Generator Essentials: Staying Powered Through Indiana’s Winter Storms

(Why standby generators matter, safety tips, and maintenance)

When the wind starts howling and the snow begins to fall sideways (because, well, Indiana), you can almost count on a power outage showing up uninvited. The lights flicker, the furnace sighs, and suddenly your cozy evening turns into a camping trip you didn’t sign up for.

That’s when having a whole home standby generator becomes more than a luxury, it’s peace of mind on standby.

Why a Whole Home Standby Generator Matters

Kohler whole home generator doesn’t just power a lamp or keep your phone charged, it powers your life. It automatically senses when the electricity goes out and kicks on within seconds, restoring power to your entire home: lights, heat, refrigerator, Wi-Fi, sump pump, and yes, even your coffee maker.

No need to drag out cords or mess with gasoline like you would with a portable unit. A Kohler generator runs on your home’s existing natural gas or propane, so it’s clean, quiet, and dependable. When the utility power returns, it turns itself off and goes back to standby mode, all without you lifting a finger.

What Would You Miss Without One?

Let’s paint a picture. The forecast calls for “a little snow,” and next thing you know, you’re in the middle of a whiteout. The power drops, and suddenly...

Now imagine instead… the lights stay on, the heat hums, your kids stream their favorite shows, and you sip hot cocoa while the storm rages outside. That’s the Kohler generator difference.

Why Choose Kohler, and Why Choose Godby?

Not all generators (or installers) are created equal. Sure, you can grab one from a big box store, but here’s the difference:

At Godby, we’re big enough to do it right, but small enough to care. That means you get expert installation and hometown service from a team that treats your home like their own. We know our neighbors, and we take pride in keeping Indiana families comfortable, safe, and powered up, no matter what the forecast brings.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

Even the most reliable generator needs a little love. Here’s how to keep yours in tip-top shape:

  1. Keep it clear – Clear away snow, leaves, and debris from around the unit.
  2. Test monthly – Run it for a few minutes to make sure it’s ready for action.
  3. Annual service – Schedule regular maintenance with a certified technician (hey, that’s us!) to keep it running smoothly.
  4. Always run outdoors – For portable units, remember: never use them inside or near windows due to carbon monoxide risks.

Don’t Get Left in the Dark

Indiana winters don’t mess around, but with a Kohler whole home standby generator, you don’t have to either. Stay warm, stay connected, and keep life running no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

When the power goes out, you’ll still be in control, because you planned ahead.

Stay cozy. Stay connected. Stay powered, It’s Gotta be Godby!
Big enough to do it right. Small enough to care.

The Ultimate Fall Maintenance Checklist for Indianapolis Homeowners

Pumpkin spice, Colts football, and cooler temps, fall in Indianapolis is pretty great. But before you get too cozy, there’s one more thing you should check off your list: making sure your home is ready for winter. Cold weather puts extra pressure on your plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, and the last thing you want is a burst pipe or a furnace that gives up in mid-January. (Nothing ruins chili night like no heat.)

Here’s your ultimate fall maintenance checklist to keep your home safe, comfortable, and running smoothly all season long.

HVAC: Prep Your Furnace Before the Freeze

Your furnace is about to go from zero to hero. Make sure it’s up for the job:

Plumbing: Protect Pipes and Fixtures from the Cold

When the temperature drops, plumbing problems can pop up fast. Here’s how to stay ahead of them:

 Electrical: Keep Your Home Powered and Safe

Indiana winter storms can be unpredictable. A little prep goes a long way:

Wrap-Up: One Call, Three Trades

Fall is busy enough without juggling multiple contractors. The good news? At Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical, you get 3 trades, 1 team. We can handle your heating, plumbing, and electrical prep in one go, saving you time, hassle, and maybe even your sanity.

So, before winter really sets in, check “home maintenance” off your honey-do list and relax knowing your house is ready for whatever Indiana weather throws your way.

