Spring is here, and with it comes increased thunderstorms and other inclement weather. We have excellent civic electrical grids in the area, but Mother Nature always has the final word. A whole-house generator could be the perfect way to protect your home: providing power to vital appliances like your refrigerator and helping you stay connected to the world until the crisis has passed. Now is an excellent time to get one installed in your home, before the spring goes too much farther. Before you do, however, here’s a quick list of tips to help the process go smoothly.
Get It Sized
Generators have a power load, reflecting the amount of appliances it can support. Ideally, you need a generator powerful enough to support every electrical component of your household. Otherwise, you need to determine which appliances are necessary (like your refrigerator) and which should be left turned off (like an entertainment center). Either way, you should have your technician perform an energy audit of your home so that you know how powerful your generator needs to be.
Location Matters
Some generators are fueled by natural gas piped into your home. Others depend upon diesel or similar forms of fuel. Either way, you need to place your generator in such a place so that it can be properly ventilated, connected to the home’s gas line (if necessary) and able to power your electrical grid. It should also be in a location that you can easily reach in the middle of a crisis, and if fuel is required, you should check its fuel consumption rate. And ensure that you always have enough fuel on hand to last for several days.
For generator installation, maintenance and repair, call the friendly professionals at Wm. Henderson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. today!