Standby generators have become the go-to power solution for many homeowners. They provide dependable backup power during outages and emergencies, keeping the lights on in your home.
However, before making a considerable investment, it’s important to be aware of the potential pros and cons of a generator. Keep reading to learn more about whether there are disadvantages to owning a standby generator.
What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Standby Generator?
Owning a standby generator comes with advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider before making a purchase. Factors you’ll need to think about include:
Cost
Standby generators are a substantial investment and carry a high price tag. Depending on the generator size, it will cost you anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
The bigger the generator, the more it will cost you. The fuel type, extra features, and installation will also impact the total cost.
However, if you’re in an area prone to outages, a standby generator can be worth every dollar, particularly when you weigh the cost versus the long-term benefits. Standby generators offer unparalleled backup power even during extended outages.
Your home will remain operational, ensuring your appliances, electronics, and essential systems, including home security, lighting, heating, and cooling, continue functioning. Cost doesn’t have to keep you from owning a generator.
Reputable dealers like Pow’r Point offer financing options like PowerPay, making a standby generator more accessible to homeowners. With PowerPay, you can finance any size standby generator, including installation, labor, and material.
PowerPay loans come with fixed rates and low monthly rates. Plus, applying for a loan online is easy, and approval comes in seconds.
Preparation and Installation
Installing a standby generator typically takes just a few hours. However, the preparation process could take weeks.
Installer availability, permit approvals, site preparation, electrical and gas installation, weather conditions during installation, and more impact timing. The process of installation includes:
Permit Approvals
Depending on where you live, you may need a permit before installation. This can entail submitting specifications and plans for the installation.
Site Preparation
Site preparation is essential before setting up your standby generator. The generator should be in an easily accessible, well-drained, and stable location.
It should also be placed away from your doors and windows to prevent harmful gases from entering your home. Additionally, there should be sufficient space around the generator.
The ideal location is determined during an on-site consultation. When picking the site, it’s essential to check the restrictions of your homeowner’s association and community.
After establishing the location, a pre-made platform or poured-in-place concrete pad is laid. Once dry, your generator is mounted on the prepared surface.
Connection to Power and Fuel Source
The next step is electrical connections. The standby generator will be connected to your home’s electrical system.
An automatic transfer switch will also be installed to automatically shift your house’s electrical load from utility to the standby generator within seconds of a power outage, seamlessly restoring power to your home.
Additionally, the generator will be connected to a fuel source. If your home has a natural gas line or propane tank, your standby generator can be connected to that.
Electrical and gas line connections are complex and should only be handled by a professional electrician and plumber to ensure safe connections and reliable operation.
Testing Functionality and Safety
After setting up the electrical and fuel connections, thoroughly testing your generator’s functionality is critical. This final step involves switching off the main power supply to check whether your standby generator can detect blackouts and kick in automatically.
Safety checks are also vital. These include testing your electrical systems and gas connections to ensure everything operates safely and efficiently.
Investing in a standby generator can protect your home, but it has to be installed correctly. Improper installation can easily cause electrocution, mechanical failure, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire risk.
To protect your investment and loved ones and save time and stress, you should enlist the services of experts. Professional technicians from Pow’r Point have the extensive expertise needed to handle the complexities of standby generator installation and ensure a smooth process.
We follow stringent safety protocols to mitigate the risks of incorrect installation. Moreover, our expert technicians are familiar with local codes and regulations and will make sure your installation complies with them to prevent potential legal issues.
Maintenance
Like any machine, standby generators need routine maintenance. Even though it’s an extra expense, it’s essential to consider the short and long-term benefits.
Routine care can prevent expensive repairs. It can catch minor issues early on before they become extensive and costly problems.
It’s more cost-effective to resolve minor issues during a maintenance check than to pay when your unit malfunctions. Routine maintenance also adds an extra layer of care that can help your generator last longer.
Given the amount you’ll spend on a standby generator, prolonging its life through ongoing maintenance is a smart financial decision. Although you can do some maintenance tasks, like keeping the unit free from dirt and debris, most maintenance checks and tasks demand professional expertise.
Standby generators are sophisticated systems that can become hazards when not handled appropriately. At Pow’r Point, we offer professional maintenance services to keep your standby generator in tip-top condition.
Our certified and experienced technicians understand the inner workings of different makes and models of standby generators. They perform comprehensive inspections and preventative maintenance tasks, ensuring optimal performance, enhanced safety, better fuel efficiency, decreased operating costs, and longevity.
Are you interested in owning a standby generator? Contact the professionals at Pow’r Point to find the best model for your needs and expert installation and maintenance services.
