Kitchen Renovations: Don't Try to Do It All Yourself

When you have persistent power outages in your area due to bad weather or other problems, it might a good idea to have a standby generator installed. This piece of equipment keeps the essential circuits in your home, such as those powering your refrigerator and other key appliances, running until the power company restores your service. The following article examines some of the issues involved in installing one of these machines. 

Professional 

Installing a standby generator is not a job for a homeowner, even one who is very skilled at do-it-yourself projects. You will need the services of various professionals, such as an electrician and perhaps a plumber. Typically, the firms that sell this equipment also provide installation services, so let them perform this task. 

Restrictions 

Your local building authorities might have some restrictions on whether you are allowed to install a standby generator on your property. This is especially true if you live in a densely populated city. For example, if a generator makes a significant amount of noise, the machine might be in violation of the city's noise ordinances. Also, some municipalities have restrictions on where a standby generator can be located. For instance, if a city requires that these machines must be placed well away from any door, this could make installation more difficult if you live in close quarters with your neighbors. 

Fuel Source

The two main options for a fuel source for the generator are natural gas and propane. If you already have a natural gas connection, you may need the gas company to lay down a special line. If you prefer to use liquid propane, then you will have to have a propane tank installed if you do not already have one. 

Cost 

The cost of installing a standby generator can vary depending on several factors. One key issue is whether the electric meter and gas meter (if you are using natural gas) are on the same side of the house as the generator placement. If they are not, your costs are going to increase. If the meters are on opposite side of the home, your costs will increase even more. 

A good rule of thumb is to assume that your installation costs will be equal to your equipment costs. If your generator costs $5000, for instance, you should budget the same amount for installation. 

Installing a standby generator is often a good option for homeowners who experience frequent power interruptions. For more information, contact a company that deals in standby generators, such as Anderson Water Systems.