When a power outage occurs, you can rely on a whole house generator to keep your home safe and functional. These devices are installed permanently outside your house and provide backup power during outages or equipment failures.
Choosing the right generator for your needs is a major decision. It involves lots of consideration and research.
Reliable
Whole house generators offer an affordable and reliable backup power source in case your home loses its supply of electricity. These devices will automatically step in to provide electricity in milliseconds, and switch back off once they sense the power is returning.
Depending on your needs, these units can be powerful enough to keep a number of critical appliances running at the same time. They are also convenient to use thanks to self-testing, and you can check up on the status of the battery using a mobile app or voice control with Alexa.
They are also easy to maintain. You can set up automatic oil and filter changes with a professional technician, and regular services thereafter will keep them running smoothly.
In addition to their reliability, whole house generators are very safe. As long as they are installed correctly, they should not pose any safety hazards.
Quiet
A lot of people have concerns about generator noise, but most modern whole house generators run quieter than they sound. These machines run in an idle mode similar to a toilet or washer, and aren’t much louder than normal conversation.
Some homeowners also use vibration dampening materials to help cut down on noise production. These can be used on the generator’s mounting system or the screws that connect the generator to the ground.
Another way to reduce noise is by installing an enclosure around the generator. These can be purchased or made by yourself, and they also help keep the exhaust gases out of your home.
If you’re looking for a generator that is exceptionally quiet, consider Cummins’ QuietConnect series. They’re designed to be super quiet and are available with either liquid propane or natural gas fuel options.
Maintains Room Temperature
A whole house generator may be best known for keeping your power on when the lights go out, but it can also keep your cooling system and all your appliances running in the event of a blackout. This is not to be confused with a portable generator, which while capable of the same feats can’t provide the juice for your air conditioning and refrigerator. For the same reason, a whole home generator is a worthwhile investment that should be made with the assistance of a professional.
In addition to a well-designed and sized generator, it is worth the effort to call in a qualified HVAC contractor to make sure your new backup generator will have the longevity it takes to power your home for years to come. A professional is also likely to suggest the best watts to pounds ratio and the proper size for your unique needs. Choosing the most efficient option is the key to a stress-free outage and the quickest return on your investment.
Safety
Generators provide a back-up power source for your home in case of a prolonged power outage. They can save food in your fridge or freezer, keep your home office running and power your essential equipment.
When operating your whole house generator, you should exercise extreme caution. It is important to place the generator outside, away from doors, windows, vents and other openings that could allow carbon monoxide (CO) to come indoors or be drawn into potentially occupied spaces.
You should also avoid storing fuel for your generator inside the home, whether gasoline, propane, kerosene or diesel. These liquids should be stored outside living areas in properly-labeled, non-glass safety containers.
Finally, generators are sensitive to water, so they should be kept in a dry place. If the generator is wet or exposed to rainwater, it can short out the electrical components. This is a serious danger to both the generator and its user. It can cause fires and electrocution.