7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

Published on: 20 March 2019 Last Updated on: 13 September 2024

Pretty much everyone has wished they had a backup home generator at one time or another. Whether you want a generator just so you won’t be left in the dark during a power failure or you need to know your family will be safe from the cold should a prolonged power outage happen during the dead of winter, buying a home generator requires some careful thought.

Past the obvious choices of cost and reliability, there are a number of factors you should carefully consider before buying a home generator, such as price, your expected power needs, installation requirements, and maintenance issues.

The variety of options and requirements can turn a seemingly simple purchase into a complex problem if you don’t know what you need. Here are seven specifications you should look for when buying a home generator:

Specifications You Need To Look For Home Generator

There are several factors you need to look at while seeking a home generator. Work out the plans that can work well for you.

1. Power Requirements:

Power needs are often dictated by your budget, as the more powerful a generator is the more it will, typically, cost. However, initial determining factors for calculating the size of the generator can be addressed with this query: During an electricity failure, does the generator need to power the entire house, or just handle emergency needs?

When considering a generator that is able to handle the electrical demands of all the appliances in your home, factors such as peak demand during the months you use the most electricity is a deciding factor. Common generator voltages are 120/240 volts. If you are unsure, your electrician can provide this information.

If you live in the south, where the temperatures are moderate throughout the winter, you will not need as powerful a generator as if you live in the far north where temperatures can be deadly in the winter months. A powerful home generator can make things easier for you.

On the other hand, when calculating needs for backup supply, only the requirements of the reserve need to be calculated.

In the north, this should include the furnace and a couple of lights. In the south, a smaller unit that can power a few lights and the refrigerator is probably adequate.

For emergency loads, you may need to have an electrician install a dedicated emergency circuit from the main service panel to a distinct backup panel. However, this is typically up to the homeowner’s liking for a whole-house system.

2. Fuel Type:

While it might seem convenient, gasoline is usually an inferior fuel choice for emergency generators as it tends to go bad quite quickly, especially gasoline with ethanol. Better choices include propane, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Powerful home generator can make things easier and effective for you.

Prices can be a major contention when choosing between a natural gas generator, or propane and diesel since the price of the generator will depend on the amount of fuel the generator uses. The accessibility of the form of fuel is an additional important element.

Propane and diesel fuel generators will have to be refilled during extended outages, whereas the utility company provides a continual source of natural gas. Local laws may dictate what type of fuel is available in your area. For example, the fuel element, propane is not usually permissible to be used within the limits of the city

3. Installation:

Depending on the type of unit, you may need to hire a licensed electrician to install the generator. While smaller portable units simply require you plug a power cord directly into the unit, larger whole-house generators will need to be hardwired into your electrical system. Additionally, you will probably have to hire an authorized and insured plumber if you will be connecting the generator to a natural-gas fuel source.

However, for simple emergency situations, a portable unit like gasoline-powered online Honda generators can provide up to 10,000 watts of emergency power and be stored in your garage, basement or on your porch. Some of the larger generator companies have their own installation staff or may subcontract the work.

However, in some areas, depending on local codes, a homeowner with the proper skills may be able to perform their own installation. The important consideration is to use a trustworthy firm with a proven record of accomplishment of installing standby power-generator systems.

4. Placement:

Where your generator will be located is an important consideration. The home generator should be installed as close to the fuel supply and service panel as possible.

The generator must also be positioned where it can be easily reached for servicing. This is especially important if the unit is not being powered by natural gas, as you will have to fill the tank periodically.

Additionally, it must be located at a comfortable distance from the ground to prevent any form of water from coming close or entering the unit in case of flooding.

Outdoor installations may be required to be a secure distance from flammable structures to meet codes, as well as for safety in the absence of any local requirements.

Indoor installations should adhere to norms and rules regarding exhaust, closeness to flammable materials, fuel-supply, and ventilation.

