8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Backup Generator in Horry County, SC
Are you fed up of unexpected power outages? Are you looking for a permanent solution to handle the frequent out of the blue blackouts? If you answered these questions with a “yes”, then you don’t need to worry. Mister Sparky has got you covered!
The best way to deal with power outages is to invest in a high quality backup generator in Horry County, SC. It will serve as an alternative source of power supply and save you from unforeseen blackouts. Before you jump onto buying a generator, ask yourself these questions: Do you know what the power requirements of your house are? Have you decided where will you keep the generator? To make the best purchase, you need to consider the following factors while buying a backup generator in Horry County, SC.
1. Power Requirements
The very first thing that you should consider when buying a new backup generator in Horry County, SC, is the power requirement of your house. You don’t want to spend a hefty amount on buying a huge generator only to regret your decision later on. Sometimes, a smaller generator is sufficient for your needs.
The generator is responsible for supplying electricity in case of power outages, so you must decide whether you need to power your entire house or some specific emergency appliances. An electrician can help you calculate the power requirement of your house, so you can select an appropriate backup generator in Horry County, SC accordingly.
2. Fuel Type
Another important aspect in selecting a backup generator in Horry County, SC is the type of fuel that it will use. Usually, backup generators run on natural gas, petrol and diesel. You should choose the fuel which best matches your needs.
The choice of fuel can depend on various factors including price, local codes and availability of fuel. Homeowners who are looking for a cheap solution tend to choose diesel over natural gas and petrol. Diesel generators are more fuel efficient than their petrol counterparts. They are a bit expensive but worth the investment. On the other hand, a petrol backup generator is best if you are looking for a generator that would be used only is case of an emergency.
You also need to consider the local code requirements of the area you are living in. For instance, some areas do not allow petrol generators within city limits. Apart from that, the availability of fuel source is another important factor. Natural gas can be accessed from the local utility anytime but petrol and diesel need to be refilled. In case of a long power outage, you’d need to refill your generator frequently.
3. Location
Before buying a backup generator in Horry County, SC you need to decide where you will place the generator. It’s best to place it outdoors, away from your house to minimize the effects of noise and carbon monoxide emission. The place should be above ground level to keep your generator safe from rising water in case of heavy rainfall and flooding. It is also important to place your generator such that it is accessible by electricians who come for maintenance and repairs.
4. Installation
Who will install the generator? This is a question you must ask yourself before buying a backup generator in Horry County, SC. The key is to choose a reliable company which has adequate experience in this field. You can choose Mister Sparky Generators for installing a backup generator in Horry County, SC. They have licensed electricians who know what it takes to perfectly install a home backup generator.
5. Enclosure Type
If you have decided to install your generator outdoors, then you should look for a suitable enclosure to cover it with. You need to check with the sound ordinance of your area on what the permitted decibel rating is. Usually, residential areas have a standard decibel rating and enclosures are designed such that they do not exceed the noise limits. Apart from that, your enclosure must be such that it protects the generator from weather damages.
6. Warranty Duration
When buying a backup generator in Horry County, SC, look for generators that come with a longer warranty period. Typically, you will find warranties ranging from 2 to 5 years. You should ask the supplier what damages the warranty will cover and does it offer other upgrades. It will help you make a better decision while purchasing a backup generator for your house.
7. Maintenance
Just like any other machine, your generator also needs maintenance. This will ensure that the generator starts and runs as expected when a power outage occurs. Homeowners tend to ignore generator maintenance and often find their generators refusing to start.
To avoid such situations, you should make sure that your generator is regularly checked for electrical and mechanical faults. You can either do it yourself or hire an electrician for it. We suggest that you should go for the second option. Hiring an electrician is better than doing the work yourself. An electrician can handle problems better than you can. So, when you decide to buy a backup generator in Horry County, SC, don’t forget to look for a reliable generator repair and maintenance service that you can count on.
8. The Cost
There are many generators available in the market with different prices. After thoroughly evaluating your power requirements and fuel choices, you can make a decision on which type of generator you need to invest your money on. Our aim is to save you from spending your hard-earned money on something that is not useful.
A backup generator can help you face the consequences of an unexpected power outage. By considering the above mentioned tips, you can buy a backup generator according to your needs and budget. If you have decided to buy a backup generator in Horry County, SC, make sure you call Mister Sparky for installation and maintenance. Click here to visit our website or give us a call at 843.213.6610.