keeping your family safe and comfortable during extended outages.
What size generator do I need for my home or business?
Proper sizing depends on the total wattage of the equipment you want to power. We complete a load calculation that factors in starting (surge) and running watts for HVAC systems, pumps, refrigerators, freezers, medical equipment, and electronics. Residential needs typically range from 7 kW to 22 kW, while small businesses may require 25 kW–100 kW or more. An in-person assessment ensures you neither overspend on an oversized unit nor undersize and risk overload.
Which fuel options are available and which is best for Palmer?
Most standby generators run on propane, natural gas, or diesel. In Palmer, propane is common because many homes have onsite tanks, fuel is stable in cold weather, and it eliminates fuel spoilage issues. Natural-gas units are an option if you have utility gas service. Diesel offers higher energy density and is popular for commercial or off-grid applications. We review availability, runtime requirements, and local code to recommend the optimal fuel.
How does an automatic transfer switch (ATS) work?
The ATS constantly monitors utility power. When it senses an outage, it signals the generator to start, waits until the generator reaches proper voltage/frequency, then switches your electrical load from the grid to the generator—usually within 10–30 seconds. When utility power returns and stabilizes, the ATS reverts to grid power and cool-downs the generator before shutting it off, providing seamless protection with no manual intervention.
What permits and inspections are required in the Palmer area?
The City of Palmer and Matanuska-Susitna Borough require an electrical permit for standby generator installations. Propane or gas connections typically need a mechanical/plumbing permit, and larger fuel tanks may trigger a fire marshal review. Our licensed electricians handle all permit applications, coordinate utility notifications, and schedule final inspections to ensure your system meets NEC, local amendments, and manufacturer specifications.
How often does a generator need maintenance and what does it involve?
Routine maintenance is essential for reliability. We recommend semi-annual service, which includes oil and filter change, spark-plug inspection, battery test, coolant level check for liquid-cooled units, air-filter replacement, and a full system test under load. Many modern generators perform weekly self-exercises that alert us to issues via Wi-Fi or cellular monitoring so problems can be addressed before an outage occurs.