Santa Barbara Generator Electricians
It's easy to take our electrical power for granted. That is until a power outage leaves our food spoiling, our apps unable to function and everything from security systems to medical equipment effectively shut down. Anything from a storm to an earthquake can cause power outages that would leave us adrift. Having a generator provides us with backup and Laughlin Electric can handle both installation and repair.
Our Santa Barbara generator electricians routinely serve customers throughout Montecito, Goleta, and the surrounding areas.
Get an estimate today by either calling the office at (805) 590-2222 or by filling out our online contact form.
Portable & Whole-House Generators: Compare & Contrast
Two popular options are portable generators and whole-house generators. While both serve the purpose of providing electricity during power outages, they differ in terms of capacity, installation, and convenience.
Capacity
Whole-house generators are designed to power the entire home, including all essential appliances and systems. They have a higher wattage capacity and can handle heavy loads. On the other hand, portable generators have a lower wattage capacity and are typically used to power a few select appliances or devices.
Installation
Whole-house generators need to be connected to a home's electrical system and fuel source. This involves securing permits, proper wiring, and potentially installing an automatic transfer switch. Portable generators, by contrast, can be easily transported and set up wherever needed, requiring only a fuel source, and connecting appliances via extension cords.
Convenience
Whole-house generators offer seamless and automatic backup power. When a power outage occurs, they automatically detect the interruption and switch on within seconds, restoring power to the entire house. Portable generators require manual operation—the property owner needs to start the generator, connect appliances, and manage the fuel supply. They also require regular refueling and maintenance.
Ultimately, the choice between a portable generator and a whole-house generator depends on the specific needs and budget of each individual property owner.
With over 30 years of experience, the Santa Barbara generator electricians at Laughlin Electric will offer homeowners advice they can trust and work they can count on.
Call us at (805) 590-2222 or reach out here online today.
Hear From Our Happy Customers
Reviews & Testimonials
At Laughlin Electric, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
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"Thumbs up all the way."
We used Laughlin Electric to install StarLink satellite and assemble the wiring in a neat and efficient manner. I cannot say enough about these men who are friendly, polite, and well-educated in their field. We will use them again in the future!
- Cynthi B. -
"Incredibly professional, courteous, and knowledgeable!"
We called Laughlin for an urgent electrical issue that had left half of our kitchen nonfunctional. They came within a couple of hours, right at the promised time. Lucas was incredibly professional, courteous, and knowledgeable and quickly fixed our problem
- Zadok S. -
"Very professional, knowledgeable and efficient!"
The technicians were both very professional, knowledgeable, and efficient while being very nice, clean, and organized inside our home. I’ve had several electricians in the past and these were the most experienced I’ve seen by far.
- Heather W. -
"I found my new go-to electrician with Laughlin."
Laughlin sent Kurt out to add an outlet for my detached garage. He went above and beyond, explaining every aspect of his work to me. He even helped me find a new Tesla charger to install.
- Antonio A. -
"Professional, efficient, and knowledgeable."
Eamon at Laughlin Electric routed new ethernet cables in our house. He was professional, efficient, and knowledgeable. Now our bedroom looks a lot less cluttered and organized with our new cables. Thanks for all your help!
- Nicole G. -
"The work was completed efficiently and the price was fair."
We called Laughlin Electric to have power run to our motor home. They responded quickly and sent an amazing tech, Andy Hanson. Andy was very friendly and professional. The work was completed efficiently and the price was fair.
- Savannah F. -
"Their customer focus is spot on!"
The Laughlin team are exceptional at what they do the dedication to excellence and job completion is second to none. I have hired multiple companies over the years and their customer focus is spot on.
- Tim M. -
"The whole experience was a good one."
I had a great experience with Laughlin Electric. They arrived right on time and we discussed the issues I wanted solved. I received an estimate and agreed to the work which was done immediately. Highly recommend this service.
- Helena B.
Signs a Generator Needs Repair
Here are some common signs that a generator needs repair:
- Difficulty starting: If the generator is having trouble starting or requires multiple attempts to start, it may indicate a problem with the ignition system, fuel delivery, or battery.
- Irregular power output: If the generator is producing inconsistent or fluctuating power, it could be a sign of a faulty voltage regulator, damaged alternator, or issues with the control panel.
- Fuel leaks: The presence of fuel leaks around the generator is a serious concern and should be addressed immediately, as they present a potential fire hazard.
- Overheating: If the generator is overheating and shutting down frequently, it may be due to a malfunctioning cooling system, low oil levels, or clogged air filters.
- Strange noises or vibrations: Unusual noises, such as grinding or knocking sounds, or excessive vibrations can indicate loose or damaged components.
All of these signs are in addition to any warnings that may come from built-in warning lights or error codes. Acting promptly when any sign of damage appears is good for the safety of all on the property, while also helping to catch problems early when repair costs might be kept to a minimum.
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