Are you considering buying a home generator? If you're looking to buy a generator, you may have already been looking at HVAC services and other providers who can help you acquire and set up a generator. Given how important power is for modern life, it's always a good idea to have a home generator for backup. Even if the power grid goes out, you can keep the lights on and your appliances running. Let's take a look at some common questions our electricians get regarding home generators.

What Is a Home Generator, Anyway?

A home generator produces electricity. If you're living off the grid or the local grid goes down, a generator can produce the electricity needed to keep your home humming. With this, you can ensure that crucial appliances and technologies work.

Is a Home Generator Really Worth the Money?

Yes! Many folks who buy a home generator and have it installed by HVAC services find that the investment is well worth it. If your power goes out for just a few hours, all the food in your fridge might end up ruined. Further, if the lights are out, someone could trip and suffer a personal injury. Having a backup power system is especially crucial if anyone depends on a medical device day in and day out, such as an assisted breathing machine. If the power goes out, these folks could be left without a lifesaving device. To determine if a home generator is right for you, consider what in your home you rely on daily.

What Do Home Generators Need to Run?

Generators will use some type of fuel source to produce electricity. Most generators run on gasoline or diesel. Some will run on natural gas, while others might rely on solar energy to function. The most common types of fuel used by whole-house generators are diesel, natural gas, and propane gas.

How Long Will a Generator Last?

As you might imagine, it varies greatly between models. According to home improvement expert Bob Vila, the runtime of some generators can be up to 16 hours. The lifespan, however, will depend greatly on how often it's used and how much effort you put into maintenance and upkeep. Generators are a significant investment, so it's wise to work with HVAC services to ensure your unit is properly maintained.

Should I Have an Electrician Set Up My Generator?

It's a good idea to have an electrician not only set up a generator but also look over your electrical system and ensure that everything is in order. This way, should the power go out, you'll know you can rely on your generator. An electrician requires roughly as much schooling as a doctor, according to the Ohio Business College, so it's best to rely on their well-honed expertise. A lot can go wrong with generator installation, but you can count on us to get the job done right the first time.

Do I Need to Worry About Electrical Fires?

Wherever electricity is found, there's a risk of an electrical fire. However, by working with electricians, you can mitigate many risks. This will help improve the safety of your family, and it'll also allow you to protect your property. It's wise to work with pros whenever you're setting up an electrical system. Regular inspections are also recommended to improve performance.

Should I Wait for Technology to Improve Before Buying a Generator?

If you're in the market for a new phone or computer, you might decide to wait until a more advanced model comes out. It could be tempting to do this with a home generator. However, home generators are a mature technology, and most progress these days is incremental. True, a future generator might offer higher efficiency or output, but the increase isn't likely to be dramatic, at least not in the near term. As such, it's often wise to pull the trigger now rather than wait for a new generator to come out.

If you have any further questions, it's time to chat with HVAC services. Feel free to get in touch with our team at John H. Coleman Co for help in the Knoxville, TN area! We'd be glad to help you select and set up a home generator that's perfect for your needs.