At Sky Heating & Air Conditioning, we strongly recommend hiring an electrical contractor for generator installation. It requires many considerations, from choosing the right type and generator capacity to preparing the installation site to knowing what you can afford.Â
Whole-house generators come in many forms but provide the backup power you need during an outage. They also come at a cost. Therefore, it’s important to know how to select one. While an experienced contractor can manage the entire process, here are the primary factors to consider when planning a generator installation for your home:
- Type of Generator
- Power Output
- Fuel Type
- Site Assessment
- Connections
- Safety
- Permits and Restrictions
- Cost
- Testing
- Hire a Professional
1. Type of Generator
First, you need to determine the type of home generator that will meet your needs. Portable generators can be plugged in when necessary. Meanwhile, standby units are permanently installed and integrated with your electrical system. Here are details on each of these options:
- Portable: A portable home generator can be moved around as needed and is a less expensive option than a standby generator. Portable units come in different capacities but are generally limited in power output and runtime. They must be turned on manually and refueled often.
- Standby: Whole-house standby generators are more complex and more expensive. Nonetheless, they have a higher power output. Some models can power your home during an outage and even switch on automatically. Standby systems come in many sizes, requiring dedicated electrical and gas plumbing connections. However, they are quieter than portable units.
2. Power Output
Whether the generator meets your power requirements is another important consideration. The system’s output rating is critical. If the generator’s capacity is too low, it can be easily overloaded. A portable unit may provide just 2 kilowatts (kW) to 4 kW of power. A typical standby generator can handle 20 kW or more (20 to 22 kW of power is sufficient for an average-sized household).
The ideal power rating depends on the size of your home and the number and types of electrical appliances and devices. One way to determine capacity is to look at your monthly electricity bill, which shows your average electricity usage in kilowatt-hours. You can also choose the operating and run wattage of each appliance, device, and light (which should be labeled on the unit or listed in its manual).Â
Add up the power needs of all items. One kW equals 1,000 watts, so divide the total by 1,000 to determine the kilowatt capacity needed. However, calculating your home’s power requirements may be more complex than this sounds. That’s why an experienced technician should help you find the right-sized generator.
In the process, they’ll also help you prioritize appliances to power when an outage occurs, including:
- HVAC equipment
- Refrigerators/freezers
- Lighting
- Kitchen Appliances
- Internet/communications equipmentÂ
- Televisions
- Audio systems
- Medical equipment
The ability to power many devices is one of the top reasons to install a generator in your home.
3. Fuel Type
Carefully consider the fuel type your generator uses. It helps budget for long-term expenses based on fuel costs. You can also plan based on the possibility of fuel shortages in your area. Portable generators often run on gasoline, which can be difficult to store and has a limited lifespan. You’re best fuel options for a whole-house generator include the following:
- Liquid Propane: Propane is easy to store and eco-friendly. It must be stored in a tank, so you need room for one on your property, preferably in a well-ventilated area outside or in a detached garage. Residential propane tanks typically have 100- to 1,000-gallon capacities.
- Natural Gas: Generally the most economical fuel option, natural gas is supplied via a utility connection. Availability is usually not affected by weather or natural disasters. Therefore, a natural gas-powered standby generator helps prepare your home for any event.
- Diesel: Diesel fuel is stable compared to gasoline and energy efficient. Like propane, diesel standby generators require a separate fuel tank, which can supply it for several days, depending on its size.
4. Site Assessment
Your local generator installation contractor starts with a site assessment. They determine the best location for the unit based on their evaluation and local code requirements. The next step is to create a stable surface for the generator. The installation team may pour a concrete pad. Or, depending on the generator model and ground conditions, they may lay a gravel base for the unit to rest on. Other considerations regarding location include electrical safety, the direction of exhaust, and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Connections
Installing a whole-house generator requires making the proper electrical and plumbing connections. The unit must be wired to your main electrical panel to supply your home with power during an outage. An automatic transfer switch must also be installed. It enables the generator to detect when a power outage occurs so that electricity can start being supplied to your home. Keep in mind a transfer switch may require a separate breaker panel.
A plumbing connection will also be required if you’re using a propane or natural gas-powered generator. The gas line must be properly connected to the utility and the generator. This involves selecting the proper pipe material, valves, and other components. If the installer doesn’t have the required experience, you may need to hire a plumber to set up the gas connections.
6. Safety
Safety must be considered with generator installation. One safety concern is the fuel source. Natural gas can cause an explosion if there’s a leak and is toxic if inhaled. Diesel fuel is less flammable, while its odor is distinct; should a leak occur, it’s easy to detect and clean up. The generator’s location is also a safety concern, which is why you need to adhere to the following guidelines:
- A generator should always be installed outdoors.
- The unit must be at least 3 feet from any windows or doors.
- Install the unit at least 5 feet from combustible materials.
- Place the generator on a stable, level surface.
- The location should be accessible to repair or maintenance personnel.
7. Permits and Restrictions
Installing a whole-house generator often requires a building permit. An inspection is part of the permitting process. The cost and process of obtaining a permit may vary depending on your location. Contact your local government or electrical contractor for more information. Your local homeowner association (HOA) may also have generator installation restrictions. For information on specific rules, reach out to an HOA representative. Violating any rule or regulation can result in stiff fines and penalties.
8. Cost
An overview of considerations for installing a standby generator isn’t complete without mentioning the cost. According to Angi, the average cost is over $5,000, but some installations, depending on size, brand, and fuel type, can cost well over $8,000. Forbes places the average cost even higher, at $9,000, while some installations can reach $25,000.
Meanwhile, labor can add $1,500 to $5,000 to your bill. A permit for generator installation can cost $50 to $200, while electrical work and upgrades, setting up a transfer switch, and installing a concrete pad all cost extra. These are just initial costs. Other considerations include fuel, repair, and maintenance costs incurred over time.
9. Testing
After a whole-house generator is installed, thorough testing ensures it functions properly. A technician usually turns on the generator to test it under load. This helps determine if it can handle your home’s power needs. Next, the transfer switch is tested to ensure it seamlessly switches from utility power to generator power. Once all testing is complete, a qualified professional performs a final inspection to ensure the installation meets code requirements.
10. Hire a Professional
Only a licensed electrician should install a standby generator. They are familiar with the engineering specifications of different models and home electrical systems. It takes knowledge and expertise to find the right generator and ensure it works when you need a backup power supply.
Various other skills are required, including those involved in transporting, unloading, and positioning the generator. Generator installation is a multi-step process, from calculating power requirements to installing the concrete pad and fuel tank to setting up the transfer switch. Your local contractor may also set up barriers for safety and sound suppression, as well as detectors and alarms in case of a fire or exhaust issue.
Aside from ensuring your generator is installed correctly, a professional can also provide maintenance. This can include routine oil changes, filter replacement, and system tests, which can increase the unit’s reliability and longevity.
Call Sky for Help with Generator Installation
We’re an electrical services company in Portland that installs home generators. A standby generator provides power during emergencies and helps keep your home safe and secure. It can keep the lights on, prevent food and medications from going bad, and allow your HVAC system to function when there’s a blackout. Our licensed electricians ensure your generator is installed correctly and you see all these benefits. They start by evaluating your home’s electrical needs and planning the entire process, ensuring no detail is left out.Â
To schedule a smooth and seamless generator installation in Portland, call (503) 506-4665 today.