HOME DIPO : Purchasing a standby generator is one of the best home improvement options you can choose to make.
Step
1. Know what you need to power. When computing your wattage requirements, you’ll want to add in the maximum wattage your appliance needs on startup, not its normal running wattage. This is called the appliance's LRA number.
2. Well-established brands include Briggs & Stratton and Generac. For power capacities in this range, any of the generator brands above offer excellent quality choices. Using search strings like "standby generators", "Generac", "Briggs and Stratton" and "backup generators" will produce a large number of vendors.
3. Install your generator. Make sure that a certified, insured installer installs your generator - an incorrect installation voids most generator warranties.
4. Maintain your generator. If you don’t, it can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your appliances. In response to this, the generator will work harder in an attempt to increase power capacity. Manufacturers of standby generators will not honor the warranty on a unit that has not been properly maintained.
Tips
1. Usually, the amount of electricity an appliance needs at startup is 2 to 3 times the amount of electricity an appliance needs to run on normally.
- Most standby generators can take up to 30 seconds to activate; you may wish to get a battery backup to power your computer equipment while the generator is warming up.
Warnings
- Installing a standby generator is serious business - if you don't know how to install one you should contact a qualified professional.
- You can use the links below to find qualified professionals in your area that can help you pick out and install a generator.
- Never repair the generator indoors. It can cause a fire.
- With everything above being said, Most Importantly – NEVER install a generator without the proper electrical and plumbing permits and inspections in place. Below is a link to State Farm’s site on Emergency Generator Tips.
