Only 10% of Americans have a whole-house Generator installed in their homes. Whether you have just moved into a new house, or you experience frequent power breakdowns, having a power generator ensures that you have backup power in case of emergency situations.
In case of longer power outages, important home appliances such as the refrigerator, freezer, and communication devices may stop functioning. This causes unnecessary inconvenience to the household users.
Let’s dive into the world of power generators and learn the top 3 things to consider before installing a whole-house generator.
3 Things to Consider Before Installing a Power Generator
Installing a power generator isn’t something that you can do by yourself. It is a technical process that requires professional help. Here are the 3 most important considerations you must know before going for a generator installation.
- Determine What Type of Generator You Need
When it’s your first time in the market buying a whole-house generator, you realize the options are plenty. Therefore, it’s easy to be overwhelmed when going for a particular generator.
There are whole-house generators that are fueled by propane, and others that are fueled by natural gas. If you already have a propane tank installed at your home, it’s preferable to invest in a propane-driven generator. On the other hand, natural gas generators can be handy given that you have access to natural gas as a power source.
Once you have chosen the type of fuel you are going for, it’s time to decide what size generator best aligns with your power load needs.
The size of your whole house generator depends on how big your house is and the number of running appliances. The most common whole-house generators are rated as:
- 10 kW generator
- 18 kW generator
- 24 kW generator
For instance, if you have a 2500-square-foot home, a 10 kW generator would be sufficient for you. However, if your house size is greater than 5000 square feet, you will need a larger 24 kW generator.
- Find an Established Brand
Mostly, when you decide to install a generator at your home, you know very little about the technicalities. This is where you need to find a professional and trustworthy brand with good credibility in the market.
The global generator sales market is expected to be worth $29 billion by the end of 2027. Therefore, there are plenty of companies that offer whole-house generators.
The top three companies for Generac, Cummins, and Kohler. You are better off choosing from established brands like these. Just make sure you find a credible electrician, which shouldn’t be difficult in most states. So, whether you are seeking Generac Generator Installation in St Louis MO, or New Orleans LA, choose a reputed electrical company.
- Identify an Optimum Location for Your Generator
Regardless of the type, there is one thing common in all generators – the noise. A whole-house generator may take up a lot of space and create sound pollution, causing disturbance inside the house.
Unlike solar panel systems, that can simply sit on your roof without creating any noise, it’s crucial to identify and set up an optimum location for the generator in your house.
The most ideal place for your generator is somewhere that’s easily accessible. You also want to set it up outside your house due to safety concerns as it’s a high-power electrical appliance with flammable fuel.
Tip: It’s best to hire a company that can visit and suggest the most optimum place for your generator.
Other Miscellaneous Considerations Before
Besides the above-mentioned things, there are some other relevant considerations to keep in mind when you decide to install a whole-house generator.
- Prepare a transfer switch – Before your generator can be up and running, you will need a transfer switch on the electric panel. This isn’t something you can do by yourself. Therefore, hire an electrician to suggest the best switch type and also help you with the installation process.
- Determine the maintenance cost – It’s easy to install a generator. However, whole-house generators have high maintenance costs. Make sure you educate yourself regarding the kind of maintenance that you may need to carry out over its useful life.
- Decide how much you want to spend – There is a wide variety of whole-house generators available in the market. These also vary in cost. That’s why you need to figure out your budget before you step into the market. Generator costs differ according to the manufacturing brand and the load-carrying capacity.
Why Do You Need a Whole-House Generator?
There are many situations when you could use a whole-house generator. It works as a backup power source and ensures uninterrupted power supply to the residents.
- Emergency Power Supply
Having a backup power source for maintaining essential services like refrigerators, medical equipment, lighting, and communication. Without a generator, you may end up in total darkness and without any internet communication.
- Preservation of Perishables
Power outages can halt the functioning of refrigerator and freezer contents. This can result in food wastage as the cooling stops. In the event of long power breakdowns, a generator can help you preserve these perishables by maintaining an uninterrupted power supply to the cooling appliances.
- Climate Control
A whole-house generator ensures smooth operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC). This is crucial to maintain indoor temperatures, especially for those living in extreme weather environments.
- Security Systems
In case of a power outage, the most sensitive component that goes dysfunctional is the security system of your house. Having a power generator installed keeps your alarms and security cameras up and running.
- Home Office and Remote Learning
Are you someone who works or studies from home? With the growing trend of working from home, it’s essential to have an uninterrupted power supply. This is where a whole-house power generator ensures that you never miss an online meeting again.
Installing a Whole-House Generator
Final Words
When buying a whole-house generator, it’s crucial to find the right generator type, size, and location of installation. Natural gas-powered generators are fuel-efficient, but there are areas that don’t have a natural gas supply. That’s where you may need a propane-powered generator.
Additionally, you need to monitor your power demand and choose a generator that can manage the load of all your electrical appliances. Hence, choose the generator that suits your needs and find a credible installation company to set it up.
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