There are all sorts of reasons why homeowners need to consider investing in a whole-house generator, because there’s never any telling when natural disasters or severe weather will strike your area.

The generator columbus oh experts at Yoder Electric have collaborated with us to create this list of tips that’ll help homeowners shop for generators. There are a lot of shopping factors that you should keep in mind, so take it from the industry specialists in that the following tips are vital for your investment’s success!

Major Differences Between Whole-House Generators & Standby Generators

One of the most common questions that homeowners in Columbus have about generator investments is what the differences are between whole-house and standby generators.

Although these two types of generators can seem really similar, there are some differences that you should know about. Some of the common benefits associated with whole-house generators include:

• Much higher quality engine that starts up automatically (as opposed to an engine that must be manually started like a lawn mower)
• Liquid-cooled (as opposed to air-cooled)
• Less noisy
• Better durability/less necessary maintenance
• AC shedding and load management options
• Capable of backing up an entire property (as opposed to only a few crucial circuits)
• Incredibly fuel-efficient

Although conventional standby generators are capable of powering up smaller homes, they generally only have a kilowatt range that peaks around 20 kilowatts. So, these generators can get the job done during a temporary power outage, but they’ll be less reliable when these power outages are prolonged for a day or longer.

Whole-house generators offer a kilowatt range that peaks around 50 kilowatts, so you’ll subsequently obtain over twice the amount of electrical output as compared to conventional standby generators. You also won’t have to make any tough sacrifices during power outages, and you’ll essentially carry on with your normal household routines as if nothing was awry.

Whole-house generators also offer more sophisticated programming, better longevity, and several fuel options.

3 Steps Toward Finding The Right Whole-House Generator For Your Property

If you’re set on investing in a whole-house generator, then you’re definitely on the right track toward properly protecting your property during power outages of any kind.

Below are three crucial steps to consider when you’re shopping for whole-house generators:

Step #1: Deciding On A Fuel Source

There are many properties that need to consider their generator’s fuel source very carefully, and this is a particular concern for homes in rural or coastal areas. You’ll have the options between the following fuel sources:

• Liquid propane
• Natural gas
• Diesel fuel

Both diesel and liquid propane will require massive tanks to be installed and re-filled on your property, because this will be where you store your fuel just in case an outage occurs. Natural gas generators need to be compatible with your municipality’s gas lines in terms of sizing.

If you do have access to municipal gas lines, then you’ll likely be better off with a natural gas generator; but if you don’t, then diesel and liquid propane are more viable options.

Step #2: Choosing The Correct Generator Size

Generator size is another huge factor to consider with these types of installations, and you’re always going to need to put these installation projects in the hands of licensed and experienced electricians. They’ll know what your property’s load requirements are, and how your unique array of electrical appliances will impact your proper generator size.

Although there are certain formulas that you can calculate on your own in terms of deciphering what your best generator size would be, it’s best to leave these calculations in the hands of professionals who help people with these investments on a daily basis!

Step #3: Choosing A Transfer Switch

Your new generator is also going to need a switch to turn itself on and off, and this is often referred to as an automatic transfer switch. This switch is what allows your whole-house generator to sense when your municipal power supply shuts off, and then spring into action.

The same goes for when your municipal power supply is turned back on, because your transfer switch will recognize the restored power and turn itself off. It’s a crucial part of any whole-house generator investment, and you’ll need to ensure that your service panel is compatible with your new switch and generator.

Contact Yoder Electric When You Need A Generator In Columbus OH

There are a lot factors and concerns that coincide with whole-house generator investments, and the above tips are only just the beginning in terms of everything you’ll need to keep in mind for these purchasing decisions.

One of the best electrical companies in Columbus OH is Yoder Electric, and their team of specialists is available to answer your generator questions when you click on the hyperlink located at the top of this article!