Whole home generators deliver reliable back-up power during a power outage. They are permanently mounted outside, fuelled by a natural gas or propane tank and directly wired into your house’s electrical system.
Determine what you want the generator to power during an outage (a list of “needs” and “wants”). Contact Home Generator Installation Near Me for professional help.
As a home owner, it’s important to understand the power requirements of your household appliances and systems in order to determine the proper generator size. Choosing an incorrectly-sized generator can cause problems during a power outage, including insufficient run time, loss of food from your refrigerator or freezer, and damage to your sensitive electronics. It can also cost you more in fuel costs and other maintenance services.
A great way to get an idea of your power requirements is by using a generator sizing calculator. These tools allow you to input the wattage or kilowatt (kW) rating of your appliances and systems, as well as your home’s square footage and desired backup power needs. Then, the calculator will provide a tailored recommendation on the size generator you need to purchase.
Once you have a good understanding of your household’s power requirements, it’s time to begin shopping for a generator. There are many different types of generators, from small units that only power essential appliances to large generators capable of powering entire homes. You can find a wide variety of makes and models, each with their own specific features and capabilities. Some even come with a variety of warranties and support packages.
Before settling on one, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices. It’s important to remember that while a generator is an investment, it’s one that will pay for itself in the long run by providing you with peace of mind during unexpected power outages.
If you are unsure which generator is right for your needs, consider asking for advice from an electrician or a professional generator installer. They can assess your home’s power requirements, help you select the appropriate model and size generator, and guide you through the process of obtaining permits and complying with local regulations. They can also offer valuable insights on reputable brands and models that meet your home’s power needs, as well as ones that might be a good fit for future upgrades or downgrades. The best part is that they can take the guesswork out of determining what kind of generator is right for you.
Preparing Your Home for Installation
Home generators keep you safe, comfortable and connected in emergencies by powering essential systems like security alarms, sump pumps and medical equipment. They also keep your computers and TVs running so you can stay informed and use your smartphones to call for help.
Choosing the right generator is a complex process. Several factors play into your decision, including the size of your household and the things you most want or need to power during an outage. The generator capacity you need is also important. At one end of the spectrum, portable generators offer a relatively small amount of power, while at the other end, whole-home generators are capable of powering everything in your home.
You’ll also need to decide if you want your generator to run on natural gas, liquid propane (LP) or another fuel source. Depending on your fuel choice, you may need a permit and an electrical and plumbing installation. Your local Authorized Generac Dealer will work with you to understand your backup needs and help you select the right generator for your house.
Once you choose a model and location for the generator, it’s time to prepare the site. This often involves building a pad or pedestal for the unit to rest on, as well as arranging for a professional to install your gas line. The best time to do this is during warm, dry weather when rain won’t disrupt the work or the concrete installation.
A licensed plumber and electrician should complete your generator installation. Make sure they have experience working with outdoor gas lines and that they’re familiar with installing standby generators and transfer switches. The Better Business Bureau is a good resource to learn more about contractors’ reputations and customer complaints.
If you live in a community with a homeowners association, you’ll need to get permission from the HOA to install a home generator. You should also ask about their expectations for where you place your generator and what they’ll do to ensure that it’s safe and accessible in case of an emergency.
Installing the Generator
Home generators are great investments that create convenience, increase safety and add to your home’s value. But getting one installed is not as simple as going to the store, buying one and plugging it in. It’s a process that takes time, effort and proper planning.
The first step in the process is hiring a qualified professional to install the generator. Standby generators require a complex installation that involves electrical and gas connections, so it’s important to work with a professional who understands the process. Your contractor should handle permits and inspections to ensure that the installation meets local codes. They should also be able to provide you with options for fuel sources, such as natural gas or propane.
Next, the contractor will prepare the site for the generator by installing a concrete pad. This will need to be large enough for the footprint of the generator and at least as high as the unit itself. This is an important step because the generator must be properly positioned to avoid damage and to protect the unit from flood risks. It should be a location that is easy to access for maintenance and is not in an area where there are flammable materials or debris like leaves and sticks.
After the generator has been positioned, the electrical and plumbing rough ins will be completed. The electrician will connect the generator to the transfer switch and integrate it into your home’s electrical system. The plumber will connect the generator to your water source, if necessary, and make sure it is properly vented.
Once everything is connected, the generator will be tested to ensure that it activates automatically during a power outage and provides you with adequate power. If the unit is not working properly, it will need to be serviced by a qualified technician.
Before you purchase a generator, it’s helpful to think through what you need versus what you want. You might find that some appliances, like the electric range and laundry machines, draw more power than others. If these aren’t essential to your family, you may be able to reduce the size of your generator by not connecting them. Similarly, infrequently used rooms such as the dining room, formal living room and guest bedrooms can be left off the generator to allot power for items you use more often.
Testing the Generator
Home standby generators are permanently mounted outside and provide constant power in case of a utility outage. They use either natural gas or propane as a fuel source and are directly connected to your home’s electrical system. The best way to make sure your generator will work when you need it is by performing regular testing and maintenance. However, if you don’t have the time or skills to perform these tests yourself, consider hiring a professional. They will handle the necessary permits, install a pad for the generator, run a line-voltage cable from the house to the generator, and connect a fuel line. They will also install a transfer switch to activate the generator when there is a power outage.
When you have a new generator installed, it is important to test it before using it for the first time in a real outage. This is called “load bank testing,” which simulates the load a generator would experience during a power outage to verify that it can meet your emergency needs. The test runs the generator at full capacity, ensuring that it is capable of handling all the demands placed on it during an outage.
Load bank testing is a highly technical procedure, and it is recommended that only trained technicians conduct the tests. The technician will follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure that the equipment and personnel are protected. This includes wearing personal protective equipment, such as eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
During the test, the technician will gradually increase the load on the generator in predetermined increments while monitoring various parameters to assess the generator’s performance. This data is then analyzed to identify any potential issues that need to be addressed. Depending on the results of the test, the technician may need to adjust the generator settings or schedule repairs.
Regular testing of a generator can prevent problems from occurring that would otherwise go unnoticed. It can also help you become familiar with how the generator operates so that you are comfortable using it in an emergency. For these reasons, most experts recommend including load bank testing as part of a routine maintenance plan for generators.
