Installation Preparation: What To Know

If you experience a blackout, then you may have some serious concerns if you have a critical medical device that relies on power. You may even have some concerns about the food in your freezer or the dangers of having to navigate your home in the dark. Outages are somewhat problematic, but it is more than possible for you to avoid them by simply investing in a whole house generator.

Choosing the Right Generator Capacity

If you want a generator to power your home, then the first thing that you have to do is factor into account how much power you actually need to generate. If you choose the wrong capacity, then you may find that you end up not being able to power your vital units. If you want to choose the right capacity then you need to first start by working out how many wattages you need. It’s a good idea for you to assess the wattage of your home first. You can do this by reading the manual for the devices that you have in your home. Add the wattage to the beginning wattage you have, and this will let you know how much you need to power every device within your home. You can then add up the total wattages to determine the capacity you need. As a general rule, anything up to 2000 watts will power your fridge, freezer, TV, coffee machine and a few lamps. 7,000 watts plus will power the already listed items, along with your lights, computer, water pump, sump pump, water heater, central AC, furnace, and hot plate.

Choosing the Right Fuel for your Generator

The type of fuel that you choose for your generator will influence the general cost of running it. Your generator will most likely run on diesel, propane, gasoline or natural gas. Natural gas is affordable, and even though it carries less energy, it’s so available that you do not have to worry about running out at all. Propane is incredibly environmentally friendly, and the shelf-life is indefinite. Diesel is the most energy-packed and it’s easy to maintain as you do not need to concern yourself with spark plugs. Gasoline is the most available, but generators that use this fuel are almost exclusively made to be portable.

Other Things to Consider when Choosing a Generator

There are some other considerations that you will have to think about before selecting a generator as well. Some of them can be found below.

Electrical

This type of electrical system could increase the price of your installation. The main reason for this is because standby generators often work via transfer switches. This switch essentially senses the onset of an outage, and it then sends power to the circuits of your choosing.

Plumbing

If you intend on using liquid propane or natural gas, then you will have to factor in plumbing. In some instances, you can use an existing gas line, but when it comes to propane tanks, you will have to get a plumber to handle the piping for you.

Permits

Before you install a generator, you will probably need to acquire a permit for the electrical upgrades you need to carry out, along with a permit for your generator’s gas line. If you go through a reputable installer, then they will usually source the permits for you.

Location

Where you install the generator is so important. If you install the exhaust far too close to a window or an entry point, then this will be a serious hazard for your home. You also need to factor in a concrete slab if you do not have any solid base at your site location.

We Specialize in Generator Installation

Installing a whole-house generator requires a great deal of knowledge, especially in the realm of plumbing and electricity. You also need to understand permits, placement, and assembly. When you come to us, you will be glad to know that we can help you to install your new system safely and we can also make the process as efficient as possible. We can take care of everything from permits to certifications and even logistics, meaning you don’t have a thing to worry about there. Want to find out more about our generator installation service? If so, then the only thing that you have to do is give us a call at 361-782-6329. When you do, our team can then help you with just about everything you need to know. We can also give you a quote for your generator installation too.