5 Benefits of Installing a Whole Home Generator in Utah

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Whole home generator

Installing a whole home generator in Utah provides numerous benefits for homeowners in the state. When power outages occur, having backup power can provide crucial peace of mind. A whole home generator will keep your home fully powered, allowing you to continue living life uninterrupted. Here are the top 5 benefits of installing a whole home generator in Utah.

1. Reliable Backup Power During Outages

The number one benefit of having a backup generator is that it provides reliable backup power when the electricity goes out. Due to severe storms, accidents, and general grid issues, power outages frequently occur in Utah. Without power, your home loses lighting, heating/cooling, refrigeration, security systems, etc. A whole home generator automatically detects a power outage and starts itself up within seconds to restore electricity to your entire home. This keeps all your essentials powered on, allowing your family to continue life undisrupted.

Having backup power means you don’t have to worry about losing access to necessities like lighting, heating, and refrigeration when the power goes out unexpectedly. You’ll be fully prepared with a whole home generator.

2. Continuous Power for Your Entire Home

A whole home backup generator provides electricity for your entire house, not just some appliances. Standard portable generators and solar panels only power a few essentials. A whole home generator has the power and capability to meet the electrical needs of an average-sized home. This includes power for your Air Conditioning unit, security system, major appliances, home office, Wi-Fi router, and anything else powered by electricity.

Your family stays comfortable and secure with continuous power for lighting, heating/cooling, refrigeration, medical devices, and more. You don’t have to pick and choose what to power. A whole home generator restores electricity for your most important systems and modern conveniences.

3. Long-Lasting & Reliable Performance

Unlike a portable gas generator, a whole home generator is a permanently installed system designed to provide power for decades. A quality unit from a trusted brand like Generac or Briggs & Stratton features a commercial-grade engine and sturdy steel enclosure. Automatic weekly exercisers and annual maintenance help keep the system in excellent condition.

You can rely on thousands of hours of continuous, smooth power from a whole home generator. It’s a worthwhile long-term investment in your home that provides protection through years of outages. The system operates automatically when needed, so it’s always on standby.

Natural gas meter to fuel a home generator

4. Multiple Fuel Options Available

Whole home generators are available in natural gas, propane, and diesel models. This gives you flexibility in choosing the fuel source that makes the most sense for your home. Key factors are availability, price, storage capability, and existing setups.

Many homes in Utah already have natural gas for powering appliances and heating systems. Tapping into your existing gas line for the generator is often the most convenient and affordable option. There’s no fuel to store onsite.

Propane is typically the next best option if you don’t have natural gas. You’ll need a large enough tank on your property to power the generator through extended outages. Propane is easy to get delivered and has a long shelf life.

Diesel models are also available but less common for residential use. Diesel needs to be replenished more often than propane. Overall, natural gas or propane provide the best reliability and convenience for most homes.

5. Simple the Generator Installation Process

Choosing a professional installer simplifies the complexity of installing a whole home generator system. Critical steps include sizing the unit, pouring a concrete pad, connecting fuel lines, integrating with your electrical panel, and programming.

A certified installer understands all the requirements and has the necessary training to handle the job safely and correctly. They know the local permitting requirements and can coordinate inspections. Rather than taking on these complexities yourself, partnering with a professional installer reduces hassles and ensures your system operates safely and efficiently.

Professional Whole Home Generator Installation in Utah

Installing a whole home generator is a major electrical project that requires professional expertise. An experienced local company understands how to properly size and install a generator tailored for your home’s needs. Here are the key steps of the installation process:

Generator Sizing Consultation

The size of the whole home generator depends on the square footage of your home and your power needs. An undersized unit won’t be able to power your entire electrical system. An oversized unit could cycle on and off excessively.

During a consultation, the installer gathers details on your home and family to determine the right size standby generator. Getting the proper generator capacity ensures it can handle the household load and operate optimally.

Fuel and Location Recommendations

The installer provides guidance on selecting between natural gas, propane, and diesel generators. They can assess your home’s setup to decide which fuel option is preferable. This takes into account factors like existing gas lines, space for a propane tank, and accessibility for refueling diesel.

They’ll also help determine the ideal outdoor location for the generator unit based on fuel lines, noise, permitting rules, and electrical panel access. Proper placement is critical for functionality and compliance.

