The phrase “whole house generator” suggests an endless supply of power for your home in Dearborn, Michigan. The reality is not quite that simple.
Even the largest backup generators operate under strict limitations. It’s not about powering every outlet and appliance in your home simultaneously throughout the power outage. It’s about using power intelligently by powering the most essential equipment. Working with an experienced generator dealer helps you get the whole house generator you need.
At K&B Energy Solutions, we offer a free in-home consultation to assess your specific power needs. Contact us today to start the process of getting a whole house generator where you live.
4 Must-Know Facts About Whole House Generators
Whole house generators are sometimes incorrectly interpreted by people who think it can do everything. It’s very important to have realistic expectations before you get a backup power unit.
This understanding leads to you being pleased with what the backup power unit can actually do. The last thing you want to do is get one of these units under the false belief that it can do more than it actually can. This could lead to disappointments that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of knowledge about whole house generators.
Here are four important things you need to know before you meet with a generator dealer near Dearborn, Michigan:
1. Prioritization Instead of Unlimited Power
Your generator can’t run your entire house all at once. Your whole house generator is sized to run your essential circuits, such as the furnace, refrigerators, medical devices, and well pumps. Your local generator dealer helps you choose the most essential circuits because running too many can cause an overload. The generator the experts recommend is sized to operate these essential circuits during power outages.
2. Fuel Consumption & Run Time Expectations
Your generator doesn’t run for weeks on a small tank without refueling.
The reality is that natural gas offers effectively unlimited runtime but is dependent on the utility line. If your house runs on propane, your generator’s run time is limited by the size of the tank. Your generator dealer takes into account your home’s fuel systems when sizing and recommending a whole house generator.
3. Locational Compliance and Permits
You can’t place a generator just anywhere around your home in Dearborn, Michigan. Local noise ordinances and zoning laws require generators to be placed at minimum distances from property lines, windows, vents, and gas meters. A local generator expert has the experience to properly place your generator and handle necessary permits and zoning approvals.
4. Gas and Electrical Integration
Installing your whole house generator involves connecting high-voltage electricity and tapping into your home’s natural gas line. If this work isn’t done correctly, it can have serious safety risks. Your local generator dealer holds the required licenses to perform this work safely. This allows them to integrate your generator into your home’s existing systems successfully.
Foundation is Essential for Your Home Backup Generator
A whole house generator is a heavy piece of permanent machinery that produces powerful vibrations. Due to these demands, it cannot simply be placed on the ground.
Pro Tip: You’ll need a stable foundation to house this unit outside your home in Dearborn, Michigan.
The long-term reliability of your generator depends on placing it on a proper concrete foundation. This is typically done by your generator installer, who pours and levels this slab to help evenly distribute the generator’s weight.
Here are some other reasons why a dedicated concrete slab is the best place for your whole house generator:
- Extended Generator Life: A proper slab helps absorb the powerful vibrations caused by the generator’s engine during operation. This also helps protect the unit’s components from damage.
- Preventing Ground Shift: This foundation resists the effects of soil expansion, contraction, and freezing, which are common in Michigan.
- Code Compliance: The foundation is constructed to meet all local codes in Dearborn, Michigan. This helps protect your investment for a smooth inspection process.
K&B Energy Solutions: Your Source for a Whole House Generator
By now, you’re ready for a whole house generator, but first, you must choose the best provider near Dearborn, Michigan. Remember that K&B Energy Solutions offers generator sales and installations throughout Metro Detroit.
Imagine an expert who matches you with the right whole house generator to help protect you during outages. Interested? Call (734)-666-0101 or contact us online for a consultation.
