Want To Get A Home Generator? 5 FAQs Answered
RH Business Marketing Solutions
Many people who live in locations that are prone to storms or hurricanes are invested in having a backup solution for their home’s power. Ergo, many homeowners, when they can, aim to have a backup electrical or home generator installed.
However, while a home generator is useful to have as a backup, many people are surprised at how little they know about the pieces of home equipment. So, in this article, five commonly searched FAQs about generators are answered, so you can have a bit of an idea about what is needed going into this purchase.
What Size Generator Do I Need For My Home?
To calculate this accurately, you will need to run a bit of a safety drill! Go around your home and look at the wattage requirements for all of the appliances in your home that will be powered via the generator in an emergency. This will give you an idea of the size of the electric generators you will need. If you aren't sure how to do this, contact an electrician for help.
How Long Can I Run The Generator For?
As a rough estimate, the majority of home or electrical generators can run for multiple hours, usually no longer than 18 at a stretch. However, this run time will vary based on the size of the generator, the size of the home and the power supply that it is using.
Generally speaking, portable generators have a shorter half-life span, whereas standby generators are often directly connected to a power source and therefore, they can run for days at a time. As soon as you no longer require the use of the generator, it is best to turn it off.
Can I Use A Portable Generator Indoors?
Generally speaking, no, it is not a good idea to use a portable generator indoors, even if you have it placed somewhere secluded, such as your basement or your garage. Why? Because this runs a very real risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. So, for safety reasons, even if you have a portable generator, always make sure it is kept outdoors and is well-ventilated.
How Often Should I Service My Generator?
You should aim to service your generator at least once or twice a year, preferably before you predict that you will need to use it (such as in the event of an oncoming storm). As there are many different kinds of electrical generators, there may be some variation in the amount of servicing required, so be sure to check the generator’s instruction manual. This will highlight how often it will need to be serviced, as well as signs to look for which will showcase that it is not working correctly.
Can I Connect The Generator To My Home Electrical System?
In most cases, homeowners are eager to connect their generator to their home’s electricity. That way, as soon as there is an electrical outage, the generator will kick in as soon as possible.
This will require a transfer switch, which will need to be fitted by a trained electrician. Why? Because if it is not fitted by a professional, it may not conform to the appropriate electrical codes and safety standards.