From Power Capacity And Fuel Type To Generator Hookup Service, What Are Some Key Generator Purchase Decisions? | Myrtle Beach, SC
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There’s nothing like the feeling of having backup power when the commercial electric supply goes off-line. Even knowing that you’re covered as a major storm approaches is a great feeling, thinking about how you’re going to spend the time as the weather gets wild outside, rather than whether the groceries and flashlight batteries will last, and what meetings you’ll miss if you’re working from home. Of course, your experience will also be affected by whether your generator’s capacity covers your home’s power needs or only part of them. You’ll also experience having to go outside to set it up away from the house and start it, occasionally visiting to refuel, or, with a full generator hookup service, checking the indoor display to make sure the automatic starting and switchover happened as planned. We’re Mister Sparky Generators, a generator team serving homes and businesses in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, and ready to help you design yours and get it installed.
The Broad Range of Backup Generator Options
Somewhere in the range from a basic portable unit with a simple professional connection to your home to a permanently installed, natural gas-fed, automatic starting unit with an automatic transfer switch installed as part of your generator hookup service and plenty of capacity, lies the right solution for your family’s needs and budget. You can always upgrade, but where do you start, and when will you think about the next step? Here are some things to think about when you’re deciding on your backup generator system.
Kilowatt Capacity and Your Lifestyle with Backup Generator Power
Your specific situation will dictate the kilowatt (kW) capacity of the generator you select. It’s one of the basic parameters that will likely guide other options such as the type of generator and the way it’s connected to your home’s circuits by a generator hookup service. Typically, generators from 5,000 (5 kW) to 7,500 watts will meet your basic needs for lighting, refrigerators, and freezers, well pumps, sump pumps, and other critical needs. A bit less is what’s recommended for portable units used for RVs, and up to 20 kW and more is typical for full-home coverage, with higher amounts even taking care of power needs for items like whole-home air conditioning and heating. Our generator hookup service can install even high-capacity backup generators in an unobtrusive enclosure a short distance from your home, with careful design to include connections, fuel supply, and sound and vibration control. The unit usually looks like an air conditioner unit, so it fits right in with your home’s look.
Generator Hookup Service Options
Our generator hookup service team can install your generator system in a variety of ways, depending on the capacity of the unit and the type of generator you select. An automatic transfer switch and a generator with automatic starting is the most convenient option, and available for permanently installed units of any size. It’s a good reason to choose permanent installation, in addition to sound reduction, weatherproofing, and reliability advantages. Our generator hookup service can also install a manual transfer switch that you operate along with starting the generator to provide power when you need it. Even with a manual transfer switch option, our generator hook service will explain to you the things you need to do to keep your family safe by carefully locating your generator away from your home, even if it’s a temporary portable model, and keep the sound levels down and weather away from your unit by using carefully designed enclosures. With manual switchover, of course, you’ll need rain gear if you’re getting the portable generator started in stormy weather.
Fuel Supply
There are several options for backup generator fuel, and our generator hookup service can make the arrangements for each kind, if available in your area. Typically propane or natural gas are used, sometimes diesel fuel, with natural gas the best option both for maintenance and operation time. With diesel and propane, you’ll need to schedule deliveries as needed and make sure your fuel is fresh and tanks and connections are in good shape. Natural gas isn’t available in all areas, so we’ll help you choose among available options for the best operation in your situation.
Temporary or Permanent Installation
While it’s less convenient, if you’re starting out with a very limited budget or have other preferences such as multiple uses for your generator away from your home, a portable unit may be an option you’ll consider. It still needs a careful connection to your home’s wiring using a manual transfer switch or other code-specified options, as well as a location that’s away from your home and protected from the weather. Our team can help you understand the requirements that apply to you, as well as the wise choices that will protect your family.
Noise and Vibration
All generator engines have some degree of noise and vibration, but some that we sell will meet your stringent residential requirements more than others. We also have generators that are designed for further noise and vibration reduction in their construction and enclosure. This can be an important consideration for you, your family, and even your neighbors, and we’re glad to help you as we have helped many other homeowners choose the system that keeps the peace.
Weatherproofing
When the weather gets wild in Myrtle Beach, SC, you’ll want to have your backup generator well protected for reliable operation. It’s a standard part of permanent installations, and quite possible with portable units as well as long as you take care to make it a safe installation as well.
Bringing Your Backup Power Solution Together with Mister Sparky Generators in Myrtle Beach, SC
Our generator hookup service as well as our generator sales and engineering teams are ready to help you make the somewhat complex decision about backup power for your home. We’ve been through the process with many families, so call us for help.