Choosing the best standby generator for your home
Choosing a generator for your home may seem like a complex process, but it’s actually fairly simple, relying on one central issue: How much power does your home need during a power outage? Most of today’s new homes are built with 200-amp service while older homes and some smaller homes may have 100-amp service. That’s a measurement of the maximum amount of electricity your home is able to consume at any given moment – the maximum load your home’s electrical system can support. But that doesn’t mean you need to draw that much power at all times. In fact, many homes never draw their maximum loads.
When it comes to choosing an automatic generator, you can choose one that matches you home’s maximum electrical load, but you can also select a less powerful model that will still provide plenty of power to run the appliances you need most during an outage. That’s important because more powerful generators are also more costly. For some homeowners, having a system that’s the same “size” as their home’s electrical system provides that extra peace of mind they need to eel truly secure. But for others, choosing a less powerful generator is one way to make installing a backup power system more affordable.
To choose the best standby generator for your home, think about past blackouts in your area: How long do they typically last? How often do they occur? And what appliances or devices did you miss the most while your power was out? For most of us living here in the Northeast, the heating and air conditioning systems are the most critical to keep up and running, followed by the refrigerator and lights, perhaps the microwave for meals and to heat water, and maybe the computer to keep up on news and weather. Some patients may use medical equipment which, of course, becomes a priority. In addition to thinking about past blackouts, it’s also important to consider “worst case” scenarios – what if you were without power for a week or more?
Based on those needs, you can determine the amount of power your appliances and devices need by looking at the manufacturer labels or by looking up your system information online at the manufacturer website. Add up the killowatts consumed by each item and you’ll have the basic amount of killowatts you’ll need (you should also add in additional killowatts to serve as a safety margin). Or you can use this great online tool from Generac to find the right home backup generator for you.
If you still have questions or need help determining the ideal sized generator for your home give us a call at (732) 536-0444 to schedule a free estimate. We’ve been in business since 1978 and can help homeowners just like you determine their needs so you get the right home backup power system at the price point that suits your budget. We can also help you select from a variety of leading generator models, including ones that can shift power from one circuit to another, letting you choose a less powerful system while still getting the peace of mind you need. And one more thing, do not let just anyone advise you on such an important purchase. You know, the pool store down the block that also sells generators on the side. Make sure you let trained and licensed electrical contractors like us assess your needs and provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision.
What is an automatic backup generator?
An automatic backup generator is a power system that turns on automatically in response to a power outage, and then turns off again once power is restored to your home. It’s tied in directly to your home’s electrical system, which means there’s no need to crisscross your home with dozens of extension cords or to run extension cords through open windows to provide power to your appliance, lights and other devices. And it runs using your home’s natural gas or LP gas (propane) supply so you don’t have to worry about running out to check the fuel levels or refilling it over and over again to keep it running, nor do you have to lift or store heavy cans of fuel on your property.
Automatic generators look a lot like a central air conditioning unit, and like you’re a/c unit, they sit outside your home while providing power inside. Automatic generators come in different sizes, or power levels, so you can select a model that powers your entire home or one that supports only the essential items in your home. Many models offered by leading generator manufacturers like Generac offer systems that shift or “shed” loads during use, meaning even a smaller – and more affordable – automatic home generator can handle significantly larger loads than those of just a few years ago.
How does an automatic generator actually work?
Operation is as simple as 1-2-3-4, literally:
- Electrical power is lost – maybe due to a storm, faulty equipment, an accident that’s taken down the power lines or some other cause.
- The automatic generator senses the loss of power – all on its own, with no interaction, prompting or “switching on” by you.
- Within just a few moments, the generator has “powered up” and is providing electricity to your home through its existing electrical system.
- You continue to enjoy your generator-powered electrical supply until the regular power is restored, at which point your automatic generator shuts itself off.
See here how an automatic generator detects a power outage and automatically delivers power to your home.
Unlike a portable generator that relies on you to operate when power goes out, your automatic backup generator can turn itself on and off even when you aren’t home, which means you never have to worry about returning home from vacation to find a refrigerator full of spoiled food or worry a power outage will have an impact on your pets or temperature-sensitive electronics.
And if you or a loved one uses medical equipment that relies on electricity, there’s no greater peace of mind than knowing electrical power will continue to flow no matter what, even if you’re not there to fire up a portable generator.
Of course, aside from convenience, one of the major advantages of an automatic generator is that you won’t have to worry about poisonous carbon monoxide fumes entering your home.
In recent years, the automatic generator sales have soared, and it’s no wonder: A permanently installed backup generator provides power when you need it, where you need it, no matter what. And thanks to advances in design and technology, there are more sizes and options than ever, making them an affordable option for a wide range of home budgets.
At Corbin Electrical Services, we help homeowners learn all they need to know about automatic backup generators and how today’s units can work with their home electrical system to provide greater peace of mind. Give us a call today at (732) 536-0444 to schedule your free estimate.
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