Even if local codes don’t require it, the power back up should be placed in some type of enclosure to protect it from the elements and possible vandalism.

Consider if there are Outdoor Noise Regulation imposed by the local Council or government body for installing the home generator outdoors.

Some municipalities require the noise level of a generator is restricted to a specified decibel level at the property line closest to the unit. If a noise ordinance exists, the required level of sound will dictate the kind of power generator that will be used. Quite a few residential generators are supplied with sound deadening enclosure.

5. Options:

Accessory options can vary widely, depending on the home generator make and model. Some systems will offer a remote panel that can be installed in a convenient spot inside your home that will have controls and displays to allow you to control and monitor your system without having to go outside. Larger whole-house systems will typically have an automatic transfer switch that will switch the generator on when a power disruption is detected and may be an option on some smaller units.

6. Maintenance:

Like any piece of mechanical equipment, and home generators require regular and proper maintenance to ensure it will do the job you bought it to do when the time comes. Unfortunately, because it isn’t typically used on a regular base, maintenance often isn’t thought about, until the generator won’t start during a power outage.

Some companies will include routine maintenance in the cost of the unit or you may be able to purchase a separate maintenance contract. If you are a do-it-yourselfer you can perform maintenance on your generator yourself, just be sure it won’t void the warranty.

7. Warranty:

The typical warranty for residential generators usually varies from one to five year, based on the manufacturer and model. Be sure to study the warranty coverage, including the duration, and what is and what is not covered. Many companies will offer an extended warranty for an added fee.

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Featured Image: generatorpalace.com

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5 Features to Look for in a Business Energy Provider

Switching business energy suppliers is an opportunity that every company should not miss out on. Compared with a residential household, companies use more energy daily. An average UK small business spends around £13,000 on electricity annually, and another £7,000 on gas. With so much on the line, it is crucial to find the best and most affordable energy tariffs. Apart from the cost, you also need to consider the reliability of the service considering that any interruption will cause significant damage to business operations. That’s why it is also essential that while you are comparing quotes from different suppliers using a comparison tool like Utility Bidder, you also need to take into account the following factors. Supplier history and reputation: Corporate responsibility and values adhered to by an energy provider are some things to look into if you want to partner with a reputable supplier. Some may think that the natural choice is going with large companies that have been around for many years. Although it is true that the top energy suppliers may provide some of the best services out there, there is no reason not to look elsewhere and choose a supplier that is relatively new on the scene. These small providers usually have more personalized services, and many people are missing out on these benefits because they think that bigger is always better. Service areas: In this regard, big energy suppliers are a better choice. Depending on where you are located, you will want an energy provider that supports your location and guarantee that there will be fewer or no service interruptions. Apart from reliability, you may also want to look into tax incentives or local prices which may vary from one supplier to another depending on where you are. Prices and plans offered: The energy market is affected by many factors which makes it highly volatile. Apart from choosing a fixed-rate plan over variable plans, you also need to ensure that the supplier you want has the best offers and rates. Take note of cancellation fees or other fees associated with transferring from one supplier to another before you decide. Hidden transaction fees can add up and increase the cost of a plan which makes switching less than beneficial if that is the case. A wide range of services: In finding the best energy provider, you also need to consider if the supplier offers a variety of services. Paying multiple suppliers could be a waste of money, and if you can get all services under one roof, you will have a better chance of getting the best rates. Customer service: Suppliers with reliable service also tend to have excellent customer support. As a business owner, you need to ensure that any issues you have with your energy supply are dealt with quickly. As much as possible, choose a provider with round the clock customer service. This way, you are confident that you can get help at any time of the day. Customer support is not merely about responsiveness, but the capability to provide the best possible solution considering the unique circumstances of your company. Read Also: 7 Tools Your Business Can Utilize To Simplify The Customer Onboarding New Technology In Business: 4 Inventions In 2019 That Are Changing The Game A List Of The Essential Factors You Need To Consider When Installing Solar Panels In Your Home What You Should Know About Solar Energy For Schools: Benefits, Expectations, And More

What are the Different Types of Industrial Power Solutions?

