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.

Read Also:

Featured Image: generatorpalace.com

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.

View all posts

The Benefits of Solar Lighting in a Nutshell

What comes to mind when someone says “solar?” Typically we think of the sun, the Earth’s fuel provider. What if I were to tell you that we could dramatically reduce our carbon footprint by using the power of the sun to fuel something as simple as outdoor lighting? It’s true! Over 10 million tons of carbon dioxide are produced annually just from residential outdoor lighting alone--that’s no drop in a bucket! The time to reverse the impact of carbon emissions is now, and believe it or not, one of the best ways to significantly reduce our carbon footprint is by using something a little unconventional: solar lighting. Solar Lighting Benefits: More Than Just Good for the Environment A lot of “green initiative” individuals are huge proponents for solar lighting simply because it’s great for the environment. Solar panels knock loose electronics from their interaction from photons striking silicon wafers, which in turn charge a battery to power a light fixture when the sun drops below the horizon. This awesome interaction (named the photovoltaic effect) uses absolutely zero fossil fuels to power lights. There’s nothing to burn nor any power lines that need to be connected. It’s one of the cleanest energy sources available to us. We like to call solar the “new energy revolution.” Beyond that, solar lighting is a lot cheaper than many people think. The price of a solar panel in the mid-70s was about 76 dollars a watt. Can you guess how much a solar panel price is a today? In 2013, solar panel prices were about 75 cents a watt. So 1 watt of energy produced by a solar cell costs similar to the change you’ll find under your couch cushions. And now that technology is used in solar panels on top of poles to power light fixtures. It’s a fantastic solution for parking lot and street lighting that saves money and reduces the overall carbon footprint. Beyond The Green There’s a lot more in store than you might think with solar lighting. First off, every solar light works independently. There’s no power connection needed, no trenching required, and no costs with using fossil fuels. If the power goes out, so do the lights! That’s not the case with solar lighting. In fact, we’ve seen cases of solar lights holding up during strong hurricane winds to remain on after the storm in contrast to traditional lighting which would need mountains of repair from the high winds ravaging the area. Secondly, several models of solar lighting are actually portable via a forklift or just two people. They’re fantastic for construction projects where permanently-grounded lights won’t bode well. Solar lighting works great in airports for when power goes out and backup systems fail. Or, if you prefer having the portable option just in case, feel free to go that route. The emphasis is that these lights can go virtually anywhere since they don’t need to be tied to an electrical grid. Just be sure that they have access to the sun--even though the best lighting systems are rated to last over a week on a single charge, the panel won’t cull much power if it sits in the shade of a tree permanently. Talk of the Town Solar lighting tends to be a bit of a head-turner. It preserves park beautification and adds a little flair to light fixtures. A lot of media outlets tend to give attention to cities that make green efforts, especially when they’re such a public-facing installation. On top of all the benefits you’ll receive for solar lights, you might get featured in a newspaper or on television for deciding to install solar on your city’s streets. That, in turn, should generate business. Solar is great for publicity. In Conclusion Solar lighting is a lot more than just going green. It’s about recognizing that clean power is the way of the future. It’s about preserving what matters to us and ensuring your business or municipality saves as much as possible while getting the job done. If you’re in the market for a new lighting project, consider solar. The savings are there. But don’t take our word for it; do the research yourself and you’ll find it’s the best option to light up the night. Thanks for reading. Read Also: A List Of The Essential Factors You Need To Consider When Installing Solar Panels In Your Home 10 Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home How To Start Living Off The Grid

