Don’t sweat it. The weather is one of life’s uncertainties. Severe storms happen year-round, sometimes knocking the power out for hours or even days and wreaking havoc on our lives.
“There are two reasons why people get generators, one is convenience and the other is necessity,” said Michael Casadei, owner of Galway Co-op.
While having the lights on, air conditioners running and cell phones charging is convenient, for some, generators are necessary equipment to run life-sustaining medical apparatus, provide water, or run sump pumps to prevent basements from flooding during heavy rain storms.
Not everyone needs a generator, Casadei tells his customers, but he does pose a question to them.
“If you’re looking at two houses that are exactly the same, same layout, same price, same everything, except one has a generator, which one would you buy?”
TAKE THE STING OUT OF SUMMER STORMS
A portable generator is an attractive option for those just wanting to plug in a few essential items because it is relatively inexpensive. It is heavy, however, can be hard to maneuver and a hassle to hook up during a power outage.
“We sell and install anything,” said Casadei. Working with manufacturer Generac for six years, Galway Co-op will help you decide what size will work for you and offers generators in the 7 kW up to the 22 kW sizes.
“Every year, generators are becoming more and more popular,” he said.
They are also getting more technologically advanced. Innovative options for the larger size generators include the ability for them to work in unison with gas, geothermal or solar energy systems. They also include the ability to be turned on or off and monitored using your smartphone.
With a price tag that can run up to $10,000, these advanced generator systems are a capital investment improvement to your home that should only be done by installers licensed in both electrical and gasoline supply services.
“Even a minute gas leak, when combined with electricity, can spark an explosion,” said Casadei.
FUELING PEACE OF MIND
Founded in 2006, Casadei started Galway Co-op to offer more affordable fuel prices for its members. Every year they’ve grown and now their membership consists of 15,500 people and a tremendous buying power that allows them to provide unique discounts.
At their customers’ request, they added on roofing services four years ago, began offering building renovations in 2015 and provide
numerous recommendations.
“We feel personally responsible for anything we recommend, and if something is wrong, or someone is not pleased, we make it better. We feel what our members feel,” said Casadei.
Anyone can go in and buy a generator from Galway Co-op but members do get priority service and a discounted price on a variety of products and services, including a 30 percent savings on County Waste trash removal. Join anytime for a $35 annual membership fee. Go to www.galwayco-op.com for more information and click on the Generac link to learn how to give your house powerful protection and your family peace of mind.