Because when it comes to comfort, safety, and peace of mind… It’s Gotta be Godby!

Why Indoor Air Quality Drops in Winter, And How to Improve It

When winter rolls into Indiana, most of us hunker down inside where it’s warm and cozy. Those gray skies aren’t doing anyone any favors! But here’s the catch: while your home is keeping out the cold, it may also be trapping something else, unwanted air pollutants. From dry air to allergens that just won’t quit, winter is prime time for indoor air quality (IAQ) issues. The good news? You don’t have to suffer through a season of scratchy throats, chapped lips, and stale air. Let’s break it down.

Why Does Indoor Air Quality Get Worse in the Winter?

1. Sealed Homes = Stale Air
In the summer, windows and doors open more often, and fresh air circulates through your home. In the winter? Everything’s sealed tight to keep the heat in. That means dust, pet dander, cooking smells, and other indoor pollutants just keep recirculating. We all love bacon, but do we all want to smell like bacon days later? Probably not.

2. Dry, Dry, Dry Air
Indiana winters are no joke, and when the cold, dry air outside combines with heated indoor air, your home’s humidity levels plummet. Low humidity can make your skin itch, your nose stuffy, and even your wood furniture and floors crack. Bonus: it also turns your hair into a static electricity experiment that no one asked for.

3. Allergens and Germs on the Loose
You’d think allergies take a break in the winter, but dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are still hanging around. Add in the fact that more time indoors means closer contact with germs, and your immune system gets a workout. Kids are back to school and back to bringing home germs… plus the crumpled permission slip you were supposed to sign two weeks ago.

4. Your HVAC System Needs Backup
Even the best heating system wasn’t designed to take on air quality issues by itself. That’s where some extra tools come in handy. Think of it like a superhero sidekick, your HVAC handles the heat, but it needs a partner to battle germs, dust, and dry air.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality This Winter

Luckily, you don’t need to choose between warmth and clean, healthy air. Here are some of the best whole-home solutions:

Why This Matters

Cleaner indoor air isn’t just about comfort — it’s about health. Better humidity levels can help protect your skin and respiratory system, while advanced air purifiers reduce the stuff floating around that can make you sick or trigger allergies. Plus, investing in your indoor air quality helps protect your home itself, from your hardwood floors to your furniture.

Ready to Breathe Easier?

Winter in Indiana doesn’t have to mean dry, stale, allergen-filled air. With solutions like the Reme HaloPhenomenal Aire, and a whole-home humidifier, you can keep your home cozy and healthy all season long. Because when it comes to comfort and clean air, It’s Gotta be Godby!

Can a Sump Pump Be Repaired — Or Is It Time for a Replacement?

A sump pump is one of those household heroes you rarely think about—until it stops working and your basement is in danger of flooding. When that happens, the big question is: Can it be fixed, or should it be replaced?

We’ve updated this guide to reflect the latest best practices and technology, including our recommended choice: Glentronics Basement Watchdog sump pumps.

Common Sump Pump Problems You Might Be Able to Repair
1. The Float Switch Isn’t Engaging
Your pump’s float switch is like a water-level sensor. If it’s stuck, blocked by debris, or positioned incorrectly, it won’t activate. Try cleaning the pit, removing any obstructions, and gently moving the float to see if it triggers the pump.

2. No Power to the Pump
If your pump isn’t running, check that it’s plugged directly into a grounded outlet—not an extension cord. Then check your breaker or fuse box. If you experience frequent power outages, a battery backup system is a must.

3. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Line
The discharge pipe can get blocked with dirt, gravel, or even ice in the winter. Clear any debris and make sure the line slopes away from your home.

4. Incorrect Sizing or Internal Wear
A pump that’s too small for your water volume will wear out faster. And if you’re hearing grinding noises, or the impeller isn’t moving water, parts may need to be replaced—or the pump itself may be at the end of its life.

