A whole house generator can power the entire electrical system in your home. This means it can provide power to the furnace, kitchen appliances, television, lights, and even your sump pump if you have one installed.
Whole house generators come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the right size for your home. They’re also available in a wide range of fuel options, including natural gas.
Cost
When a power outage strikes, you want to know that you have a backup power source in place. Not only will it help you keep your food in the fridge and your kids safe from a scary, dark basement, but it can also save you from some serious expenses.
The cost of running a whole house generator depends on the size and the type of fuel it uses. Generally, the larger your generator, the more it costs per kilowatt hour to operate.
In addition to the cost of the generator itself, you’ll need to factor in fuel costs and maintenance. These can include battery replacements, spark plugs, breaker issues, gauge malfunctions, coolant problems, and clogged carburetors.
You’ll also need to install a natural gas line, which can be a complex process that requires a plumber and may incur additional fees. It’s important to consider all of these factors before purchasing a whole house generator so that you can get the best deal possible for your needs.
Environment
In the event of an electric power outage, a whole house generator can help you keep your home powered and your heating and cooling systems running. These backup generators use an alternative energy source, usually natural gas or propane, to supply the power you need during a storm or other outage.
Natural gas is one of the cleanest fossil fuels and it burns very efficiently, emitting less carbon dioxide than oil or coal – and a much lower amount of nitrogen oxide poisonous gases. It also doesn’t produce a foul smell when it’s burnt, unlike oil or diesel.
Another advantage of natural gas is that it’s readily available in many cities, so it’s easy to get fuel for your generator. It also does not need to be stored, unlike a generator that uses diesel or other fuels that need to be pumped from large tanks.
Safety
In the event of a power outage, the safety of your family’s home and belongings depends on how well you manage the use of a whole house generator. But before you buy one, here are some things to keep in mind:
The primary danger of running a whole house generator is electrocution and fire. These risks can be mitigated by choosing a quality model and following simple precautions.
It is also critical to consider the gas used to run your generator. It is important to store gas only in an ANSI-approved container, not near any potential sources of heat or fire, and in a cool, ventilated area.
Another major concern is carbon monoxide poisoning. The CPSC estimates that generators have caused more than 1,300 carbon monoxide deaths in the United States over the past two decades.
Energy Efficiency
Running a whole house generator on natural gas can save you money in the long run. But there are a few things to consider before making this decision.
First, calculate the electricity consumption of your appliances and devices. This includes the starting watts (W) and the running watts (KW).
Then use Norwall’s Power Calculator to determine the minimum size generator for your home. For example, if your refrigerator requires 2,800 W to start up and 700 KW when it is running, you’ll need at least a 15 to 25 percent margin above that figure.
Also, look for a generator with power management. This will keep high voltage appliances from overloading the machine when they’re first plugged in.
A liquid-cooled machine can also help protect it from overheating when temperatures are hot. Similarly, a hybrid fossil-fuel/solar generator will consume less fuel than a pure gas model and provide more energy savings in the long run.