Whole Home Generator Installations

Common Types of Generators

The two most common types of generators are portable generators and whole-home generators. While both are able to restore power to parts of your home during an outage, a whole home generator offers many more benefits versus a portable generator. Here's a quick comparison of the two types:

• Size - portable generators tend to be small units that can be stored in a garage or shed when not being used. Whole home generators are typically installed outside of your home in a permanent location and are larger (about the size of a central air conditioning unit).
• Fuel - when it comes to running a portable generator, you'll need to have abundant fuel on site to keep it going. When a storm hits, it may not always be possible to run out and buy more fuel, so it's important to have plenty on hand. Portable generators usually run on gasoline, propane or diesel, so you'll have to find a place to store this fuel that doesn't result in a fire hazard. A whole home generator, on the other hand, can tap directly into a natural gas line, so you don't have to worry about always having fuel on hand.
• Capacity - a portable generator usually can power much less than a whole home generator can. Portable generators usually generate enough power to run a few appliances and lights, while you can count on a whole home generator to run appliances, lights and backup systems like a sump pump.
• Ease of use - a huge downside to portable generators is that they need to be manually switched on when they need to be used. This, combined with the fact that it is extremely unsafe to keep them indoors, means that you may have to be running outside in the middle of a downpour to get your generator going, and you'll have to keep a window or door cracked to run an extension cord through. However, a whole home generator can automatically detect outages and switch on when you need it most, without you needing to do anything. 
• Cost - there's no getting around the fact that a whole home generator is going to cost more than a portable generator. Portable generators can cost a few hundred dollars, while a whole home generator can be closer to a few thousand, with installation costs usually included.

A Whole Home Generator is a Smart Idea

Installing a whole home generator makes a lot of sense for a number of reasons. First, you'll never have an issue turning it on or refueling it, as it can directly feed off your natural gas line, and switch on when it detects a power outage. This means you won't have to stand out in the rain trying to get your generator going. In addition, you'll be able to power many of the most important systems in your house, like HVAC, sump pumps and kitchen appliances. One of the biggest losses during a power outage tends to be spoiled food, so knowing that your fridge will still be working can really be a life-saver.

While sitting around your house without lights isn't dangerous, it can be boring and uncomfortable, especially for long periods of time. A whole home generator can power lights, entertainment systems, air conditioners and heaters, so you'll always be comfortable even during long power outages.

Choosing the Right Brand of Generator

There are a ton of generator brands on the market, so it's important to do research before you make a purchase. Generac generators are a top choice among homeowners, as they feature all the things that make whole home generators convenient. Generac generators can run on natural gas or liquid propane, and like other whole home generators, are hassle-free, with no need to manually start or refuel.

In addition, Generac offers Mobile Link remote monitoring, so you can monitor your generator on any mobile device. That means you don't have to be on site at your home to know if your generator is running, which will save you a lot of worries!

If you're thinking about having a whole-home generator installed, consider your budget and the power needs of your home. If you live in an area that is prone to outages, the initial cost of the generator and installation can be small compared to the amount you'll save in the future. Costs like wasted food and water damage can add up over time, but a whole-home generator can save you from paying in the long run.

If you'd like more information about whole-home generators, contact us. Grace Mountain Electric is proud to offer a full range of electrical services to both commercial and residential customers and we are happy to answer any questions you have about whole-home generators.