How To Choose The Right Automatic Standby
Generator For Your Bethlehem, PA, Home
Factors To Consider When Making Your Investment
Are you considering installing a residential automatic standby generator at your Bethlehem, PA, home? It’s one of the best purchases you can make, especially if you’re constantly plagued by power outages whenever a bad storm passes through the area. You’ll enjoy relaxing in comfort while the rest of the neighborhood sits in the dark.
There are many models, sizes, and options for automatic standby generators, making the selection process challenging. You’ll need to consider several important factors when making your decision to ensure you make the most of your investment.
In this article, we’ll cover these factors, explaining what to consider in detail when choosing your generator. Read on for everything you need to know about making the best selection for your home.
Choosing Your Fuel Source
Generally, automatic generators operate on liquid propane or natural gas, which makes them much more efficient, safer, and easier to use. These fuel types burn more cleanly and have less volume per hour than gasoline. In addition, you are less likely to deal with air quality problems because of them. With these options, you’ll enjoy not having to refill your generator frequently.
When using liquid propane, you can efficiently run your home for several days up to several weeks off one full tank. Alternatively, if you use natural gas, you’ll never run out of fuel. Some of the larger standby residential generators run on diesel fuel, but like liquid propane, you can operate them for extended periods with the right size tank.
Knowing What You Will Need To Power
Another important factor when choosing your generator is how many things you will need to power during an outage. For example, if you only want to power your refrigerator and lights, you will need a generator with a significantly lower power rating than one that will power your entire house.
If you want to operate your HVAC unit during the outage, you can use it to help determine what power rating you need for your generator. To do this, look at the information plate on the HVAC for its size in BTUs or tons. Note that there are 12,000 BTUs for every ton and 3.517 kilowatts. For example, a 3-ton AC would require at least an 11-kilowatt generator.
Understanding The Generator’s Warranty
You’re buying an automatic home generator because you want peace of mind knowing you’ll have power during an outage. There’s nothing worse than having the power go out only to find that the generator you invested in doesn’t even work.
If you don’t get a solid warranty with your purchase, you’ll be stuck with an expensive piece of equipment that doesn’t do its job. That’s why it’s essential to understand the type of warranty the manufacturer offers.
In addition, when you work with a reputable local Bethlehem, PA, electrician, they’ll provide you with a workmanship warranty, guaranteeing their work for a specific period. Anything that goes wrong during this time because of their installation will be handled by the company.
Choosing The Transfer Switch
The best part of an automatic home backup generator is that it will immediately turn itself on when the power goes out. You don’t have to do anything. So, when you’re away from home, your essential appliances will turn on, protecting your home from losses, such as spoiled food and frozen, bursting pipes.
To do this, your generator will need an automatic transfer switch. This switch is designed to continuously monitor the power in your home. It will trigger the generator’s engine to start when it identifies an outage. It will also disconnect your home from the power grid, enabling your home to run off the generator.
Much like choosing the appropriate generator for your home, you must select the right automatic transfer switch to operate with your electrical service. You will have to learn the amperage of your electrical service panel, which can be found on the main breaker. Additionally, you can ask your installer to verify this information for you.
Today, many homes operate on updated 200-amp service panels. However, there are some with older 100-amp service, so it’s essential to verify what you have.
For Expert Installation Of Residential Automatic Standby
Generators In Bethlehem, PA, Trust Shafnisky Electric
While considering different options for residential automatic standby generators for your Bethlehem, PA, home, rely on the trusted local experts to help you find the system best suited to your needs. Here at Shafnisky Electric, we have 35 years of experience serving the community and providing creative electrical solutions that work.
When you need results, you can count on us to complete the job efficiently, effectively, and, most importantly, safely. Over the years, we’ve seen it all and no issue has ever bested us. Trust us to help you find the ideal generator to solve your problems.
Call Shafnisky Electric today at (610) 435–2237 to schedule a consultation.