One fact of industrial production is that without power, nothing gets done. Machinery doesn't move, computers don't work and orders aren't processed and workers are idle. So it is obvious that a reliable, constant source of power is available to industry at all times. When it comes to deciding how that gets done, each company needs to start by asking what are their specific power requirements and how permanent it needs to be and what are the solutions available to meet those needs, usually by employing a specialized power company, such as APR Energy Power Solutions. While many permanent industrial facilities in America can count on public power grid infrastructure available in populated areas, more remote areas need to look at self-generating solutions to provide them with the energy they need to operate. So, assuming public power isn't available, the first question that needs to be asked is how permanent is the operation going to be. An industrial facility electric requirement can be categorized as: 1. Temporary (or interim) and emergency power Shorter-term projects can be done remotely and require a mobile solution to be in place to get the job done. Except for the emergency power situation (which would occur immediately to handle the power needs for the duration of the incident), interim power usually takes from 30 to 90 days to design and setup. This solution can be in place and used for a couple of months to many years into the future. This could include providing emergency power, temporary bridging power when a power plant is being repaired or a new one is being constructed, distributed electrical generation, etc. It can also operate at many different levels of generating support. Whether it only provides power during peak demand, as just standby power source, or being solely for the base-load prime supplier of power for the facility, suppliers of these systems can give that added flexibility to the total needs of their customers. Depending on the size of the operation, the equipment supplier can employ: Diesel, natural gas, or turbine generators and fuel tanks if required. UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) Systems. With UPS Batteries and Battery Cabinets Power Distribution Units Cooling units Automatic Transfer Switches Load Banks 2. Long-term power Generally, when permanent power plant facilities are being built, a longer-term temporary generating solution needs to be employed. This usually takes many years for a plant to be built, so the long term temporary design has to do the job that the permanent plant will do. This longer-term solution requires more specific planning to meet the demands of a larger operating facility. However, more permanence means that lower-cost sources of fuel can be added into the program such as natural gas, liquid natural gas, Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethanol, kerosene, and naphtha. this is usually accomplished by using a turbine generator. These not only offer fuel flexibility but can run more efficiently and with a smaller carbon footprint. Usually, these facilities are supplied by the power company vendor and the equipment ownership is retained by that company. This means that the generating system can remain for many years, but will remain a straight business expense and not a capital investment to the company, simplifying the accounting process considerably. 3. Permanent Industrial power Permanent generating installations are required by many industries when they aren't planned to remove the equipment. Industries such as utilities, heavy industry, EPC companies, mining, oil and gas operations, and military organizations require ongoing power generation. As with the long-term solution, this more permanent industrial placement can take advantage of the latest and most efficient power equipment and control room technologies. The use of direct fuel pipelines to power the generators can be built for permanent reliability as well. But still, have the flexibility of using alternative fuels if necessary. So industrial organizations have many questions to answer before deciding how they will be supplied with ongoing power to run their business. Working with the power companies that are experts in this area is the best place to start. Careful planning and research at this point are critical for its future operational success. Read Also: 5 Technologies Disrupting The Construction Industry What Surprising Industry Is Helping Canada Get Greener? 5 Industry Examples Where Protective Machine Covers Are Put To A Good Use Top Reasons Why Profitindustry Has The Best E-Commerce Platforms For Your Box Subscription Business

What Are Solar Incentives?