Concrete Foundation

The generator unit sits outdoors on a concrete pad to keep it elevated and stabilized. The concrete foundation needs to be a minimum depth and size to support the weight and vibrations properly. The installer handles this crucial step of the project.

Electrical Integration

One of the most complex aspects is integrating the generator with your home’s electrical system. This involves wiring the unit to your electrical panel and installing a automatic transfer switch. The transfer switch automatically detects power loss and switches over to generator power in under a minute.

A certified electrician handles the electrical work to tie into your home’s circuits safely. Proper load calculations ensure your generator can power your home’s demand. The complex electrical integration is done correctly the first time.

Fuel Line Connections

Your fuel source needs to be connected to the generator’s engine. For natural gas models, your home’s existing gas supply line can be tapped and run to the unit outside. The installer will connect a fuel line from your tank to the generator for propane. A diesel model may require a separate fuel tank installed onsite.

Permitting and Inspections

Reputable electrical contractors know the permitting requirements for generator installations in your local area. They’ll submit the necessary permit paperwork and coordinate with the local building department on required electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural inspections. This ensures your generator is properly permitted and inspected.

Partnering with professional installers simplifies the process while giving you peace of mind that all complex steps are handled correctly. Their expertise ensures your generator system is sized, wired, and functioning properly for your home.

How to Choose the Right Whole Home Generator in Utah

With power outages a frequent occurrence in Utah, more homeowners are realizing the benefits of having a whole home generator for backup power. But with so many generator options out there, how do you choose the right system for your home? Here are the key factors to consider:

Determine Your Power Requirements

First, you need to calculate the power demand for your home. The size of the generator you need depends on the total wattage requirements for your electrical system. You’ll need to tally up the power consumption of your major appliances, lighting, HVAC system, well pump, and other electronics. Having an accurate load calculation ensures your generator can operate your home’s entire electrical system.

Select Fuel Type

The main fuel types for home generators are natural gas, propane and diesel. Natural gas is the most convenient if you already have a gas line on your property. Propane can work well but requires adequate storage capacity. Diesel is less common for homes since it has higher maintenance needs. Choose the fuel type that aligns with your property setup and usage requirements.

Evaluate Key Brands

Leading brands like Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton all make quality home standby generators. Compare sound ratings, engine warranties, enclosure construction, and certifications. Generac is the market leader in home generators with different lines to match needs and budgets. Focus on proven durable models from leading manufacturers.

Consider Output Power Options

Entry-level home generators provide basic power for necessities like lights, a refrigerator, and select outlets. Higher-end units can power HVAC systems, well pumps, security systems, and more of your home’s electrical demand. Understand how much of your home’s circuits and appliances you want to be powered.

FAQs on Installing a Home Generator in Utah

For homeowners in Utah considering installing a whole home generator, some common questions come up. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about home generator installation.

Where is the best place to install the generator unit outside my home?

The installer will help you determine the optimal location based on your home’s layout. Key considerations are proximity to fuel lines like your home’s natural gas meter or propane tank. Noise is another factor since generators make noise when running. Allowable distances from your home’s air intake vents is also important per building codes.

What permits and inspections do I need?

Your electrical contractor will know the permitting rules and requirements based on local jurisdiction. A construction permit is typically required for the electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural work involved. The generator will need to pass inspections from building code officials on the installation.

How is the generator connected to my home’s electrical panel?

This involves installing an automatic transfer switch, which detects when grid power is lost and automatically switches to your generator’s power in under a minute. This allows your home’s circuits to remain fully powered in an outage. A certified electrician properly handles this critical wiring.

How loud are home generators?

Newer home standby generators are fairly quiet when operating. Inside your home, you usually only hear a low hum. Sound ratings range from 55-75 decibels, depending on the model. For comparison, normal conversation is 60 dB. Good install locations and sound enclosures help minimize noise impacts.

What maintenance is required?

Annual maintenance tune-ups are recommended. This includes checks of all systems, oil/filter changes, cleaning, and testing under load. Proper maintenance ensures your generator is always ready.

What size generator do I need for my home?

The size depends on your home’s total electrical load requirements. The installer will evaluate your square footage, systems, major appliances and electronics to determine the appropriate generator capacity. Oversizing can cause issues like increased fuel consumption and excessive cycling.

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