The Home Generator Buying Guide

A home generator system is an excellent investment in your home. Professionally installed generators can quickly put a stop to interruptions at home in the event of a power outage, offering you and your family reassurance and comfort all throughout the year.

At A Phase Electric, we take your need for reliable power and electrical safety seriously, which is why we provide expert home generator installation services you can count on. Our team guarantees decades of experience and fantastic customer service without fail.

Let’s discuss a bit more about making the right purchasing decisions if you are in the market for a new generator.

Portable Generator Vs. Standby Generators

Have you considered the differences between a standby generator and a portable one? Portable models use gasoline or propane and require configuration for power generation.

Portable generators often plug into an electrical panel, with notable features that include the following:

• Directly plug into the electronics you wish to power
• Do not require professional installation
• Need regular refueling
• Do not automatically provide auxiliary power

Most people have to place these portable versions about 10 feet from their homes to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The other option is a standby generator, also known as a whole-house generator. This is a backup version that powers the premises automatically after a power outage.

The standby models have features like an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), which disconnects the primary power source and connects generator power to the house within about 20 or 30 seconds after an outage.

Benefits of a Standby Generator

When Texas customers ask about generator types and models, we highly recommend choosing a standby generator because it has several advantages over portable systems.

• It generates power automatically
• It will ensure your home has enough power to operate during an outage
• It will operate, whether you are home or away
• It can help keep your family safe by continuing to power vital home security features
• It keeps refrigerators on, preventing food from spoiling
• It offers added safety measures against power surges when the main power returns

Standby generators can provide electricity for as long as you need them to, powering the whole property to give you complete peace of mind.

Alternatively, portable generators require constant refueling and can only provide a limited supply of energy. The portable model’s maximum threshold also limits the use of some electrical appliances, whereas a standby generator can protect everything in the home from dangerous voltage fluctuations.

How to Choose the Right Size Home Generator

Standby generators are essential in a Texas home, but it is important to understand the size requirements. A small unit may not handle all the electrical equipment you need, while oversized units can overheat and cause damage to the generator itself as well as anything it’s powering.

If you are considering home generator installation pricing options, A Phase Electric recommends carefully sizing what you need for your home generator. Check the following:

Identify Critical Appliances

Which electrical circuits and appliances would you need during an outage? List out your essential devices first, including refrigerators, freezers, HVAC, etc. Then, add conveniences like a microwave or television.

Determine Power Requirements

Next, determine the power requirements for each item. For example, how much will it take to power your air conditioning unit?

One helpful method is to identify items with electric motors, selecting the appliances with the highest watts. Then, multiply the watts by three to see whether your generator can handle the load.

Choose a Generator

The final tip in choosing a home generator is to avoid settling for the bare minimum. The power consumption in a home tends to increase over time. For instance, you may upgrade or add to appliances within your home, which would call for more generator power.

Be sure to consider this possible growth when you choose a generator size so that it will always accommodate your needs. Our certified electrician can analyze your requirements and help you determine the right size generator for your home.

Professional Home Generator Installation

Why is a functioning generator so vital for every Texas home? The first consideration is the harsh climate in many parts of the state.

Homeowners want to maintain their comfort levels in the home as well as keep necessary lights and appliances running to ensure normal operation. Generators are also invaluable for protecting property owners from unexpected losses during a power outage, including losing refrigerated food and any other temperature-controlled valuables.

However, home generator installation is not a basic project. It requires professional help from a licensed electrician who understands the process and can help you avoid short circuits and other issues.

Professional generator installers can also offer:

• An audit to determine the exact size of generator your property needs
• Expert home generator installation services
• Accurate setup to ensure full and safe power use

CAUTION: Unprofessional handling of electrical and gas appliances is unsafe. Leave the wiring, piping, circuit breaker installation, and other tasks to trusted professional electricians.

Do you need top-notch generator installation services? A Phase Electric offers over 20 years of experience.

Contact us today at 832-990-4248 to discuss installing a reliable home generator system.