Unexpected Outages
Unexpected Outages | Generators | Electrical | Soddy-Daisy
Life in Soddy-Daisy moves fast, and when an unexpected power outage strikes, everything grinds to a halt—lights fade, devices die, and comfort turns to inconvenience in an instant. HEP’s seasoned technicians understand how disruptive these moments can be, responding quickly with the skill and equipment needed to restore electricity and peace of mind. Whether the cause is severe weather or an isolated equipment failure, our crew arrives prepared, keeping you informed every step of the way.
For customers who never want to feel that sudden silence again, we offer reliable backup solutions, including whole-home generators that start automatically the moment the grid goes dark. From sizing to installation and routine maintenance, HEP handles it all, ensuring your family or business stays powered, safe, and productive year-round. When Soddy-Daisy needs steadfast protection against tomorrow’s outages, our generators stand ready to keep the lights on.
FAQs
What size generator do I need to keep my Soddy-Daisy home or business running during an unexpected outage?
The correct size depends on the number and type of appliances you want to power. A small 7–10 kW unit can back up essential loads such as lights, a refrigerator, Wi-Fi, and a gas furnace blower. A mid-range 14–18 kW unit will handle most 3- to 4-ton central A/C systems plus kitchen circuits. Whole-home coverage generally starts at 20 kW and up. Our technicians perform a load calculation that factors in motor-starting currents, voltage drop on long runs, and Soddy-Daisy’s summer heat index to recommend the right capacity without overspending on fuel or equipment.
How quickly can you deliver and install a generator after an outage hits?
We keep an emergency inventory of the most popular standby and portable models in our Soddy-Daisy warehouse. For portable units we can usually deliver the same day, provided roads are clear. Standby generator installations typically take 1–3 days for site prep, electrical tie-in, and gas-line work, but permitting and utility inspections can add time. Clients who enroll in our Priority Response Plan receive first-in-line scheduling, temporary portable power, and expedited permit filings to get lights back on as soon as possible.
Will a standby generator start automatically when Soddy-Daisy loses power?
Yes. Modern standby systems include an automatic transfer switch (ATS). The ATS senses a utility failure within about 1 second, signals the generator to start, and shifts your electrical load over once the generator reaches stable speed (3–15 seconds total). When EPB or TVA service is restored, the ATS seamlessly returns you to grid power and cools the generator down before shutting it off. No manual cords, fuel pouring, or breaker toggling are required.
What fuel options are available for generators in our area, and which one is best?
Soddy-Daisy residents commonly choose natural gas, propane, or gasoline, and in some rural parts, diesel. • Natural gas: Unlimited run time and no on-site storage, but you must have municipal gas service and adequate line pressure. • Propane (LP): Works where natural gas isn’t available; stored in on-site tanks from 100 lb to 1000 gal. • Gasoline: Best for portable units, easy to find, but limited shelf life and needs stabilizer. • Diesel: High torque and efficiency for commercial sets, but bulk storage must meet EPA rules. We evaluate fuel cost, runtime requirements, and local code to recommend the most reliable, affordable choice.
How often should I have my generator serviced to ensure it works during every storm and outage?
Standby units should receive a professional annual service that includes an oil and filter change, spark-plug inspection, valve adjustment (if required), battery load test, firmware update, and full-load exercise. Portable units should be serviced every 100–150 operating hours or at least once per year. We also recommend weekly auto-exercise cycles (10–15 minutes) and a visual check after severe weather. Enrolling in our maintenance plan provides automatic reminders and priority repair scheduling.
Do I need a permit or inspection to install a standby generator in Soddy-Daisy?
Yes. Hamilton County and the City of Soddy-Daisy require an electrical permit and, if gas piping is involved, a mechanical or gas permit. Setbacks from property lines and windows must meet the International Residential Code (IRC) and manufacturer guidelines. After installation, the county electrical inspector must approve the wiring, and the local gas authority will pressure-test any new gas lines. We handle all permit applications, drawings, and scheduling to ensure your generator is code-compliant and fully approved before your final walkthrough.