When Replacement Is the Smarter Choice
Even with maintenance, most sump pumps last about 10 years. If yours is approaching that age—or if repairs are becoming frequent—replacing it can save money and stress in the long run.

That’s where Glentronics Basement Watchdog sump pumps shine. These systems are built for reliability, with energy-efficient motors, solid construction, and options for both primary and backup protection.

Why We Recommend Glentronics
- Multiple Protection Options – Choose from primary pumps, battery backups, or combination systems.
- Proven Reliability – Designed to handle heavy water volumes without overworking the motor.
- Peace of Mind – Built-in alarms alert you to maintenance needs before problems become emergencies.

Preventive Maintenance for Longer Pump Life
- Test it twice a year by pouring water into the pit to activate the pump.
- Inspect the float to make sure it moves freely and activates the motor.
- Keep the pit clean to prevent clogs and wear.
- Check your backup system so it’s ready when you need it most.

Quick Reference: Repair vs. Replace
| Issue | Repair Possible? | Best Solution |
| Stuck or blocked float switch | Yes | Clean/adjust |
| Power outage or tripped breaker | Yes | Restore power / add backup |
| Clogged or frozen discharge pipe | Yes | Clear obstruction |
| Undersized pump or heavy wear | No | Replace with Glentronics |
| Over 10 years old, frequent breakdowns | No | Replace with Glentronics |

Bottom Line
If your sump pump problem is minor—like a stuck float or clogged pipe—repairs may be all you need. But if the pump is aging, undersized, or unreliable, replacing it with a Glentronics Basement Watchdog system is the best investment for protecting your home from water damage.

Need help now? Contact Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical for a professional inspection and sump pump upgrade.

Why You Want an RO System

Clean, safe, and great-tasting water is essential for a healthy home. Tap water in Indiana is not always the best tasting and has minerals in it that damage your plumbing and appliances. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems offer an efficient way to filter out impurities and ensure access to fresh, purified water at home. Here’s a look at the top benefits of installing a reverse osmosis system in your home.

1. Superior Water Filtration with Reverse Osmosis

RO systems provide one of the most effective forms of water filtration. Unlike regular filters, which may only remove certain contaminants, RO systems use a semipermeable membrane to capture up to 99% of impurities. This includes contaminants like lead, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, and more. The result? Crisp, clean water that’s free of chemicals and impurities.

2. Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly

If you’re relying on bottled water to avoid tap water, the costs can add up quickly—not to mention the environmental impact of all those plastic bottles. By installing a reverse osmosis system, you can reduce or even eliminate the need for bottled water. Just refill your personal water bottle! RO systems produce high-quality drinking water directly from your tap, helping you save money and reduce plastic waste.

3. Healthier Drinking Water for Your Family

Contaminants in unfiltered water, like lead and arsenic, can pose health risks over time. RO systems help protect your family by providing purified water that is free from potentially harmful substances. This is especially beneficial for households with children, seniors, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

5. Convenience and Low Maintenance

Many people are surprised to find that RO systems are relatively easy to maintain. While they do require periodic filter changes, this is generally straightforward and can be done every 6-12 months depending on usage. With an RO system in place, you can enjoy convenient access to clean water every day without the hassle of constantly refilling pitchers or buying new filters for smaller countertop systems.

6. Improves Home Appliance Lifespan

RO systems can also extend the life of home appliances that use water, such as coffee makers, dishwashers, refrigerators and ice makers. By removing minerals and other impurities, RO systems reduce the buildup of scale and deposits that can damage these appliances over time. This helps your appliances run more efficiently and last longer, saving you money in repairs and replacements. It also helps save your plumbing fixtures like shower heads and faucets from buildup of scale.

