There are many reasons to purchase a whole house generator. They offer the security of knowing your home’s power is always on and can be accessed when you need it most. When you’re in the market for a generator, you should consider its price, its safety, and the fuel source it uses.
Cost of a whole house generator
There are several factors that will affect the cost of a whole house generator. First, you need to decide how many circuits you need to power. Typically, you’ll need at least one circuit to power the HVAC system.
Depending on your needs, you may also need to consider fuel costs. Fuels that are commonly used include gasoline, diesel, and liquid propane. The price of each fuel will vary depending on how often you use it and whether you live in an area where it’s available.
The installation of a whole house generator can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. The amount of labor required can vary, as well. It is important to have a professional do the installation, because mistakes can result in costly repairs.
Whole house generators typically run on gas or liquid propane. However, there are other types of generators, such as standby generators and portable generators.
A standby generator can provide power for up to 10 circuits. These generators are automatically turned on and off during an outage, and can power a large range of critical appliances in your home.
Safety of the generator
When a whole house generator is installed in your home, there are certain safety tips you should follow. Although many whole house generators are equipped with advanced safety features, you still need to be cautious to avoid serious accidents.
One of the most common hazards with whole house generators is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and hard to detect. Fortunately, you can avoid it by following a few simple steps.
First, you should make sure that your fuel tank is not overfilled. An overfilled fuel tank can ignite and cause a fire. Instead, you should store extra fuel in a cool, well-ventilated location.
Secondly, you should make sure that your generator is properly grounded. A properly grounded generator helps prevent electrical shocks. If you are not able to ground your generator yourself, you should hire a professional to do it for you.
Third, you should install a transfer switch. This device can keep your generator from backfeeding power into your home. Backfeeding is a dangerous practice that can lead to fires, electrocution and even breakdowns.
Cost of a standby generator
The cost of a standby whole house generator can vary widely, depending on the type of generator, location, and other factors. It’s important to get estimates from several sources before making your final choice.
A standby whole house generator is a device that automatically turns on in the event of a power outage. They are often used to power essential circuits, such as water pumps, refrigerators, and garage door openers.
Whole house generators can run on natural gas or propane. Gas fuel is typically used for portable generators, while diesel or propane is used for permanent standby units. Generators may also run on solar energy.
In addition to installation costs, there are also maintenance costs. These include service by a technician who comes out a few times a year to change oil, clean parts, or replace broken ones. If you are planning on getting a whole house generator, it’s wise to choose a brand that offers a warranty.