Generators 101
Education
Introduction
If you're considering getting a standby generator for your home, there are several questions and considerations you need to address. Powers Guaranteed Generators has been installing and servicing generators for 20 years, making the process easy for homeowners. In this article, we will walk you through the factors involved in getting a generator installed, the different types of generators available, and provide information on choosing the right one for your needs.
Why Consider a Generator?
Power outages have become increasingly common as the electric grid nationwide ages. Whether you live in an area prone to outages or have experienced them in the past, a generator can provide peace of mind by ensuring you have power when the utility power is down. Reasons for considering a generator include medical concerns, protecting your property from damage, frequent travel, or living in an area with frequent power disruptions. Having a discussion with your family about their experiences during the last outage can help determine your essential needs and what you want the generator to support.
Types of Generators and Sizing
To determine the right size generator, start by making a list of essential items you need to support during a power outage to protect your health and property. Prioritize these needs and then determine your wants, items you would like to support if your budget allows. Based on your needs and wants, you can choose between different types of generators.
Essential Loads Only Generator: This type of generator supports only a specific number of essential circuits, such as heat, water, and refrigeration. Prices for these systems range from $ 5,000 to $ 8,500 installed.
Mid-Size System: This system is suitable if you don't need to support your entire home but want more than just essential loads. They range from $ 7,000 to $ 10,000 installed.
Whole House System: If you want to support most or all of your home, including electric stoves and air conditioning, you'll need a 17,000 to 20,000 watt system, which can cost anywhere from $ 9,000 to $ 15,000.
It's important to note that if the cost of supporting your entire home is higher than your budget, you can consider omitting one or two large electrical loads, like electric stoves or limiting air conditioning, to reduce the size and cost of the generator.
Choosing the Right Brand
When it comes to choosing a generator brand, not all generators are created equal. Each brand has different strengths and features that suit specific needs and applications. Factors to consider when evaluating brands include reliability, longevity, sound level, engine strength, power quality, warranty, availability of load management features, and remote monitoring capability. Powers Guaranteed Generators is an authorized dealer of all major residential generator manufacturers and can recommend the best system based on your individual needs.
Installation Considerations
Before installing a generator, consider the fuel supply. Residential standby generators run on either propane or natural gas. If you already have propane or natural gas at your home, a site evaluation will determine if your supply is sufficient. If not, you may need to bring propane on-site or make necessary changes to accommodate the generator. It's essential to understand that using home heating oil in a diesel generator can damage the engine and void the warranty.
Regular preventive maintenance is crucial to keep your generator in good working order and maintain the manufacturer's warranty. A generator is made up of different components that require regular maintenance and testing. The frequency of maintenance depends on various factors, but a minimum requirement is about once a year. Powers Guaranteed Generators offers comprehensive service plans that include semi-annual preventative maintenance and annual remote monitoring service.
Why Choose Powers Guaranteed Generators?
Powers Guaranteed Generators is the only generator company with performance guarantees. They prioritize customer service and guarantee electrical workmanship for life. They also offer internet price matching on equipment and have exclusive service offerings like the Never Without Power Guarantee and Never Without Oil Guarantee. With 20 years of experience in installing and servicing generators, they provide expert advice, handle the entire project, and provide 24/7 service support.
Keywords
Standby generator, power outages, installation, sizing, essential loads, mid-size system, whole house system, brand selection, fuel supply, preventive maintenance, performance guarantees, customer service.
FAQ
Q: How do I determine the size generator I need for my home? A: Start by making a list of essential items you need to support during a power outage. Prioritize these and consider if you want to support additional items. Based on your needs and wants, you can choose between different types of generators.
Q: Can I use home heating oil in a diesel generator? A: No, using home heating oil in a diesel generator can damage the engine and void the warranty.
Q: How often should a generator be maintained? A: A generator requires regular preventive maintenance, with a minimum requirement of about once a year. Proper maintenance is crucial to keep the generator in good working order and maintain the manufacturer's warranty.
Q: Why should I choose Powers Guaranteed Generators? A: Powers Guaranteed Generators is a reputable company with 20 years of experience in installing and servicing generators. They offer performance guarantees, prioritize customer service, and have a dedicated team of experts available 24/7 for support.
Q: What type of fuel supply is required for a residential standby generator? A: Residential standby generators run on either propane or natural gas. If you already have the supply at your home, a site evaluation will determine if it is sufficient. Otherwise, you may need to bring propane on-site or make necessary changes to accommodate the generator.