Thinking About Installing a Whole Home Generator? Consider These Things First

Sometimes, for numerous reasons, the power will go out at your home. Even when the power companies are doing everything they can to get it working again, many people can be left with no power for an extended amount of time. Hours, days, or even weeks can go by before your power gets fixed, sending your home back in time a century. 

 

If you live in an area where this is common, you may be interested in installing a whole home generator. Compared to a smaller, portable generator which can only power a smaller number of devices, a whole home generator can power the entire home (hence the name). 

 

Before you install a whole home generator, there are some things you should consider to ensure it is the best choice for your home. In today’s blog, the pros at Axiom Power go over exactly what you need to know before getting your own generator installed! 

The Right Fuel 

 

The fuel you put in your generator can make a big difference to cost and performance. When choosing a generator, you should know the differences between the four main types of fuel that are typically used. 

 

Gasoline 

 

Gasoline is typically used to power portable generators, but not whole-home generators. Although gasoline works well and is widely accessible, the fuel is hard to store for extended periods. You’ll want a longer-lasting fuel source for your home generator. 

 

Gasoline has high volatility and will deteriorate over 1-2 years. 

 

Diesel 

 

Compared to gas, diesel is less volatile and is a much better fuel source. Despite this, diesel is still not the best option for a whole home generator. To get more than a day’s worth of fuel, you’ll need to install an external tank since the fuel is much less dense. 

 

 

Propane 

 

Propane is a clean-burning fuel that is safe and much easier to store. Although diesel is more efficient, propane makes more sense for a backup generator since it is much easier to store. 

 

 

Natural Gas 

 

The best fuel to use is natural gas. It burns clean, is easy to store, and supplies are not commonly affected by storms or other natural disasters.  

 

Ensuring you’ll have fuel and power when there is a natural disaster is the most important factor in choosing a fuel type.  

 

Natural gas is our top choice!

 

 

The Electrical Future 

 

Now, in the age of electric vehicles and solar power, you might be thinking if there are any electrical options available instead of a generator. Luckily, there are! A home battery backup system is basically a large battery for your home.  

 

There are pros and cons to owning a battery backup vs a whole home generator, although the technology behind the home battery systems is rapidly developing. 

 

Learn More > Are Home Battery Backup Systems The Future? 

 

 

Generator Capacity 

 

The other most important thing to consider is the capacity of your generator. Each generator has a rating based on the number of watts they produce.  

 

The more electricity you need for your appliances,

the higher capacity your generator will need to be. 

 

20kW is a common rating for a whole-home generator, which is around 8-10x more power than an average portable generator. If you only want to power essentials, like the lights and a fridge/freezer, you'll be ok with a 5-10kW generator. However, if you are looking to power on an AC or a furnace, plus a few devices, you’ll likely need 20kW or higher. 

 

Every household is different, and many factors play into what you need out of your home generator. To make sure you have the right size, give Axiom Power a call! Our experienced electricians can determine the right size for your home & family. Give us a call today! 

 

 

What You Should Know 

 

There are a few extra things to make note of before your purchase. Such as: 

 

  • Location of the generator 

  • Cost of installation and piping 

  • Permitting/Inspection 

  • Checking with your HOA 

  • Avoid DIY solutions 

 

Don’t attempt to DIY your home generator. Dealing with gas and electricity should be left to the professionals. Anything done improperly could result in electrocution, gas leaks, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning, so please, give Axiom Power a call! 

 Call Axiom Power For Your Electrical Needs

 

From fuel type to capacity, to location, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a whole home generator. Now that you know what to look for, let Axiom Power help you find the perfect fit.  

 

Whether residential or commercial, Axiom Power is here to help with all your electrical needs. Give us a call today! 

Corin Harmon