During a grid-down crisis, a whole house generator could make a life or death difference for you and your family. This is especially true if anyone in your household depends on medical equipment, such as a CPAP machine. Generators are available in many different sizes, can run on propane or natural gas, and are installed alongside your home. Whole house generator installers can help you decide which generator is right for your home.
Understand What You Need in a Backup Generator
One mistake many homeowners make is to install the largest generator they can get to provide power to the whole house. That’s a good option if you can afford it. However, you can also buy a generator just big enough to power up your home’s essential electrical circuits. These could be the circuits connected to your kitchen appliances, well pump, or security system. These are called “partial-house generators.”
Likewise, choosing a standby generator isn’t as simple as figuring out your home’s square footage. The complexity of your electrical system is also a factor, especially if you have central air conditioning. Whole house generator installers can accurately calculate your potential electrical loads and recommend the right generator for you.
Generator Installation Must Meet Building Codes
Other things to consider when installing a backup generator are your local city ordinances; rural installations can be easy, but city installations can run into red tape. Urban areas usually have noise ordinances that can restrict the use of a generator. Also, building codes generally require a backup generator to be installed at least five feet away from a home’s doors and windows and five feet away from flammable material, such as the generator’s fuel supply. Likewise, the placement of the fuel tank is generally restricted.
If you are in New Jersey, Walter Danley Electrical Contracting, LLC is made up of factory-trained whole house generator installers. They offer a free in-home generator installation assessment.
