Q: I’m thinking about a whole home generator, what things should I consider?
A fact of life in North Carolina is the ever changing weather; from summer storms to icy winters and of course the potential for hurricanes. Power outages range from mere hassle to extended periods without electricity. As a result many homeowners have thought about the convenience of a home generator at least once. Here are some things to consider in that decision process.
Decide what items you want powered by the generator, do you want the entire home available or are you comfortable with partial power for essentials like refrigerators, some lights, small appliances etc. Do you want power for major systems like HVAC? Some people are happy with essentials, but many decide that for the additional expense it’s easier to cover the entire house.
These days most whole home generators come with an automatic transfer switch. This means the generator senses an outage and automatically starts the generator and draws power from there. There is less than a minute of interruption between the outage, the generator starting up and transferring the power from the generator to the house. Hands down these systems are one of the best things about modern home generators.
Unlike portable generators that run on gasoline, home generators run on either natural gas or liquid propane. If you already have service that may make the decision for you. You also need to consider the size of your tank if you go with propane as a fuel. Think about how long you want the generator to be able to run, depending on Kw and usage a smaller 125lb propane tank may last for a couple days while a larger 500lb. tank will last closer to 5-6 days. Ask for an exact calculation of this when making your decisions.
A whole house generator can be a major investment, depending on the size and installation requirements you can spend an average of $7000-$12,000. Ask for several quotes and talk with providers about your expectations. Make sure you have discussed all the expenses involved: equipment and installation, upgrades to fuel service, permits, costs to upgrade any old electrical systems or equipment to work with the generator.
Consider maintenance and warranties as well, we recommend a test start and general maintenance visit at least once a year but if you live in an area that loses power more often this might need to be done bi-annually. There’s nothing more frustrating than a generator that doesn’t work when you need it or a warranty that doesn’t cover what you need.
Make sure you are getting on-site estimates to ensure that there are no surprises; such a trenching through the favorite rose garden or insufficient clearances for installation. With a little time and planning, a whole home generator is a great addition and gives great peace of mind to make power outages a thing of the past.
Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.
See the article on Chapelboro.com: Finding the Right Generator for Your Home