Generators supply electrical power that you can use as a backup during a power outage. This appliance is convenient to have around your home so you can avoid any disruptions from your daily activities.
By installing a whole-house generator, you’ll get your electricity back. Your lights won’t have to stay off when the power grids are out. You’ll get to use your air conditioning system and heaters for your comfort. Sounds good, right?
Before you can start the process of installing your own whole-house generator, there are some things you need to consider first.
What to Consider Before Installing a Whole-House Generator?
Before you start on your plans, you should first know the kind of generator you need. There are various different types of generators available to you—the portable type and the whole-house generator.
Portable generators are small and loud when you use them. You must wheel it out of storage and manually turn it on to start working.
Unlike portable generators, Whole-House generators or Standby generators are large and not as noisy. Big establishments such as hospitals often use this type of generator to keep things functioning properly. Although this is preferred by big places, Standby generators are also the best choice for your home.
When you’re in an area where natural disasters such as blizzards and hurricanes often happen, you won’t have the time to wheel out a portable generator and set it up outside to start working. House generators automatically provide power once there is an outage. You don’t have to go out and set them up because they are professionally installed at a safe distance.
When installing a Standby generator, you will need to hire licensed professionals like Generac Generator Installation St Louis. You also need to consider the following:
1. Generator Capacity
What you should consider before buying a generator is the amount of power you need. You can do this by taking into account your devices and appliances and assessing the watts they need to function.
A typical household requires 15 to 30 kilowatts for everyday use. That includes the supply of energy for your lights, refrigerator, and the everyday basic appliances that you need.
If you’re having a hard time doing it yourself, you can ask an electrician or even your electric company to evaluate the amount of electricity you need. This way, you’ll get the exact estimate of the kilowatts you need to keep your household running, especially if you have a smart kitchen.
2. Generator Fuel
You need fuel to keep your generator running. Generators run on natural gas, propane, diesel, or gasoline. Some generators might recommend just one type of fuel, but you can use the ones available to you if the generator can handle interchanging gas.
Natural gas is a widely used type of fuel. Although it doesn’t carry much energy, it is affordable and easy to find since it’s available anywhere.
For an environment-friendly alternative, you can use liquid propane. This fuel works just as well as the others!
If you want to get the most energy out of the fuel, you can use diesel. This is a bit pricey, but your generator would run a bit longer.
The last option you can choose is gasoline, although it is not commonly used in whole-house generators. Gasoline is more compatible with portable generators. It’s better to use other options.
3. Generator Noise
Generators are noisy. You can choose any type of generator in the smallest size, and they will still be noisy, although some are, of course, noisier than others.
So before you decide where you want to install your generator, don’t forget to consider the noise it can produce. If you don’t like noise, consider installing it a little further away from your home.
If you want to do something about the noise, you can purchase a noise-reduction cage. You can also build your own noise reduction box, but it’s better if you buy one so that you can install it together with the generator.
4. Best Place to Install a Whole-House Generator
Consider installing your generator in an area away from living spaces, bedrooms, and your neighbors. Find a place away from your pets, too.
Do not place it inside a building or in a space blocked by trees and bushes. It is suggested to place your generator at least 5 feet away from any windows and doors and 3 feet away from anything flammable, like some appliances or spices from your kitchen or even a water heater you use for your bath needs.
Generators are dangerous. They require proper airflow and ventilation when working. It’s best to install them outside to avoid carbon emissions indoors. You can consult a licensed electrical contractor or your local building authority for any measures you need to take before installing a generator.
5. Can You Install a Whole-House Generator By Yourself?
The answer is yes. But is it recommended? No.
Whole-house generators aren’t simple appliances you can buy and just plug in to work. Installing a standby generator is a risky job that requires professional services.
If you do it without the proper knowledge of how to install it and its precautionary measures, you can put yourself and everyone around you at risk.
Hire an electrician to help you. Don’t put yourself at risk.
Conclusion
Whole-house generators are convenient whenever there are power outages. You can continue your work or daily activities even though the power grids are out.
You can choose whatever generator size you want as long as it is compatible with the amount of electricity your house requires. Once you’ve considered everything you need, hire a licensed electrician to handle the installation of your Whole-House generator in a safe space near you.
Please note: CharlieTrotters.com is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
