A generator can power your home in Virginia Beach, VA, if you experience a blackout or lose electrical service. Since wattage can range from as low as 800 to as much as 500,000, it’s important to find the right model for your needs. Below are the main factors to consider when shopping for a generator.
Generator Size
The size of a generator should complement the wattage of the appliances you need to power. Check the manual of the appliances in your home for the rated wattage. Add the wattage of all the appliances and systems you need to power to get the right size for your home.
A refrigerator needs between 600 and 800 watts, an electric oven about 5,000 watts and a table lamp about 150 watts. When it comes to powering HVAC systems, an electric furnace can use between 5,000 and 25,000 watts while a central air conditioner needs between 2,000 and 4,000 watts. Check your appliance and system manual for accurate wattage, and add a few hundred watts to the total for the starting and running power of the generator.
Fuel Source
A standby generator can run on natural gas, liquid propane or diesel. If you choose liquid propane or diesel, you need to set up large tanks to run the generator. For natural gas, you need a gas meter and gas lines set to the correct size.
Consider the availability and the cost of each of these fuels in your area. Contact a technician to help you decide the best fuel for your home.
Location and Enclosure
A whole-home generator will be installed inside an enclosure outside of your home. The enclosure keeps it safe from the elements and ensures quiet operation. Working with a trained professional helps you pick the right spot for the installation.
A whole-home generator ensures there is no power interruption in your home even when a storm hits. Call our team at Climatemakers, so our technicians can size and install the appropriate generator for your home — we also provide a full range of HVAC services in Virginia Beach, VA, too.
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