What Should I Know About Generator Installation In Northampton, PA?
What Do Homeowners Need To Know About
Generator Installation In Northampton, PA?
Discover How To Experience A Safe
And Efficient Generator Installation
Few things frustrate homeowners more than when the power goes out. You lose access to lighting, air conditioning, and electronic devices. It’s at this time you’ll be glad you invested in a generator installation for your Northampton, PA, home.
While you might know the benefits of installing a generator, how much do you know about these appliances? For example, do you know where to place it, what the best fuel is, or which permits are necessary? These are all essential parts of a generator installation.
At Shafnisky Electric, we’ll help you find the generator for your Northampton County home. We want to make sure your installation goes smoothly. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful tips so you’re ready and can avoid common problems.
The Safest Place For Your Generator Installation
Most homeowners know that a generator needs to be outdoors. After all, it produces carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. But there’s more to the safe placement of your generator than simply putting it outside.
Some tips for placing your generator in the safest spot around your house include:
- Select a location that provides easy access for maintenance and refueling.
- Direct the exhaust away from your house and areas where people gather.
- Keep your generator at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents.
- Ensure your generator is on a level, solid surface.
Many homeowners or installers place generators on a wood or concrete base to keep them solid and away from grass and other vegetation. Following these tips will keep your family safe and ensure your generator functions properly when you need it.
The Best Fuel For Your Generator Installation
While some modern generators use solar or wind power, most still rely on fuel. The four most common options are gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas. The best choice for your home depends on its availability, environmental impact, and storage.
Each generator uses a specific fuel type, and using the wrong fuel can damage the machine. Knowing more about these common fuel types will help you choose the right generator for your home.
- Gasoline: Easy to find and less expensive, mostly used for small, portable generators.
- Diesel: A strong, long-lasting fuel often used in commercial generators.
- Propane: A clean fuel that’s good for homes, outdoor events, or RVs.
- Natural gas: Another clean fuel that’s great for powering a whole house.
Most people use propane and natural gas for these machines. While natural gas is usually best for whole-house generators, propane is still a good choice when natural gas is unavailable.
Permitting For Your Generator Installation
Some homeowners think they can save money by installing a generator themselves. While it is possible, a big issue is getting the right permits. Many modern generator installations need special permits for safety and regulatory compliance. Skipping this step could result in a fine or needing to remove the generator.
There are several things during the installation that might require permission from the local government. Some of the permits you might need include:
- Plumbing or mechanical permit: When installing a gas line for natural gas or propane.
- Electrical permit: Required when connecting the generator to your home’s electrical system.
- Zoning permit: Ensure the generator’s placement meets property line regulations.
- Building permit: Structural changes, like a concrete pad, may require a building permit.
The necessary permits for your generator installation depend on the project and your local regulations. Professional electricians understand the permitting for your project, so hiring the experts will ensure you don’t run into any problems.
Maintaining Your Generator Installation
Regular maintenance for your generator is essential for its proper operation and longevity. Routine checks, servicing, and necessary repairs ensure your installation will run reliably when you need it.
Some of the most crucial maintenance tasks to keep your generator operating smoothly include:
- Check the battery health and charging
- Replace the spark plugs
- Change the air filters
- Change the oil
Generators also require regular inspections to ensure they work correctly and don’t require any repairs. When inspecting your generator, you’ll want to look at the fuel system, belts, hoses, and exhaust system. Inspecting and maintaining your generator will ensure it functions properly when you need it.
At Shafnisky Electric, we provide top-notch maintenance services for our customers. We also offer one-year and two-year maintenance contracts, ensuring your generator operates efficiently in the long term.
Call The Pros For Your Generator Installation
Improper generator installation can lead to serious risks, like gas leaks, fire hazards, and electrical overloads. Professional electricians use the safest and most effective methods to ensure your generator works correctly and efficiently when the power goes out.
At Shafnisky Electric, we’ve installed generators for Northampton County homeowners for over 35 years. Our experienced team has the training, tools, and knowledge to produce excellent and efficient work, ensuring your generator works perfectly when you need it the most.
Do you need high-quality generator installation for your Northampton, PA, home? Contact Shafnisky Electric to learn more, or visit our website for a free estimate.