7 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Home Generator

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you wished you'd had a generator? I sure have! Buying a home generator is a big decision that requires a good deal of research before jumping right in. There are several factors to consider before making a purchase this important, ranging from finding the right fuel supplier such as Blueox Energy to choosing where on the property the generator will be installed. In this article, we discuss seven things you should definitely consider before you place your order. There are even more things that may pertain to your individual scenario, but these general principles are an excellent place to start your plans.

1. How much power do you require?

It seems like such a simple question, but it is incredibly important not to overlook such a crucial component to the decision. Do you need the whole home to be powered? Or would you only like the emergency scenarios covered? In many ways, this is limited by the budget you are working with. Still, figuring out how to get the most bang for your buck is important. Things like the fridge and your heater are vitally important. However, things like the TV and bedroom lights are nice to have but aren't truly required in an emergency.

2. What fuel type do you prefer?

The most commonly used fuel types of home generators include diesel, propane, and natural gas. The availability of these three sources is the main thing to consider. Propane and diesel must be refilled manually but can be done so on-site during longer outages. Companies like Nelson Propane are also at hand to deliver fuel whenever required, so availability or purchasing shouldn't be an issue. Gas will keep flowing as long as the local utilities still function. That said, some areas only allow certain types of fuel so it is best to check with the authorities in your area before making the final call. Some residential areas don't care for certain thresholds of propane within the city limits.

3. Who will you choose to install it?

In most cases, a general electrician is the best bet. Many of them work with generators regularly and have probably handled setups very similar to yours in the past. Depending on the job, a licensed plumber may also be required to move some things around. You may also choose to hire someone like KellyPropane.com to handle the installation of your propane tank. It is important to do some homework to determine which companies in your area are the most reputable and the best fit for these jobs. Focusing on businesses with a long history and a lot of experience working with generators is a great jumping off point. Especially in those cases when you don't already have a trusted referral.

4. Where will the setup be located?

The most important aspect of generator placement is keeping it out of the reach of water damage. Someplace high up but still fairly accessible for when it's time for maintenance will be the finest spot. Of course, it is vital to comply with all regulations and safety codes whether it will be placed indoors or outside. Outdoor and rooftop generators should be as far away from combustible walls as possible and must adhere to the local noise ordinance. When close enough to residential areas, generators cannot go above certain decibel levels. To quiet your generator to a suitable level, purchasing an enclosure might be an extra step to consider. Indoor installations must adhere to ventilation duct spacing and fuel supply requirements. In either case, placing the generator as close to the fuel supply and transfer switch as possible is the ideal practice.

5. Which type of transfer switch?

Transfer switches can be either automatic or manually controlled. Typically, most emergency systems operate on the automatic type. Manual switches aren't always as cost effective as you would think but can still be used it the buyer prefers. The next thing to determine is the amount of amperage that will be required. Your electrician will be a great resource for this and where the best spot to place it will be. This mainly has to do with whether or not the system will be for the whole building or just an emergency backup. When a whole building needs to be covered, it is usually safety entrance rated and comes with a utility disconnect cabinet.

6. Accessories and Warranty Add Ons

It is wise to understand all of the available accessory and warranty upgrades available to you before you finalize the purchase. Most warranties on residential systems cover the first two to five years. Then, you can pay for extra coverage upfront if you want to go as long as possible without worry. As for accessories, a generator status display panel is a great addition to any setup. There are also cold weather protection kits for tougher climates. Finally, remote monitoring systems can be installed for those who love to know what is going on with their equipment at all times

7. Who will be in charge of maintenance?

While it is extremely easy to forget to maintain your generator when there haven't been any outages for some time, it is vital to do a regular checkup to catch any issues before they come up in the next emergency situation. Much like your car or any other mechanical device, the generator needs to have some basic maintenance performed on a regular basis. You can save some cash and learn how to do these things yourself, or hire a professional who will make sure everything is running up to standard. Either way, it cannot be overemphasized how important this last point is.

After considering the seven things above, we hope you are in a much better place to make a decision on what generator to purchase for your home. The more informed you are, the fewer headaches there will be in the long term. If you are eager to get a home generator as soon as possible, check out https://www.generatorplace.com.au/ for all of your needs and to have any remaining questions answered.