Whole Home Generator Installation: What You Need To Know
If you’ve ever had your power go out during one of the hottest days of the year, you know it’s not something anyone wants to deal with. Storms are common in the summer, meaning the chances of losing power are decent. If you have a standby generator, you don’t have to worry. It can keep your lights on, your fridge running, and your comfort intact. If you want to invest in one, it’s essential to understand the whole-home generator installation process, key considerations, and benefits. This will allow you to make the right decision for your space.
Why Choose a Whole Home Generator?
Some people invest in portable generators, which can be helpful, but certainly have their drawbacks. A whole-home generator installation is permanent and kicks on automatically when the power goes out. Here are the benefits:
- You will only lose power for a few seconds while the unit kicks on automatically.
- Your entire residence will retain electricity, rather than just a few essentials powered by a portable generator.
- You can know that critical systems like your HVAC, refrigerator, and any medical devices will not lose their power.
Choosing the Right Size
One of the most significant factors when choosing a whole-home generator is the size of the system. This is what you need to consider.
- The square footage of your residence: If you have a larger living space, it typically needs a higher capacity.
- All your appliances and systems require more power, including AC, electric water heaters, and well pumps.
- Lifestyle needs: Determine if you want everything to run during a power outage, or just the essentials.
You can call in a licensed technician to perform a load calculation so that you know the ideal size.
The Whole-Home Generator Installation Process
When it comes time to install your backup, you can expect this.
- A Site Assessment: The technician will evaluate your property to find a suitable location.
- Permits and Approvals: You must get the appropriate permit for installation.
- Pad Preparation: The unit will be placed on a composite or concrete pad.
- Electrical and Fuel Connections: The generator will be wired to your residence’s panel with an automatic transfer switch and connected to propane or natural gas.
- Testing and Demonstration: The installer will test your system and show you how it works.
Fuel Options: Natural Gas vs. Propane
When it comes to fueling your machine, you can choose between natural gas and propane. If you are already connected to a gas line, using natural gas eliminates the need for refueling. If you choose propane, you will need a storage tank, which offers clean burning and a long shelf life. Ultimately, your location and fuel availability will help determine your best choice.
Maintenance for Long-Term Reliability
Like other major appliances, it’s important to schedule regular upkeep for your generator. Here are some examples.
- Annual Service: A technician will inspect connections, check battery health, and change the oil.
- Monthly Self-Tests: Many models can run automatic checks to ensure it is ready to go.
- Post-Storm Checks: If your machine has run for an extended period, inspecting it to ensure everything is working correctly is good.
Cost Considerations
A whole-home generator installation is a significant investment, and the cost can vary based on house size, fuel type, brand, and installation complexity. You will likely find that the upfront cost is high, but the protection and peace of mind it offers are invaluable.
The Bottom Line
Investing in a whole-home generator can be a lifesaver during power outages. It will keep your residence functional, safe, and comfortable. Ensure you choose the right size, work with a qualified installer, and stay on top of maintenance.
Don’t wait for the next storm. Contact us at Mid-Florida Heating & Air to schedule your consultation today.
