Chad Kuntz on Back Up Generators – Friday Flashbacks – Epi-70
Mar 28, 2025
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Chad Kuntz, an electrical engineer with a decade of experience in backup power systems, shares expertise on selecting and installing generators. He discusses the vital choices between portable and whole-house generators, emphasizing proper sizing and fuel options like propane and diesel. Creative solutions for power outages are explored, including unique methods for monitoring food spoilage. Kuntz also highlights the benefits of fixed generators and inverter-style options, ensuring safe operation and reliability for homes.
Properly sizing a generator based on essential home loads is crucial to avoid unnecessary energy capacity and costs.
Understanding different fuel types for backup generators helps in making informed choices for reliable and efficient power supply during outages.
Deep dives
Choosing the Right Generator
When selecting a generator, the choice between portable and whole-house models hinges on personal preference and specific needs. It's essential to size the generator properly by assessing the critical loads in a home, such as well pumps, heating, and cooling systems. For example, while some salespeople may recommend excessively large generators, it's important to consider that most homes won't require such a high capacity. Evaluating essential devices, like refrigerators and freezers, helps establish a realistic load requirement for effective generator sizing.
Fuel Options for Backup Generators
Backup generators can run on various fuels, including propane, diesel, and gasoline, each with its unique pros and cons. Propane is noted for its longevity and clean-burning characteristics, but it does require careful handling due to its pressurized nature. Diesel is praised for its fuel storage stability and efficiency, while gasoline is more accessible but has a shorter shelf life. Understanding these fuel types and their implications is crucial for making informed generator choices and ensuring reliable operation during outages.
Automatic Transfer Switch Advantages
Using an automatic transfer switch enhances the convenience and safety of a whole-house generator system. This technology offers seamless power switches during outages, eliminating manual intervention and ensuring that the system activates as needed. Automatic transfer switches can provide alerts and remote control capabilities, allowing homeowners to stay informed about power status even when away. Investing in such technology not only promotes peace of mind but also protects against potential losses by ensuring critical appliances remain powered.
Understanding Generator Maintenance and Safety
Proper maintenance and safety practices are essential for maximizing the lifespan and efficiency of generators, particularly portable models. Generators should be regularly exercised to ensure they remain functional and safe for use during emergencies. Additionally, safe placement is crucial to mitigate carbon monoxide risks; outside operation and correct extension cord gauge are vital. Following these guidelines can help ensure generators operate safely and effectively, providing reliable power during critical times.
In this episode I was joined by Chad Kuntz an Electrical Engineer with 10 years of experience working for large utility company building substation generation facilities with back up power redundancy. In this episode we discussed generator systems for our homes, sizing a generator to your needs and deciding between DIY vs. professional installation depending on your ability and system requirements. Today’s episode of Friday Flashbacks was originally published on 12-1-11 and was originally Episode-794- Chad Kuntz on Back Up Generators The show notes for the original episode with all relevant resources can be found here. Welcome to Friday Flashbacks, after …Continue reading →
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