A whole house generator, also known as a standby generator, is an essential piece of home equipment that keeps your critical systems and appliances running when the power goes out. These home backup generators are permanently installed and typically have insulated weatherproof housing that keeps them relatively quiet.
Before you buy a whole house generator, estimate how much wattage you will need to keep your house running during a power outage. This will allow you to choose the best generator capacity for your needs.
Electrical
The installation of a whole house generator is a complicated process that should be left to professional electricians. The process involves installing a base outside your home, connecting natural gas to the generator and then wiring the generator to the electrical system inside your home.
In addition to this, your local building inspector may need to inspect the system. It is important to have a licensed electrician perform the installation for your safety and the safety of the lineman during an outage.
Power surges caused by lightning and voltage spikes are very dangerous to appliances and electronics in your home. A whole house surge protector can help protect these items from damage and prevent them from failing during an outage.
The total amount of electrical service amperage in your home is measured by your main service panel, located in the basement or exterior of the house. Circuit breakers within the panel control which circuits can receive electricity, and which ones cannot.
Plumbing
Installing a whole house generator requires a team of skilled tradesmen. These include a plumber, electrician and, if necessary, someone to build a pad for the unit to rest on.
In addition, you’ll need permits and inspections before you can start work. These will vary by local building codes and your HOA restrictions, so it’s a good idea to ask the contractors you’re considering whether they have experience installing a home generator system.
Fortunately, most of these projects are a breeze when you work with a professional team. A licensed plumber can connect your natural gas line and a skilled electrician can hard wire your new generator to your home’s electrical system. They’ll also install the automatic transfer switch that will trigger the device to kick on as soon as your power goes out.
Insulation
Insulation is a material that reduces the flow of heat from one area to another, thus keeping your home at a more comfortable temperature. This reduces your heating and cooling costs while ensuring comfort year-round.
Insulating the walls, roof, doors and windows will help to increase the energy efficiency of your home. The walls account for around 30% of the energy loss in your home, while the roof accounts for 25%.
There are many different types of insulation available, including fiberglass, cellulose and foam. Each is used in different ways and has a unique R-value.
The first step in deciding on the right type of insulation for your home is to determine how much you need. This can be done by using our insulation calculator, which will tell you the amount of insulation your home will need to meet industry standards for energy efficiency.
Final Inspection
One of the most important steps in installing a whole house generator is to conduct a final inspection. This is done to make sure that all of the components are working properly, and you have everything you need in case of a power outage.
When conducting a final inspection, it is best to check all of the electrical outlets, switches, and light fixtures. This ensures that all of the wires are in place and that all of the outlets are connected correctly.
Additionally, it is vital to make sure that the generator has enough fuel. The battery and charger are also key components that need to be checked.
Finally, it is essential to ensure that the fuel regulator is functioning properly. If it is not, the generator may not be able to start. This is why it is crucial to inspect these components regularly, and replace them if needed. Keeping them in good working order will prolong their lifespan and ensure that they work when you need them the most.