How Do I Choose a Generator for My Home?
If you’ve ever experienced a prolonged power outage during the dead of winter, you understand what an inconvenience this type of occurrence can be for your family. When the blackout occurred, maybe you heard the humming of your neighbors’ backup generators and wished you’d planned ahead as well. As the U.S. power grid becomes less reliable, perhaps you’re finally ready to invest in your family’s guaranteed comfort. If so, the first step is determining what type of backup generator is right for your needs.
Two Options
There are two basic types of backup generators to consider:
- Portable – If budget is an issue, you may want to consider a portable model that runs on gasoline and can be plugged directly into an appliance or a subpanel. These generators can only power a few appliances or electrical components at once, allowing you to keep a few lights on or ensure the refrigerator stays running.
- Whole-house – Also known as standby generators, these models are installed permanently outside your home and are powered by natural gas. They activate immediately when an outage occurs and can power your entire home for an indefinite period of time.
Once you’ve chosen a generator, your next step is to walk through your house and note which appliances and other electrical components you want to power during an outage. By looking at the label on each appliance, you should be able to determine the total number of watts needed to power these items during an outage. This makes choosing the right size generator easy.
A Trusted Backup Generator Installer
If your home is located in Marlborough or another city in the MetroWest region of the Boston, Massachusetts, area, the smart choice for backup generator installation is VMA Electric. We’ve been providing backup power solutions to residents for more than a decade and have developed a reputation for providing outstanding products and customer service. Contact us today to learn more.
