When you need a whole house generator for your home, you’ll have to know the best way to go about it. The first thing to decide is whether you want a standby generator or a whole-house unit. You also need to figure out which brand you want, as well as where to shop for one.
Installing a whole-home generator
There are many things to consider before you decide on installing a whole-home generator. First, you should determine which type of generator is best suited for your home. You should also choose an installer that is licensed and insured. Lastly, you should be aware of the safety concerns that accompany installing a whole-home generator.
Whole-home generators are available from a variety of manufacturers. Some of these generators have more power than others. This can affect the price you pay. The price will also depend on the type of installation you choose. For instance, if you want your generator installed in a basement, you will need to have a more costly installation.
When it comes to size, you should know that the biggest whole-home generators can be as large as 20kW. These generators can accommodate a 5-ton central air conditioner. Besides that, they can run most of the lights in your home, including your TV and refrigerator.
Choosing between a standby generator and a whole-home generator
If you are planning on buying a standby generator, there are a few things to consider. You should first determine the size of your home and the power needs of your household. Then, you should choose between a whole-home generator or a standby generator.
A standby generator can provide power to a smaller amount of your home’s electrical appliances. For example, if you have a small television or a computer, a 5,000 to 7,500 watt standby generator should be more than enough.
In contrast, a whole-house generator can power your entire house, including your kitchen and other essential appliances. However, these systems are more expensive to install. They can also be difficult to find.
Whole-house generators can be used with liquid propane or natural gas. Typically, they offer more power per gallon than a standby generator. These generators are less expensive to run than a portable unit, and they produce a cleaner exhaust output.
Standby generators are installed outside your home, and they automatically start up when power goes out. They typically come with a transfer switch that allows you to change between different sources of power.