Extended power outages cost homeowners approximately $150 billion annually in the United States. Food loss is a substantial component of those damages. You may incur expenses for alternative shelter. There can also be damage from surges, frozen or burst pipes, flooded basements, and much more. Even if insurance covers most of these expenses, it will still be a major disruption to your life. For that reason, many homeowners protect their families and possessions by investing in a whole-home generator.
Home Insurance
One of the first steps when considering a standby generator is contacting your home insurance company. There are a couple of considerations, including potential premium discounts. You’ll want to know which discounts are available and the choices you must make to be eligible. The other point to discuss is coverage for the generator itself. Determine if your policy already covers a generator and expand it if not.
Legal Requirements
There will likely be legal requirements you’ll need to navigate, including state, county, and city ordinances. If you’re a member of an HOA, it may have additional requirements above and beyond those ordinances. Involving your electrician early on is essential because an installer can help you adhere to any rules. Many jurisdictions limit fuel options, how much noise a generator can make, and how close it can be to your home.
Fuel
Whole-home generators burn fuel to generate electricity, and which fuel your system uses is an important consideration. Natural gas is the ideal choice because it’s the cheapest, and you enjoy uninterrupted access. The problem is that about 30% of homes don’t have access. A popular alternative is liquid propane (LP), as it’s cost-effective. You’ll store it on your property in a tank and receive deliveries as needed. It’s crucial to stay on top of your delivery schedule. You would rather not run out during an outage, and there will likely be delivery delays during outages.
Some manufacturers also offer generators that run on gasoline and fuel oil, also called heating oil. Systems that run on fuel oil can typically burn diesel fuel as well. LP is generally cheaper, but there are times when it isn’t. LP is also cleaner. Generators that burn gas and diesel are worse for the environment and usually require more maintenance.
Electrical Inspection
There are several reasons to schedule a comprehensive electrical inspection early in your research process. It’s an opportunity to begin consulting with an electrician. An electrician will verify that your home’s electrical panel can support the addition of a generator. If you have an older electrical system, it may be necessary to upgrade the panel or replace it altogether. The other consideration is that installing a backup generator usually requires a permit. That means you’ll need a city inspection. The relevant aspects of your electrical system will have to be up to code. Even in newer homes, you may need to add a Type 2 surge protection device. The National Fire Protection Association didn’t add that as a requirement to the National Electrical Code until 2023.
Coverage
Before sizing your generator, you must determine what role you want it to play. The industry groups residential standby generators into three broad categories: essential, managed, and whole-home coverage. Essential circuit coverage will provide power to the items you need most:
- Lighting
- Freezers
- Heating
- Well pumps
- Refrigerators
Managed circuit coverage extends to other devices and appliances that you can turn on and off selectively. You can power your stove, microwave, television, internet modem, and so forth. Whole-home circuit coverage lets you enjoy your home as if there weren’t a power outage.
Capacity
Once you’ve chosen a category, you can explore generators within that space. Your installer will help you strike a balance between several factors. Those include your coverage needs, legal requirements, initial budget, and operating budget during an emergency. An electrician will determine how many watts you need to meet your peak demand within the context of the decisions you’ve made. You’ll then need to choose a generator that delivers those watts.
Automatic Transfer Switch
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is an electrical device that monitors electricity from the grid and generator to your electrical panel. The ATS switches the panel between receiving power from the grid or generator as needed. Many generators come with an integrated ATS. In some scenarios, you may need to purchase an ATS separately and have an electrician install it as a standalone solution.
Cooling
Whole-home generators build up heat and require a cooling solution. There are two core techniques that manufacturers use: air and liquid. Air-cooled generators use a fan to transfer heat energy to the ambient air. Liquid-cooled generators use refrigerant instead. Air-cooled models are less expensive and simpler in their design. Liquid-cooled models experience better heat dissipation and therefore tend to last longer. It’s generally best to choose a liquid-cooled model when investing in a generator you expect to last for over a decade.
Enclosure
Many standby generators include an enclosure, which is the material that protects the engine. Some homeowners will opt for a secondary enclosure that provides added protection. An enclosure must protect the generator from sunlight, high temperatures, rain, snow, and so on. Galvanized steel is a popular choice because it won’t rust. An enclosure can also provide sound dampening, which can help you adhere to local ordinances and HOA rules.
Safety Features
Modern backup generators feature many safety mechanisms as required by federal law. Generators sold locally will typically meet any state and local requirements as well. There are safety features you may want to consider even though the law doesn’t require them. A good example of that is an automatic carbon monoxide (CO) shutoff mechanism. It will help protect against CO poisoning.
Smart Features
Generators typically have onboard displays with indicator lights and audible alarms. You may also want to consider Wi-Fi capabilities. That will let you monitor your generator from an app on your phone. Smart generators can even push alerts to your phone, such as when the generator cycles on or is low on fuel.
Maintenance
All generators require maintenance, and you should research those requirements before purchase. Know what maintenance the manufacturer recommends. Many brands will recommend routine maintenance after so many use hours and periodically. You should also discuss a maintenance plan with your electrician. This plan will often save you money while keeping your generator serviced on schedule.
Warranty
Read the fine print for both the standard warranty and any extended warranties you may be considering. Understand what they cover and for how long they provide that coverage. Also, scrutinize the maintenance requirements that are a stipulation of coverage. Should you ever need to make a claim, you’ll need proof of those professional services.
Backup Generator Installation in the Greater Cleveland Area
Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is a residential electrical contractor with locations in Mentor and Warrensville Heights, OH. Our company has served this region since 1982, and our licensed electricians install all backup generator brands, configurations, and sizes. We specialize in electrical panels and surge protection, and we perform generator maintenance and repairs. To learn more about the products and services we offer, call Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric today or contact us online.
