Introduction
The modern world poses many challenges to the modern household. As infrastructure continues to decay, many countries struggle to meet the increasing demand for power in many households. This pushes companies to look for better ways to improve the power supply — with a growing worldwide trade of generators making power generation more and more profitable. This has caused a surge in demand for domestic generators that can supply an entire house, known as standby generators.
While kohler generators are generally more pricey than their smaller counterparts, they have many advantages. They are particularly suitable for people who work from home and those who have intermittent supplies of power, especially if they live in extreme temperatures. Their ability to produce continuous power for sustained periods given sufficient supplies and maintenance makes them ideal for such a task.
However, it is also important to have adequate knowledge about the utility of house generators before they make you purchase. We’ve compiled a list of reasons for you to consider before you take the plunge.
Benefits of Whole House Generators
Increased Need for Energy
All households rely on energy for a great many things, and the number of these things is growing by the year. Internet access, phones, televisions, and smart appliances all dominate modern life. Especially during this pandemic, we have become increasingly reliant on electricity at home to live our day-to-day lives. Hence, home generators are both a good thing for the household and for potential clients who wish to buy your house in the long run.
Security from Outages
Because modern equipment is so reliant on a steady source of electricity, a sudden outage will likely damage equipment or cause memory loss in devices. Hence, a steady supply of electricity will also allow a degree of safety from sudden short-outs.
Allows for Safety and Medical Equipment
Those of us who need advanced equipment for health reasons or medical treatment should consider installing a household generator. The latter is required to power equipment such as CPAP machines, as well as communications devices that keep you in touch with medical authorities or even loved ones.
Considerations
How loud is it?
Customers who are seeking to reduce noise pollution or are sensitive to loud sounds may feel deterred from purchasing a household generator. These machines require a good deal of space and tolerance for noise — although they are quieter than past models, they will still be a nuisance to those who are not accustomed to them.
Those who seek to reduce noise pollution can consider installing homemade sound barriers or using the configuration of one’s house to combat noise pollution. Finally, customers can consider using the extreme option of simply installing a generator outside to reduce the noise level indoors.
Where can I put it?
In general, large and expensive machines need a solid foundation to stand on. This is especially true for generators, which require a concrete area that is not in an isolated structure. Generators require open space to reduce the chance of toxic waste buildup.
Your physical location may also affect the price of installing these generators, which can cost up to a few thousand dollars! External services like connection to a tank or gas line will likely extend the price and the time taken to install the generator as well.
How much can I pay, and how often must I maintain it?
The budget may also be an important factor for the discerning customer. Standby generators are pretty expensive but are more or less permanent for the household. While generators are usually powerful enough to power a large home — from electronic appliances to basic necessities like water and heat, the bill can add up. For the average household, the bill can range between 10 to 20 thousand dollars. For those with more draining appliances or even electric vehicles, the 25 thousand watt option is needed to power your electricity needs.
Getting a household generator has obvious implications on your maintenance costs as well. The more complex and large your generator, the higher the cost of maintenance. However, if you skimp on maintenance, you are likely to suffer in the long run as well. Annual checkups and replacement of broken components are highly recommended for generators.
How can I keep it fuelled?
Customers should also think about the type of gas that they will need to fuel the generator. This also affects the amount of storage they will need to reserve to ensure that the generator keeps on running. This is particularly important for those living in houses vulnerable to storms or extreme temperatures, as they may also cause conditions that limit fuel supply.
Generators will be more reliable when they run on an accessible fuel — for people living outside cities, diesel is therefore preferable to propane. Consider your proximity to local fuel stations and your budget set aside for additional price shocks to fuel as well. These will affect how much you can afford to use your generator in the long run. We have listed the breakdown of the different types of fuel for your consideration.
Natural Gas Generators
These can be hooked up to gas lines in the area, hence, they are easy to install. However, due to the fragility of these pipelines, these generators are also prone to sudden disconnection. For those living outside cities, the problem is especially pertinent.
Liquid Propane Generators
Propane tanks are built with hardy materials and are generally long-lasting. However, using them requires abiding by strict restrictions — tanks cannot be stored in sheds, homes, or other buildings as they may cause toxic gas buildup. Furthermore, they require a good deal of space and may need expert advice on positioning within your yard. Finally, you will need to be wary of leaks and do regular maintenance on your valves.
With that said, there are many advantages to propane too. It is resistant to cold temperatures and is cheaper to procure than diesel. Additionally, maintenance is likely to be easier because propane does not leave residue in the process of combustion — engines and system components will therefore be cleaner.
Diesel Generators
These generators are more long-lasting than their counterparts, making them suitable for backup and for more rural areas where supply may become an issue. They are also likely to last through rough treatment than their counterparts, making them ideal for people living in more disaster-prone areas.
It is important to note, however, that storage of diesel fuel should be done in places that are protected from sunlight, heat, and moisture, and may require additives to stabilize the fuel.
Conclusion
Household generators will become increasingly important as energy usage continues to increase. We hope that readers now have a clear and balanced view of what models and specifications are suitable for their household, and wish everyone a pleasant experience with their new power generators!
