A power outage can be a terrifying experience, no matter how brief. The fear of spoiled food in the freezer, critical medical equipment shutting down, or the temperature of your home can cause a serious panic when the power goes out.
A whole house generator protects your home from this inconvenient and potentially dangerous situation. However, installing one requires knowledge of electricity and plumbing, as well as installation, permits, and more.
Cost
A whole house generator is a major investment, but one that can pay off in the long run. It will save you money on utility bills and keep your important household appliances running even during outages.
The price of a whole house generator without natural gas depends on the size and capacity of the unit. You should get one that is 20 to 25% larger than the biggest load you’ll need to run.
You’ll also need to factor in a few other costs, such as a permit and installing a concrete pad for the generator.
Costs for a standby or whole house generator vary depending on fuel type, how large the unit is and whether it’s equipped with a smart load manager or wireless monitor.
Homeowners in areas prone to hurricanes or tornadoes often invest in whole house generators. These machines are also used by hospitals and other government buildings during emergencies, keeping power on for days or weeks in the event of a disaster.
Safety
If you are considering installing a whole house generator, there are some important points to consider. For starters, they should be installed by a professional.
They should also be located in a safe location away from windows and other home entry points. This is because they can produce harmful gases, like carbon monoxide, when used near a home.
It is highly recommended to use a whole-house generator with natural gas as the fuel source because it’s a cleaner burning and more efficient source of energy than gasoline.
To decide which type of fuel your generator needs, you need to calculate your load requirements. This includes the running watts and starting watts of your appliances, plus how much power those appliances will consume once they turn on.
Choosing the right size for your home’s load requirements is critical. Ideally, you want a generator that is 20- 25% larger than the biggest load it will be used to run. This will ensure that everything electrical in your home will be able to stay powered up during an outage, so you can continue enjoying your favorite activities without worrying about the power going out!
Environment
A whole house generator can be a great way to keep your family comfortable during an extended power outage. You can run your air conditioning, keep food and medicine refrigerated, and even pump water from the faucet.
While a whole house generator using natural gas has its benefits, there are other options available that are more eco-friendly. For instance, a diesel or propane generator uses far less fuel than an equivalent gasoline powered model and can run for much longer periods of time without a refill.
One of the biggest environmental concerns associated with generators is their greenhouse gas emissions. These gases contribute to the climate change problem of our time by altering the earth’s temperature and thereby compromising its ability to sustain life. Fortunately, you can help prevent these issues by purchasing an emission-free machine that’s as functional as it is clean and green. With a little research, you can find a generator to fit your specific needs and budget.
Noise
During extreme weather, including hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, winter storms, and wildfires, it’s not uncommon for your home to lose power for days or weeks at a time. This is where a whole house generator comes in handy.
They provide a backup to your regular electric supply, so you’ll have power for the essentials, such as refrigerator and freezer, lights, and your air conditioner. You can even use a whole house generator to recharge critical medical equipment, such as oxygen and dialysis machines.
The only downside to a whole house generator is that they do make some noise. This can be irritating to some people and can cause a violation of local noise ordinances, so it’s important to choose the right model for your neighborhood.
Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate this noise, such as by purchasing a vibration-absorbing pad or by building a noise-reducing cage or box around the unit. This can reduce the amount of sound that a standby generator makes, but you’ll need to consult with the installer about these options.