Contact Godby for a Reverse Osmosis System Installation

A reverse osmosis system is an investment in your home, health, and the environment. It provides high-quality water that’s clean, fresh, and free from unwanted contaminants, giving you peace of mind and a better overall quality of life. From drinking to protecting your appliances, there are countless benefits to installing an RO system in your home. Whether you’re looking to improve the taste of your water, protect your family’s health, or reduce your environmental footprint, a reverse osmosis system is a fantastic choice for any household. Call Godby at 317-471-8700 and let our plumbers install an RO system in your home today!

Prepare for Spring Showers

April showers bring May flowers, but those showers also bring flooding and power outages. The Boy Scouts tell us all to be prepared, so what have you done to make sure your home is ready for rain? Here are some ideas of how Godby can make sure you and your home are ready for all that Mother Nature has in store.

A thunderstorm is like alcohol- sometimes it lulls you to sleep and other times it will keep you up at night. It can also sometimes cause things to get crazy when you least expect them to. Godby can help you keep everything in your home in check and headache free.

Power Outages

Candles create cozy scenarios, but when a storm knocks your power out, being cozy doesn’t keep your food from spoiling or from your kids complaining about not being about to charge their electronics. A whole home generator can keep everything running smoothly, even when Mother Nature has a different idea.

Installing a whole home generator is a big investment, but can save you time, money and a lot of trouble in the long run. You figure out what is a priority to keep on and running and Godby will help you figure out what size generator best fits your specific needs. Maybe you have a freezer full of food you need to keep cold or maybe you have medical devices that must keep running in order to keep someone healthy. Even if it is as simple as keeping the lights on and being able to cook, do laundry and watch TV, we can make it happen.

Whole Home Surge Protectors

Storms bring weather that bring lightning and lightning strikes are harmful to your home’s electronic devices. A lightning strike on the ground or on a pole nearby generates a high electromagnetic field. This causes a power surge damaging nearby equipment. A whole home surge protector will help divert that power surge and keep your electronics safe.

A whole home surge protector will require a licensed electrician to install. It must be connected to a dedicated double-pole breaker. It should be replaced every two to three years. Some also have warning lights on them to indicate when they need to be replaced.

Sump Pumps & Backups

We all know that Indiana can have some epic rainstorms. These rainstorms tend to also bring flooding- flooding of the ground and flooding of people’s homes.  When there are prolonged rainstorms over a few days or there is a sudden intense storm, the water has nowhere to go, so where does it go? Inside your home.

Every home in Indiana needs a sump pump and battery backup. A sump pump is in the lowest part of the home, usually in a sump pump pit. It removes water and forces out to a space where it can drain to help avoid excess water in your home.

We know that a sump pump is not something you are thinking about all the time. It is usually something you think about only when you need it or, God forbid, it fails. A foolproof way to ensure that your home stays dry, and your sump pump continues to work even in a power outage is to have a battery backup. Your sump pump is powered off your home’s electricity. If something knocks out the power to your home, a battery backup with make sure your sump pump continues to run, saving you from impending flooding doom.

Don’t be like Milli Vanilli and blame it on the rain.  Be smart and be prepared- call Godby to get on our schedule. For all of your heating/cooling, plumbing and electrical needs, remember, It’s Gotta be Godby!

Love The Home You're In

We all want to love the home we live in. You don’t always have to make big changes in order to have results which impact your daily life positively. Keep your savings in the bank and let Godby help you make impactful changes today.

It is cold outside, and many people want to start their day with something warm. Whether you are a coffee or teas drinker, or hot chocolate is more your jam, adding an InstaHot to your kitchen sink is the perfect solution. You will receive near boiling water instantly from a sleek dedicated spigot. No waiting for water to boil on your stovetop or in the microwave- talk about instant gratification! Use it for hot drinks or even to make your oatmeal in the morning or a bowl of soup or ramen later in the day. 

Winter weather and running your heat makes your home dry. Many suffer from cracked lips, dry skin and eyes, static electricity, or even bloody noses. Get a steam humidifier to help ease the dry as a desert feeling. The steam humidifier works in tandem with your HVAC system. When it senses your humidity gets to a certain level, it starts pumping moisture into your home. This will allow your home’s humidity to be at comfortable levels. When your humidity and your HVAC system work together you get the perfect balance of temperature and humidity. Who doesn’t want to avoid shocking yourself every time you touch a new surface?