In a bid to put an end to global warming, more and more technological inventions are tilting towards promoting the sustenance of the environment; which is practically the main reason why the solar panels are invented as a means of producing electricity in the first place. To get more people on board to subscribe to this new means of producing power, measures were put in place; in which one of them is to allow the owners of the solar panels to enjoy certain privileges, which are loosely called Solar Incentives. So you ask, What Are Solar Incentives? This is a measure put in place to ensure that owners of the solar panels enjoy certain benefits, just by installing and using the product. These solar incentives have led more people to subscribe to the idea of installing and using the panels for their homes and business; because not only is it profitable to the environments, it is also profitable to their finances in the long run. The following are some of the Solar Incentives there is: 1. Solar Investment Tax Credits: Of all solar incentives available, this is the one that is commonly known. In this case, Solar owners benefit by having the privilege, as made possible by the federal government, to take out a portion of the cost of the solar panels from their taxes. What that means is that the cost of the system is being subsidized by a certain percent, from your taxes. The common investment tax credit percent is 30% of the cost of the solar panel system. Enticing isn’t it? So, if the solar panel system costs $10,000, you are only paying 70% of that amount, with the remaining 30% already footed for from your taxes. The only twist to this is that to be able to claim the investment tax credit, your taxable income should be higher or equivalent to the investment tax credit. 2. State Tax Credit: This is basically similar to the federal investment tax credit, only that this time, a small portion of the cost of the solar panel system can be deducted from your state tax bill, relieving you of some costs that would have been invested in purchasing of the solar panel system. The only twist to this is, unlike the federal tax credit, this is not applicable to all states; only residents of some states are privileged to enjoy this package. For those that could enjoy this package, they could end of saving about 50% of the cost of the solar panel, making it easier for them to purchase the solar panel system and enjoy its benefits. 3. Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC): The New Jersey’s Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) program have made it possible for residents in new jersey that have acquired and installed the solar panel system to enjoy a special kind of solar incentives called certificates – though this is not exclusive to new jersey alone. You may be asking, what are Solar Renewable Energy Certificates? These are a type of solar incentive that allows owners of a solar system to sell the certificates to their utility. By standard, if you can generate 1000 kilowatts hours (kWhs) from your solar system, you are eligible to get one SREC; and an SREC is worth at least $300. Now imagine how much that figure can rise up to if you can make 6000 kilowatts hours. Let me just leave you to do the mathematics yourself. If you were once unsure about purchasing a solar panel, this should make you change your mind. 4. Net Metering: It is common knowledge that some owners of the solar panel system produce more than they can consume, in which they decide to store the overflow in an On-site battery. What if I tell you that instead of storing that in an on-site battery, you can sell to your local utility company and get returns which can be used to foot other bills. Amazing deal, isn’t it? I can bet you think it is. That’s basically what Net Metering is all about. So in days, you create more electricity beyond what you can consume with your solar panel system, instead of hoarding it in your battery, you are given another opportunity to get returns for it. Think about the future energy bills and other bills you can foot by selling excess power produced by your system. 5. Cash rebates: These are basically cash backs for the owners of the solar panel systems. It could come from different parastatals – like the government, utility company etc. – that are concerned about promoting the use of solar energy. This could also help subsidize the cost of the solar system. With the aforementioned solar incentives available, the idea of investing in the purchase and installation of a solar panel system is becoming more appealing. What are Solar Incentives? I hope this article has done justice to answering that question. Read Also: Prepare Your Solar Panels For The Fall Everything You Need To Know About Portable Solar Power What You Should Know About Solar Energy For Schools: Benefits, Expectations, And More

7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

Specifications You Need To Look For Home Generator

1. Power Requirements:

2. Fuel Type:

3. Installation:

4. Placement:

5. Options:

6. Maintenance:

7. Warranty:

5 Features to Look for in a Business Energy Provider

10 Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

5 Features to Look for in a Business Energy Provider

What are the Different Types of Industrial Power Solutions?

What Are Solar Incentives?

7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

Specifications You Need To Look For Home Generator

1. Power Requirements:

2. Fuel Type:

3. Installation:

4. Placement:

5. Options:

6. Maintenance:

7. Warranty:

Share this Article

5 Features to Look for in a Business Energy Provider

10 Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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