Generator Installation Company: ​​Factors To Consider When Wanting To Install A Generator | Dillon, SC

Generator Installation Company: ​​Factors To Consider When Wanting To Install A Generator | Dillon, SC

Photo By Marc Rossmann at Shutterstock

Floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and electrical storms, among other factors, tend to cause damage to your electrical utility grid, leading to hours of darkness. Most homeowners prefer to buy small portable generators. However, others opt for installing a whole house generator with the help of an expert generator installation company. Here is a guide on installing residential generators for your power needs.

Should I Install a Portable Generator?

While portability is often linked with convenience, there are several reasons portable generators are not entirely dependable. These include:

  • Lack of Capacity

Generally, portable generators are ideal for camping expeditions or any other less demanding activities. However, it lacks the adequate amount of power output you will require to power your needs at home, especially if you want to keep large appliances on and running, for example, air conditioners. An expert generator installation company will advise you accordingly on the best generator type based on your home’s power needs.

  • Safety Concerns

In the past few decades, many deaths have occurred from the unsafe usage of portable generator units. Most of these accidents have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, often due to wrong installation locations. A generator installation company with expert and experienced teams follows strict installation guidelines, including ensuring proper generator location to minimize safety concerns.

  • Run Time

Unlike standby generators, portable units have a limited fuel capacity and require regular refueling. As such, it becomes hard to run them longer, especially in large-scale natural disasters.

Why You Need a Whole Home Backup Generator

A generator installation professional wires a whole-house generator to your home permanently. This generator type turns on automatically when the power goes out. A standby generator is linked to either large fuel tanks or natural gas lines.

This means they will have sufficient fuel to power you through prolonged power outages. Below are a few factors to consider before hiring a generator installation company to install a standby generator for your home.

  • Capacity of the Standby Generator

A generator is rated by the watts number it produces. A kilowatt (kW) is a thousand watts. Therefore, a 10kW generator potentially produces 10,000 watts of power. The size of the generator you will install depends on the number of devices you want to power.

While the standard portable generator produces between 4kW to 6kW, a whole-house generator can produce 20kW, ideal enough to power the whole house. A quick internet search will help you determine the size of the generator you should install. Alternatively, contact a generator installation company or contractor to help you choose a generator sufficient enough for your needs.

  • Selecting the Right Fuel

A generator is typically useless without fuel. In case of a natural disaster, fuel supplies may be unavailable or limited. As such, you will require sufficient fuel quantity to last for long. The four common fuel choices for fuel include gasoline, natural gas, LP gas, and diesel.

However, gasoline is never a recommended option, mainly due to its high volatility. Diesel is less volatile and possesses high energy content, making them efficient and ideal for large establishments.

On the other hand, clean-burning LP gas is easy and safe to store. Natural gas burns cleanly, and its supplies are seldom affected by natural disasters. These are typically the most efficient method to power a standby generator.

  • Electrical Connection

A standby generator uses an automatic transfer switch that starts the device and detects power outages. This switch then transfers power control to a separate breaker panel sending electricity to the circuits you solely intend to power. Hire a reliable generator installation company with electrical expertise to avoid electrical disasters caused by faulty generator installation.

  • Plumbing Connection

If you use LP or natural gas to run your generator, you will need to connect the propane tank or natural gas line to the generator. Additionally, you will need to have the precise valves to manage the type of gas you utilize for the installation.

However, while you might be tempted to save money on installation by conducting a DIY installation, this process may be dangerous. We recommend hiring a professional generator installation company to install it using safe procedures and tools.

  • HOA Restrictions/ Building Permits

you may need a building permit to install a generator, depending on your locality. Inspections may also be mandatory. If your Homeowners Association sets any restrictions, an expert generator installation company is required to comply with them.

  • Site Selection

Typical generators have specific manufacturer’s guidelines for proximity to your property. The generator installation experts will need to consider how close the generator’s exhaust is to your home’s inlets and entries.

Benefits of Generator Installation

Why do you need a generator? Below are reasons why installing a generator on your property is an ideal move.

  1. Electricity Source During Power Outages

In some cases, power might be out due to maintenance or repairs. In most cases, it could be due to natural calamities that interfere with the power supply. Installing a whole-home generator in your home helps to power all appliances and electronics in your home when the main power supply faces interference.

  1. Keeping Your Indoor Air Quality High

The HVAC unit requires power at all times to maintain quality indoor air. Unfortunately, if you have power outages, having a running backup generator keeps the HVAC constantly functioning to maintain the usual high indoor air quality.

  1. Boosting Property Value

Generator installation is a common form of home improvement. Like all other home improvement projects, installing a generator increases your property value and gives you a bargaining chip. After a successful home resale, rest assured you may recover the initial cost of the generator installation plus profit.

Hire the Best Generator Installation Company Dillon, SC, Experts

A home generator is a handy equipment piece, mostly during natural calamities or emergencies like power outages. Installing a whole-house generator is more practical than buying a portable generator, mainly if you use heavy home appliances and electrical devices.

Are you looking for the best generator installation contractors in Dillon, SC? Hire our pros at Mister Sparky Generators for absolute professionalism and reliable installation services. Call Mister Sparky Generators for fast and reliable generator installation in Dillon, SC today.