When your doorbell rings do you know whether it is your latest Amazon package or some creeper trying to sell you something? With the installation of a Ring Doorbell there is no guessing. Ring doorbells allow you to not only track people at your door, but also movement. Is your kid trying to sneak out? Busted! You can see them moving across your front lawn whether someone rings the doorbell or not. Did a neighbor show up to drop off the rake they borrowed, but you’re not home? No problem! Talk to them through the Ring doorbell and let them know where to leave it or when you’ll be home. A Ring doorbell is easy to use and a great way to deter any funny business on your property.

These are just some of the cost-efficient ways to upgrade your home. Call Godby or ask a Godby technician about how we can help you love your home. For all of your heating/cooling, plumbing and electrical needs, remember, It’s Gotta be Godby!

Top 6 Cool Plumbing Holiday Gifts

Want to find a cool gift for your loved one that is also an upgrade for your home? Let our plumber (who sorta resembles Santa) upgrade your home. Here are some gift ideas from Godby that are sure winners!

1. LED Light Up Showerhead

Install a LED showerhead with changing colors. The lights will pair nicely with your favorite tunes. Even the kid who hates showers will be dying to clean off.

2. LED Light Up Showerhead and Bluetooth Speaker

Up your game and get the two in one combo! This showerhead pairs to your smart phone for your favorite songs while the LED lights illuminate. You will feel like a rock star while you get clean.

3. Water Bottle Filler

Whether you are a parent of kids, an avid exerciser or simply love to stay hydrated a water bottle filler is a perfect upgrade for your home. Have it installed in an exercise room, mudroom, garage, or office. It is a convenient way to keep the kids from dragging the outdoors in, just to get a drink. And if in an exercise room, never be without water while you are sweating those holiday pounds off.

4. Instahot

Who wants to wait around for hot water? That is about as exciting as watching water boil. With an Instahot you can have instant hot water for your tea, hot chocolate, oatmeal or ramen noodles. Installs easily on most kitchen sinks.

5. Touchless Faucet

Keep those dirty hands off the faucet. A touchless faucet allows you to get water without spreading germs from raw meat or if you have dirty hands. With a swoop of the hands, water turns on like magic!

6. Bidet

For all of you fancy pants out there who love a clean hiney, a bidet is for you! Heated seat, warm water cleans and heated dry makes sure you stay clean from skid marks. Not to mention, if you run out of toilet paper, you are in the clear.

Godby can do much more, but I would never suggest you buy a water heater, water softener or garbage disposal for a gift. Let Godby put the ho, ho, ho in your holidays and some fun in your bathroom!

Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas

When it comes to gift giving, Godby knows what’s tending. Who needs Uggs or a new game console when you can get the newest and coolest enhancements for your home? The holidays are for giving, but it is also the time to get those things you’ve been wanting. Godby can help make your life easier and a lot more fun.

10. Bidet

What is better than a clean hiney? Upgrade your master bathroom and have the ultimate in experiences while on your throne. A Toto bidet will ensure your nether regions are clean with a warm gentle spray. It is followed up by warm air drying. So fancy!

9. EV Charger

Despite what the commercials say, Santa is not bringing you that Lexus or Mercedes this year. That red bow will look even better on your new EV charging station. Help keep that Tesla charged up so you can do your holiday shopping and get to your holiday parties and get togethers. 

8. Smart Thermostat

Do you still walk over to your thermostat and have only two-three generic buttons to try and keep your entire home comfortable? There is a simple solution. Wouldn’t you rather be the boss of your home and control your HVAC system (and much, much more) from anywhere in the world? A smart thermostat is your answer to smart living.

