When the power goes out, your home shouldn’t have to go dark. Whether it’s due to severe weather, a grid failure, or planned maintenance, a backup generator can keep your essential appliances running and your family safe. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right generator for your home? Here’s what you need to know before making this important investment. Above all else, choose a professional contractor for generator installation in Black Forest, CO.
1. Determine Your Power Needs
Start by deciding what you want to power during an outage. Do you need to keep just the essentials running—like the refrigerator, sump pump, and a few lights—or do you want to power your whole home, including HVAC systems and major appliances? Add up the wattage of each device to estimate your required load. Portable generators can handle a limited number of items, while standby generators are designed for larger, whole-home coverage.
2. Understand the Types of Generators
There are two main types of generators for residential use:
- Portable Generators are generally smaller, more affordable, and easier to store. They require manual setup and refueling, but are ideal for short-term power needs or limited coverage.
- Standby Generators are permanently installed and can automatically turn on when the power goes out. They run on natural gas or propane and can power your entire home, making them a reliable long-term solution.
3. Choose the Right Fuel Source
Generators can run on gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. Your choice depends on availability and convenience. For example, natural gas is often preferred for standby systems because it’s reliable and doesn’t require refueling. Propane is another popular choice for homes without access to natural gas lines.
4. Consider Transfer Switch Options
A transfer switch is a critical component for safely connecting your generator to your home’s electrical system. Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are commonly used with standby generators and offer seamless power transitions. Manual transfer switches are more common with portable units but require user intervention. A professional electrician is needed to install a transfer switch.
5. Think About Noise Level and Location
Some generators can be quite loud. If you live in a quiet neighborhood or have close neighbors, look for models labeled as “quiet” or check the decibel rating. You’ll also want to ensure proper placement away from windows and doors to avoid exhaust and noise infiltration.
6. Professional Installation and Local Codes
Installation isn’t just about plugging in a generator. Electrical and fuel connections must meet local safety codes. For safety and compliancy, it’s essential to work with certified professionals who understand the area’s requirements and weather conditions.
7. Don’t Forget Maintenance
Like any home system, generators need regular maintenance. This includes oil changes, fuel system checks, and periodic testing to ensure everything works when it matters most. A professional installer can set you up with a maintenance schedule that keeps your generator ready to go.
Choosing the right generator gives you peace of mind, knowing your home and loved ones are protected during a power outage. Whether you’re looking for a small portable unit or a whole-home standby system, expert advice and proper installation make all the difference.
Contact SoCo Heating and Cooling today to schedule service. So Cool. So Cozy.