Whether you need backup power for your home or business, there are a number of things to consider when deciding on what generator size is right for you. One of these is whether you’ll use natural gas, propane or diesel to fuel your generator.
Regardless of the type of fuel you choose, your whole house generator should be sized to provide enough power for all of your essential circuits.
Insurance
A generator can help keep your home safe from storms and other inclement weather. It may also save you money on insurance by reducing the number of claims you file.
Power outages can leave you without essential services like heating, cooling, refrigeration and lights. In some cases, they could lead to food spoilage or the loss of expensive equipment.
Whole house generators can also provide backup electricity to critical medical equipment such as oxygen machines and heart monitors. However, Medicare does not cover the installation or purchase of residential generators.
If you do decide to purchase a whole house generator, make sure it is insured and up to date on maintenance requirements. This includes load bank service, oil changes, battery testing, emissions tests and cooling system inspections.
Maintenance
If you want your whole house generator to last for decades to come, you need to keep it properly maintained. Having it regularly serviced by technicians is the only way to guarantee it will work when you need it most.
Just like your car, your generator needs regular maintenance to help it run smoothly and reliably. Your home backup generator should be maintained on a weekly and monthly basis to extend its lifespan and improve its reliability during power outages.
You may need to change your air filter, oil, spark plugs, and check your battery charge. You should also inspect the fuel lines, valves, and enclosure louvers for dirt and debris.
Your local authorized generator service dealer will be able to tell you exactly when and how much maintenance is required for your generator. This can make it easier to maintain your unit on a regular basis.
Installation
When you have a whole house generator, you can be confident that your home will be safe and sound in the event of a power outage. These standby generators will turn on automatically and supply the energy needed to keep your appliances running until utility power is restored.
A quality whole house generator will also help to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide inside your home, which can lead to health issues and respiratory problems. Additionally, standby generators are much quieter than portable ones.
Installing a whole house generator can be a complex process, so it’s important to choose a professional. You should always ask a potential contractor about their licensing and insurance before hiring them.
You should also let them know about any local permitting you may need to do before they can begin installation. This will help them to spot shoddy work and avoid any unexpected costs later on.
Warranty
When it comes to a whole house generator, a warranty is a great way to protect your investment. It can also help to avoid costly repairs down the road by covering major components of your generator that may encounter problems or need replacement.
Depending on the manufacturer and model, a generator warranty can last from three to five years. It’s a good idea to consider what length of time you plan to own your generator and how much money you can afford to spend on maintenance and repairs in the future.
The best warranty is one that includes both parts and labor coverage. This will give you the most peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your new purchase for longer. Another important feature to look for is travel coverage. Some brands only pay for mileage and some do not cover travel at all.