7. Ring Doorbell

Ho, ho, ho- It is easy to see what Santa’s elves are delivering to your home with a Ring Doorbell. Also, keep those porch pirates at bay by letting them know you have them on camera should they try something shady. You’ll be letting Santa know they need to be added to the naughty list.

6. Bluetooth Exhaust Fan

What is functional and fun? A Bluetooth exhaust fan will pull the humidity out of your bathroom and help keep that “not so fresh” scent moving elsewhere. Connect your phone to it, turn up your tunes and do a little singing in the shower.

5. Bluetooth Showerhead

f you’d rather upgrade your showerhead to practice singing your showtunes, you can opt for the Bose Bluetooth Showerhead. Great water pressure, a rechargeable speaker and loud singing make for a fun time!

4. LED Showerhead

Let’s continue the party… Pair the Bluetooth exhaust fan with the LED showerhead and feel like you are on stage. Belt out your favorite songs while colored LED lights cast down on you. You are a star in the making!

3. Instahot

In a world of instant gratification, Instahot allows you instant hot water on demand. Make it easy for you or your kids to make a cup of hot chocolate or tea or a bowl of oatmeal. You can tell your teen it’s for their midnight bowl of ramen. 

2. USB Outlets

Upgrade your outlets to keep up with technology. Get USB outlets that have USB-A and USB-C ports. We can’t guarantee that the kids won’t still steal your chords, but you won’t need a charging block anymore. Upgrade single outlets or let us help you create a charging station.

AND THE NUMBER ONE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA IS….

1. Water Bottle Filler

Hey soccer moms and workout fanatics we have you covered! Have a water bottle filler installed in your garage, mudroom, kitchen or workout room. With a water bottle filler, you can keep your kids hydrated while keeping them from dragging the outdoors in. When you’re concentrating on getting your sweat on, no need to trudge to another room, simply fill ‘er up!

How Can I Make My Furnace Last Longer?

The average furnace lasts between 10 and 15 years. But did you know you can take steps to make it last longer? There is no shortcut or hack to increase your furnace’s longevity. 

In reality, the key is treating your Avon system with care and respect. With just a small amount of time and energy, you can ensure your furnace will live well beyond its warranty. From our team here at Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical, here are four things you should do to make your furnace last longer:

1. Change Your Filter Regularly

This is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do for your heating system. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see how frequently you should replace your filter. 

When filters get clogged with dust and debris, it causes all sorts of problems with your furnace. The airflow becomes restricted, causing the furnace components to wear down more quickly.

2. Schedule Maintenance at Least Once a Year

You should see one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals for maintenance at least once a year. Your heating equipment might have issues you can’t yet see. 

Fortunately, a trained eye can spot them. Also, our technicians will clean any excess debris or mold from your equipment. This protects your furnace, as well as your Indiana home’s air quality.

3. Regulate Your Home’s Humidity

Protecting your furnace from excess moisture is an easy step to forget. Humid temperatures can cause your unit’s parts to rust quickly. This can lead to breakdowns. It can also lead to a cracked heat exchanger, which is expensive to replace and potentially deadly. Additionally, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, excess humidity can cause a host of other problems in your home.

4. Limit Your Use

In automotive terms, the amount of hours your furnace spends running is comparable to a car’s mileage. If you can run your heating system less frequently, you’ll get more use out of it in the long run. 

A convenient way to do this is by upgrading your thermostat to either a programmable or Wi-Fi/smart thermostat. Programmable thermostats can automatically turn down your heat during hours when no one is home. Wi-Fi thermostats allow you to adjust temperatures on your smartphone or computer/laptop when you’re home or away. You can also monitor your weekly energy usage, so you can consider ways to cut down.

Contact Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical for All Your Furnace Needs

Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical is here to help you in Avon, IN and our surrounding areas to preserve your furnace’s condition. Call us today at 317-471-8700 or request service online to schedule service with one of our highly trained and experienced professionals.