Solar Battery System Types – AC Vs DC-coupled

Before you choose the right solar battery, you first need to learn what AC and DC coupling means. Your solar battery storage system determines how effective your solar air conditioning will be. There are two main ways to connect your power sources when you add battery storage to your solar energy system. AC and DC are the two main types of voltages used to conduct electricity. Let’s find out what differentiates these two battery systems. What is the Difference Between AC and DC Power? AC stands for Alternating Current, and it means electric power first flows in one direction and then the other. This is the type of electric current on the main grid, and it’s suitable for your solar air-con. DC power, on the other hand, stands for Direct current, and it means electricity flows in one direction only. This is the electric power that your solar panels generate from sunlight. The energy stored in your home’s solar battery is usually DC power. Since your solar panels generate DC power and your solar air conditioning and other home appliances need AC power, you need a solar inverter to convert this energy to AC electricity. There are three main types of solar inverters in the market; Traditional Inverters This first type of inverter is also known as the central inverter because it draws power from your solar panels. If you have a solar air conditioner at home, you’ll need this kind of converter to keep it running. It is usually a box that’s installed next to your home’s breaker box. It functions by combining all DC energy from your solar panels and converting it to DC power so that you can use your solar air conditioner Malaysia. Micro-Inverters The second type of inverter is an in-built component on individual solar panels. They are small inverters found on the backside of your panels. They allow your panels to individually and independently convert the harnessed DC power to AC energy. DC-Optimizers Lastly, we have the DC-optimizers that are devices that also go at the back of individual solar panels. Unlike Micro-inverters, they don’t convert DC to AC. Instead, they optimize conditions to ensure your home’s central inverter has an easy time converting DC to AC power. These converters work in a hybrid solar energy system that includes a traditional central inverter and in-built solar panel inverters. Is a Battery DC or AC? Batteries, like solar panels, store and produce DC power. Since your home’s electricity is AC, it means batteries in devices have converters that turn the AC power to DC energy. DC batteries use the same solar inverters that your home uses to convert the stored DC energy to AC power. AC batteries, on the other hand, have an in-built inverter that directly does the conversion. AC Vs DC -Storage Architecture Comparing the strengths and weaknesses of these two battery storage systems helps you choose what is best for your home. DC-Coupled Systems The DC-coupled system is designed to connect directly to the main grid the same way as your solar panels. In which case, a hybrid inverter is required to create a synergy between the solar battery and the solar panels. Strengths There is less energy loss because it’s a one-way conversion. Your system makes you eligible for Net Energy Metering if your solar panels can generate excess energy. It is a simple system which translates to lower costs. It is a smart option for people who’re just beginning their solar energy journey. Weaknesses If you already have a PV system, incorporating it is complex and costly. AC-Coupled Systems The AC-coupled system operates with two solar inverters; a conventional inverter and an additional storage inverter that charges your solar battery. It might seem like a complicated system, but it is very easy to setup. However, as compared to the DC-coupled system, it’s less efficient because it has to be charged. Strengths It is way more flexible than the DC-coupled system. The inclusion of two inverters allows you to adjust the location of the battery at will. It is compatible with all kinds of solar inverters. It is a cost-effective solution for people that already have a PV system. Weaknesses The system is slightly less efficient as compared to the DC-coupled system because of the AC-DC-AC conversion. The system will have more points of failure because you’ll have one inverter in a different location. Which Is Better for your Solar and Storage Needs? If you already have a solar energy system at home, you should go with the AC-coupled system because it’s flexible and easy to set up. However, if you’re just starting your solar journey, you should go with the DC-coupled system; if you generate excess energy, you get to sell it to the main grid. Final Thoughts Understanding the difference between these two solar battery systems helps you make the right purchase. Ensure that you work with a professional who understands what is best for your home. Solar energy systems are here to stay, and you might as well jump on the bandwagon because it’s a system that pays for itself. Read Also: What You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits The Benefits of Solar Lighting in a Nutshell Everything You Need to Know About Portable Solar Power What To Do When Your AC Unit Stops Working Ready Rooftops – How to Install Solar Panels

Five Factors That Impact Solar Panel Installation And Maintenance Costs

More homeowners are increasingly turning to solar power as an alternative energy source due to its ability to lower electricity bills and boost home resale values. While going green is an excellent move, installing and maintaining solar power systems are associated with high costs. By learning about the factors influencing them, you can easily decide if switching to solar power is worth your hard-earned money. Here Are Five Prime Factors That Impact Solar Panel Installation And Maintenance Costs 1. Your preferred solar panel contractor Selecting the right solar panel installer is critical as you transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. Proper installation and maintenance can make or break your project's cost-effectiveness, so don't be tempted by low prices alone! To get ahead of potential problems down the road, research companies for their qualifications and reviews before making any commitments. Investing in an experienced contractor may come at a higher upfront price tag but will ensure successful integration into renewable energy sources with long-term savings benefits. When you contact us, we will answer any inquiries regarding the cost of our solar power installation and maintenance solutions. 2. Roof type and angle The type and angle of your roof significantly impact your solar panel's installation cost and maintenance. Roofs that are flat, slate, or shingle can be challenging to work with, and installation may take more time and effort, which leads to higher costs. The angle and orientation of the roof also play a role. A roof with a steep slope facing south will provide optimum sun exposure, reducing installation costs and improving energy production. 3. Structural issues Structural issues also affect solar panel installation costs and maintenance. The integrity of the roof and the structural load-bearing capability are essential considerations. Reinforcement may be necessary if the roof cannot accommodate the solar panel's weight, which will increase installation costs. Similarly, any structural issues that require repairs, such as rot, sagging, or cracks, would require rectification before installation, which increases installation costs. 4. Solar system add-ons When upgrading your solar power system, several accessories could enhance its performance. Battery backup systems can store excess energy for later use and offer protection when the sun isn't shining as brightly or in case of an outage. While these add-ons come with additional costs upfront, they may provide long-term financial savings, greater reliability to offset any weather variations affecting production levels, and added peace of mind during emergencies. 5. Local costs Local codes and regulations can also influence solar power installation cost and maintenance. Permits and interconnection fees, for example, can vary between localities, and you must confirm any costs before proceeding with the installation. Licensing, inspection, and maintenance costs are additional expenses that may be imposed in your locality. Conclusion Investing in a solar energy system could be an effective way to reduce your utility bills. Still, the timeline of when you can expect to see those savings depends on several factors. In sunny areas with high current energy costs, these systems can pay off within five years, though other locations may have longer wait times that stretch out into ten or 20-year cycles before any real return is seen. It ultimately comes down to your value on environmentally friendly solutions and long-term investments versus the more immediate financial gains from traditional power generation sources. Read Also: Ready Rooftops – How to Install Solar Panels 8 Tips For Choosing Solar Panels For Outdoor Activity How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels? The Ultimate Guide

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.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea

How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?

7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design

The 10 WordPress Plugins Every Sucessful Blogger Uses

Follow Us

Recent

The Craft Of Wine Bottle Design: All That You Need To Know

Caribbean CBI and Does India Allow Dual Citizenship?

Self-Driving Cars And Pedestrian Safety: Who’s Responsible When Tech Fails?

Ryan McCorvie on Helping Kids Develop a Global Perspective

Related

The Benefits of Solar Lighting in a Nutshell

Solar Battery System Types – AC Vs DC-coupled

Five Factors That Impact Solar Panel Installation And Maintenance Costs

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

Related