Things To Consider Before Installing A Generator
Adding a generator to your home can provide peace of mind that you’ll have protection in the event of a natural disaster. This is because you’ll have power to essential items or even your whole home if the power were to go out for several hours or days. However, while generators offer a number of benefits, there are a number of things you should consider before installing one in your home.
Can Your Electrical Grid Handle It?
Powering a home can require a massive amount of electricity, and you’ll also have to account for the energy needed to ensure that the generator runs properly. Therefore, it’s important to review your existing power needs and figure out how many amps a generator will add to that figure.
A professional will be able to take a look at your existing panel to determine if you need to upgrade it. In some cases, you’ll need to have a new one installed depending on the existing unit’s age and ability.
Where Will the Unit Be Installed?
Ideally, a generator will be installed in an area that is easy to access and is not in direct sunlight. Furthermore, it should be installed in an area that is free of trees, branches or anything else that might fall on it during a storm.
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you’ll need to have your generator elevated or otherwise protected from water. You’ll also need to ensure that wires or other lines going to and from your home are protected from water.
Finally, you might need to take steps to protect against pests or high levels of humidity during the summer. How the environment might impact your choice of product and how it is installed can also be addressed during an initial consultation.
What’s Your Budget?
Cost will likely be one of the most important factors to consider when buying or installing a generator on your property. In addition to the cost of the unit itself, you’ll need to consider how much installation might cost.
In addition, don’t forget to account for the cost of gas or other fuel needed to operate it. There may also be a need to acquire permits, make alterations to your property or take other steps that can add to the overall expense of putting a generator on your land.
How Might This Impact My Property Value?
There are a few ways in which a generator might improve the value of your property. First, buyers may be drawn to homes that have a backup power supply already installed. They may be willing to pay slightly more for homes that already have this amenity because it saves them the time and money of putting it in themselves.
A buyer may also see a generator and think that the owner is proactive about protecting their property. Ultimately, the buyer might assume that the rest of the property has been adequately maintained and improved. Therefore, you might receive higher offers on the home even if this isn’t necessarily the case.
You Might Get an Insurance Discount
Having a backup power source in your home means that key components will remain intact after a natural disaster. This means that the food in the fridge won’t spoil, the temperature in the home won’t spike and there is less risk of water damage in a home that has conditioned air running through it.
Therefore, your insurance company is likely to give you a discount in exchange for protecting your property. The discount could range from 10% to 20% depending on your provider and other variables. You can ask your insurance agent how adding a generator might impact your insurance policy before installing it.
Do You Work at Home?
If you work at home, losing power could cost you a significant amount of money in lost productivity. It could also result in losing clients or other hits to your career that could have devastating impacts for yourself and your family.
It may also make it harder for your kids to study or otherwise do well in school. Doing poorly in school can also have an impact on their career, and it may also mean that you’re paying for an education that they are not able to capitalize on.
Your own education may be delayed or derailed if you can’t study because of a lack of power. Ultimately, these long-term hidden costs need to be accounted for when deciding if a generator is best for your home.
When you are ready to put a generator in your home, don’t hesitate to call the folks at Mister Sparky today. With Mister Sparky, you won’t put up with any malarky. Instead, you’ll deal with a friendly and knowledgeable staff who will help you choose the right product and install it in your home in a timely manner.
