Whether you’re buying a standby generator for your whole house or just one unit to power the appliances in a single room, there are a few things you need to know about how much they cost. Also, you’ll want to find out how much noise they make, how easy they are to maintain and how long they last.
Portable vs standby generator
During prolonged power outages, it’s important to decide whether a portable or standby generator is right for your home. While they are both important, each type comes with its own strengths and weaknesses.
In short, portable generators are simpler to set up and operate. They require little maintenance and are usually less expensive than a standby generator. However, they don’t provide much power.
Standby generators on the other hand offer total coverage during power outages. They can keep your entire house running, including heating and cooling systems. A standby generator also has the advantage of allowing you to avoid large financial losses when a power outage occurs.
Portable generators can be used to power your home, but they aren’t quite as powerful as a standby generator. That’s not to say that a portable generator isn’t a good choice.
A portable generator has many advantages, including lower maintenance costs and less noise. They can be used in an RV or in a residential home. However, they do require a fuel source, which must be nearby.
Cost of a standby generator
Using a standby generator as a backup to your main home power supply is a smart way to ensure that you’re always ready for any emergencies. It keeps your important household systems up and running when the power goes out. But do you know how much a standby generator costs? Here’s a guide to the costs of installing one.
Prices vary based on the size of your home. A mid-size home needs 22kW to 32kW of power, while a large home needs 45kW or more. It also depends on how many circuits your home has. For example, if you have a large fridge and freezer, you might need a generator with a larger capacity.
Standby generators can be purchased with 8,500 to 10,000 watts of power. Some new models come with a built-in sensor that prevents carbon monoxide poisoning.
In addition to a generator, you may also want to install a transfer switch. Transfer switches automatically move power from your home’s electrical grid to your generator in the event of a power outage. This process can be manual or automated. Transfer switches range in cost from $800 to $2,000, plus labor.
Noise level of a standby generator
Whether you’re shopping for a standby generator or a whole house generator, it’s important to consider the noise level. The noise level can vary by generator model, power generation, fuel type, terrain, and even wind direction.
Generators can be quite loud. When running at full capacity, generators are typically in the 70-80 decibel range. They’re similar to a washing machine or a refrigerator, but they can be much louder than that.
A home standby generator may be used for several nights or several days. During that time, the generator may produce noise, particularly during the initial ramp up. Some standby generators, including the Generac GP8000, are designed to reduce noise to a hum.
Whole house generators, however, are more quiet than standby generators. Generators can also be placed farther away from your house. Landscaping can also help to reduce noise.
The typical whole house generator emits a light background humming sound, similar to that of a washing machine. Whole house generators are designed to be installed at least 20 feet away from your house.
Self-maintenance of a standby generator
Whether you have a standby generator or a whole house generator, it is important to keep it in good condition. It will help prevent performance issues. It is also important to monitor the system’s performance regularly.
Many modern residential standby generators can automatically test themselves. This allows the system to detect problems before they occur. It also helps the system operate more efficiently.
A generator can be powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel fuel. Depending on the type of fuel, it can affect the storage and efficiency of the generator. It also changes the amount of fuel it uses.
Before installing a standby generator, it is important to check the building codes and regulations in your area. You may need to obtain a permit before installation. You should also make sure the contractor provides safety guidelines.
It is recommended that you change the oil on your standby generator every year. This is to prevent biofilm buildup.