How to Choose the Right Standby Generator for Your Home

Living in Northeast Ohio has its advantages when it comes to weather. We avoid many extremes that Mother Nature can muster, like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Instead, we experience high winds, lightning, ice storms, fallen trees, and heat waves leading that can lead to rolling brownouts and, in the worst case, power outages.

Power Outages

Losing electricity for a few minutes is annoying. But losing power for hours — sometimes days — can be downright dangerous. Freezers thaw, stairlifts stop, sump pumps flood, and unlit rooms become obstacle courses for even the healthiest of us.

Home Sweet Home

Whether working from home or raising your family, electricity is necessary for its smooth operation. Imagine trying to get anything accomplished without electricity!

When weather events happen or the power grid has a hiccup, it’s best to be prepared for the worst. An automatic backup generator is a great way to ensure your home will remain operational before, during, and after a storm and keep your family safe and comfortable—no matter what.

Save yourself the worry and stress by purchasing an automatic standby generator. Before you do, there are seven essential things you should know:

How do Generac Generators Work?

If your power goes out, your Generac standby generator comes on—automatically. It’s really that simple!

If your power goes out, the Generac standby generator comes on—automatically. It’s really that simple!

• The generator system consists of a generator and transfer switch connected to your service panel.
• The generator sits outside your home, like a central air conditioner, while the transfer switch is next to the main breaker box.

Seven Essential Considerations for Your Generator Investment

#1 Standby Generator Size Matters.

Generators come in different sizes, and although you may have space constraints, smaller is only sometimes best. The lighter the unit, the less power it will produce. A portable generator may power a few lights and a small appliance. But a larger standby generator, like a Generac automatic standby generator, could power your entire home.

#2 Know your needs

Think about how you’ll need to use the power. Do you want to focus only on running your HVAC or powering other essential appliances? Do you want to light up the entire house or just enough to see in the main areas? Answering these questions now determines how much power and which type of generator you’ll need when the time comes.

In most cases, it will be an automatic standby generator. A portable generator is handy, but you’ll need to be home to pull it out, set it up, and plug your appliance into it. By contrast, home standby generators can be set up to provide power during an outage automatically.

#3 Understand fuel types

Homeowners always ask, “How is a Generac generator powered?”

Whole-home generator engines run on natural gas, liquid propane (LP), or diesel fuel. Your preference will usually depend on where you’re located. In areas with easy access to natural gas, it’s the logical choice. But LP or diesel fuel will be your best option in all-electric or rural communities. Your storage tank must be refilled with either LP or diesel fuel when levels get low after an extended operation. 

#4 Check the home standby generator warranty

Ensure you understand the terms of the generator’s warranty before purchasing. There’s nothing worse than being without power, thinking you’re covered, only to realize your generator is faulty. It’s bad enough that the unit isn’t doing the job; you need to know if the manufacturer will accept a return or repair of the generator at their cost.

Apply now for preferred financing for your Generac generator installation. Make an investment for peace of mind on a budget!