We all get a bit scared when the lights unexpectedly go out. But there’s actually a word for this angst. “Nonamophobia” is the fear of a blackout or power outage. There’s no doubt we get a sickening feeling when the power flashes off, wondering how long it’s going to be off and how much of that food in the fridge is going to spoil. To help prepare for those outages, we spoke with Krista Mahon, president of Riverside Electric, Inc.
Pictured: Krista Mahon, 4th generation, and her father Paul Gangloff Jr., 3rd generation.
How did you get started in the generator business?
My family launched this company 78 years ago. But we expanded to include generators in 2008 when Cincinnati felt
the effects of Hurricane Katrina and over 900,000 households lost power—some staying dark for more than a week. And there’s no doubt, as our country’s energy grid ages and extreme weather increases, we can expect to be without power more often.
What’s the difference between a home backup generator and a portable generator?
A whole home backup generator is permanently installed and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit and is powered by your natural gas line, liquid propane, and in some cases diesel fuel. It delivers power directly to your home’s electrical panel backing up your entire home—or just the most essential items if you choose a select circuit system. These turn on automatically—whether you’re home or away. Most can be monitored using a smartphone, tablet, or PC.
A portable generator is usually kept in the garage or shed and run on gasoline or diesel. You need to place it away from open doors or windows, start it up, and run extension cords through windows to the appliances you want to operate. There are some brands that can be hooked up to a manual transfer switch, but you have to be home to plug them in. Don’t forget to have enough fuel on hand to keep it running for as long as it’s required.
Where does the conversation start if I am considering purchasing a permanent generator?
We ask if you have natural gas or liquid propane available at your property, the square footage of your home, and how appliances run on electric vs. natural gas/propane. Do you want a whole house system, or do you want to cover essential items only such as your sump pump, refrigerator, deep freezer and air conditioner? And most importantly, we ask why you are inquiring. Is a frequent power outage your biggest worry? Or does someone in the home require power for example, for oxygen, a chair lift, or a CPAP machine?
How do you determine what size generator I need?
We check the current load on your panel and calculate the kilowatts needed. Again, depending on whether you would want a whole house or select circuit system. We can create customized power solutions based on the specifi c needs of your home and family. We install generators sizing from 7.5 kilowatts (1 kw=1,000 watts) all the way up as high as 250 kilowatts.
How much should I expect to spend?
Including installation, the price of a select circuit system can range from $5,000 to $8,000 and a whole home solution can range from $9,500 up to $12,000. Very large homes will move from air cooled units to liquid cooled units and can range anywhere from $13,000 up to $20,000. Th ese are ball- park figures, and it all depends on how the home is laid out and what size generator you need.
What maintenance is needed?
It’s based on the number of run hours and climate, but typically preventive maintenance should be once per year.
Do these qualify for a tax credit?
No, not generators. But for homeowners who want to generate clean energy, or live off the grid, we also install solar panels with power inverters and battery backups. The solar panel tax credit for 2023 is 30 percent of eligible costs and will remain at that rate through 2032. Check energy.gov for specifics.
Riverside Electric, Inc. is Cincinnati’s only Power Pro Premier Generac Dealer. For information, visit www.riverside-elec.com or call 513-936-0100.