Factors To Consider Before An Electrician Installs A Generator In Your Home | Flower Mound, TX
Generators can be used for various applications and come in handy during a power outage. A powerful generator helps keep essential appliances in a home, such as refrigerators and septic tank systems running. As such, your life and home operations don’t have to stop due to a power outage.
Some areas in Flower Mound, TX, may experience adverse weather conditions such as floods, hurricanes, and electrical storms that can cause prolonged power outages.
Installing a generator in your home is a worthwhile investment as it gives you peace of mind during a power outage. However, careful considerations should be made before purchasing and installing one.
Also, you need a qualified and competent electrician to conduct an inspection and help you with installation. Below are some factors you should consider before installing a generator in your home.
Power Output Rating of a Generator
The generator you intend to purchase should handle all the power needs in your home in the event of a prolonged power outage. The power output of most standby generators is calculated in Kilowatts.
Generally, a whole house generator has a higher power capacity than most portable standby generators sold with approximately 8.5 to 10 k of power. Thus, homeowners should carefully evaluate their power needs and ensure they align with the generator capacity.
You’ll need a powerful generator if you have many devices or appliances. For instance, a medium-sized house in the United States uses a minimum of 5.0 to 7.0 kW power.
Determining power output for a generator is not something every homeowner can do. Therefore, a qualified electrician can assist you in determining the amount of power in your home and help you select a generator that meets your requirements.
The Type of Fuel Used By the Generator
Ever imagined a case where there was a fuel shortage amidst a prolonged power outage? That’s why you need to pay attention to the type of fuel the generator uses before making a purchasing decision.
Whole house generators hold a large amount of fuel; thus, they can run the household for many days. Most homes use generators that are powered with natural gas or diesel.
Generators powered by natural gas tend to be more reliable in times of natural disasters since the utility service is not tampered with.
When installing a diesel generator, you need to refuel it more frequently and connect it to base tanks. An electrician can guide you and advise you on a generator that won’t disappoint you in case of natural disasters.
Overall Costs
You need to consider the total costs of buying, installing, maintaining, and repairing a generator before purchasing and mounting one in your home. The upfront cost of a generator should be your top priority and within your budget.
However, you should not go for a cheaper model that may have quality issues as this would cost you in the long run. A professional electrician can advise you on an affordable generator to purchase without compromising on the quality.
Repair and Maintenance of the Generator
To ensure the optimal efficiency of your generator, you need to have it regularly serviced by a qualified technician.
This saves major repairs in the long run. So, you need to determine who will be servicing your generator before buying it. After you have your generator installed, you need to create a regular maintenance practice with your electrician.
Safety and Security Factors
Some types of generators have safety and security advantages compared to others. If you live in an area with security issues, you may consider mounting a backup generator. Unlike portable generators, a backup generator is installed permanently in your home; thus, you won’t have to worry about it getting stolen.
Also, a backup generator would be wise if your home has a security system that relies on electricity to continue running.
Your family’s safety is also important when choosing a generator. If you go for portable generators, you should be extra careful because they release poisonous carbon monoxide fumes that are harmful when inhaled.
However, you don’t have to worry about your family inhaling toxic fumes when you mount backup generators because they have exhaust systems.
Autonomy
If there isn’t anyone available to power the generator in case of an emergency, you should invest in an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). In case of an outage, the ATS prompts the generator to kick in seconds after. Additionally, it initiates the generator shutoff once power is restored.
Without the ATS, you will need someone to be on-site, preferably an electrician to manually start and shut off the generator in the event of a power outage or restoration.
Product Reviews
Lastly, you should not take what the manufacturer says about their product as gospel truth. The most reliable way to find a great home generator is by looking up the generator and company reviews.
Also, go the extra mile to check the services of companies in Flower Mound, TX, that are licensed to install generators. That way, you’ll be able to find a trusted electrician who will help you throughout the entire process.
Don’t Get Caught in the Dark: Contact Tioga Plumbing & Electric For Generator Installation Services
As a homeowner, you need a generator to protect your home and keep your family secure. After gathering the right information about your desired generator system, you’ll need a certified electrician to handle such a job.
At Tioga Plumbing & Electric, we have a team of licensed electricians to help you determine the best generator that suits your Flower Mound, TX, home’s needs. You can also reach out to us for electrical wiring of all nature, overhead and underground services, security lighting, A/C repairs, and emergency power and troubleshooting services. Feel free to contact us with concerns or inquiries, and we will get back to you in no time!
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