Whole Home Power Generators

A whole home power generator is installed permanently outside your home and is fueled by either natural gas or liquid propane (LP) gas. When an outage occurs, the generator starts up automatically—whether you're home or away—restoring power in as little as 10 to 30 seconds.

At the heart of a whole home power generator is the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), which monitors incoming voltage from the utility line leading to your home. When utility power is interrupted, the transfer switch immediately senses the problem and signals the generator to start. Within seconds, power is transferred from the utility line to the generator, which then begins supplying electricity to your pre-selected circuits. Later, when the ATS senses that utility line voltage has been restored, it automatically shifts the electrical load back to the utility line. After running a short cool-down cycle, the generator shuts down and returns to standby mode.

A whole home power generator is not an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system. Therefore, residential standby generators are not intended for use with dialysis machines, breathing machines or other medically necessary equipment or electronics requiring uninterrupted power.

Portable generators may be less expensive initially, but they present many limitations, inconveniences, hidden costs and even potential hazards. With a portable generator, you must turn it on, plug in extension cords, and constantly replenish the supply of gasoline—which is especially problematic when gas station pumps quit working in a power outage. Portable generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, a threat clearly stated on the government mandated warning label every portable unit must carry. In addition, portable generators - and even some standby generators - produce unstable, low quality power that can damage sensitive home electronics.

Look for whole home power generators that have the capacity you need, have quick start up times and are clean and quiet running. More important than the product features is the quality of the installation. Look for a contracting company that has the ability to offer a complete package, including installation, ongoing maintenance and service. Plus, make sure the contrator has programs in place to provide for warranty and extended warranty service. This is an indicator of interest the contractor has in your long term satifaction.

Manufacturers are producing very quiet units. Extensive sound testing and verification, performed to rigid industry standards, is used to measure generator’s sound levels.

Whole home power generators are designed with the industry's strongest commercial grade digital controller. The electronic governor ensures delivery of clean, low distortion power to an amazing tolerance of which exceeds even the standards set by most utility companies.

As mentioned earlier, we recommend the use of a supplemental Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) device that will bridge the power interruption time from the time of the intitial power failure to the 10 – 30 seconds before the generator starts up.

Yes. Whole home power generators are available in multiple sizes ranging from 8 kW to 20kW to meet the needs of most any home. The model you choose depends upon the size of your home and the number of circuits you want supplied with backup power.

Generators run a weekly 10–minute test cycle designed to keep it tuned up and operating at peak effectiveness. During the test cycle, which occurs automatically on the day and time each week that you specify, power is not transferred to your home. The generator turns itself on, tests for any problems, and turns itself off. Fuel useage during test run is minimal. The generator's battery is constantly being charged to ensure readiness as well. When the generator is not running, utility power is converted to DC and a 2–amp trickle charge is delivered to the battery. When it is running, the generator itself provides a 2–amp trickle charge to the battery.

Your generator will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as long as the oil level, oil filter and air filter are properly maintained. In the event of an extended power outage lasting more than three days, you must be prepared to service the unit with fresh oil. Recommended maintenance schedules are outlined in the owner's manual.

The smallest whole home power generator is about the size of a normal air conditioning outside unit. Larger models tend to be longer, but width and height stay about the same. All models have an attractive finish and will complement the aesthetics of almost any home.

For your safety and peace of mind, and to protect the warranty, your generator system (including the automatic transfer switch) must be professionally installed by a qualified contractor who is properly licensed to handle the necessary electrical and plumbing work.

Yes. Local codes require the issuance of permits any time alterations are made to your home's electrical or gas service. Your qualified contractor will handle all paperwork and obtain all necessary permits before installation of your generator system begins.

It's possible. For example, your electrical or gas service may require upgrades to meet current codes. That could involve updating your electrical panel or gas regulator. Also, depending upon the generator model you choose, a cement foundation may be required, which would affect the cost of installation. Your qualified contractor will discuss all applicable costs and options before you agree to a final installation charge.

Every generator system is covered by a 5 year warranty that takes effect at the date and time your dealer starts up the unit for its initial test run. Specific details of the warranty program are outlined in the owner's manual. For added convenience and peace of mind, your qualified contractor should also offer longer term generator service and maintenance contracts.