Contrary to popular belief, the size of your generator is determined by your power needs — not by the square footage of your home. One of our experienced team members will take all the guesswork out of the decision by recommending the generator that’s right for you. Expect us to:
· Complete a thorough inspection of the existing electrical service, existing gas load
· Discuss your needs in the event of a power outage
· Provide you with a detailed estimate for a turn-key installation
One common question we encounter when our customers are considering investing in a home backup generator is, “where should I put my generator? Our experienced technicians survey the site and work with you to come up with a location that optimizes aesthetics, ease of installation and overall cost.
In general, the generator needs to be near the main electrical service or main panel and a fuel source. In the Hill Country, this is typically near the main power pole with the electric meter, and in relatively close proximity to the home’s propane tank or natural gas supply. Generators CANNOT be closer than 3’ from any air conditioners or other mechancials, they CANNOT be closer than 18” from any wall or fence, and CANNOT be within 5’ of any operable window or fresh air inlets including dryer vents. A safe distance between the generator and your home will allow for proper ventilation, mitigate fire risks, and ensure that exhaust does not enter the house.
Typical generator installations utilize either Liquid Propane or Natural Gas. It’s cheaper to run gas lines than electric lines because of the cost of copper, so if distance is a factor then we typically suggest the generator sit closer to the electric service than the gas. When installing the generator to propane, you need to consider that the generator HAS to be at least 10 feet from smaller propane fuel sources (250 or 500 gallon tanks) or 25’ from a 1000 gallon tank. When installing the generator to natural gas, it is important to connect the generator with a direct line to the gas meter so that it has a dedicated fuel line.
You will want to ensure that your generator is easily accessible for semi-annual or annual service and maintenance. You will also want to ensure that a new propane tank is within 100-125’ of a road or driveway so that the propane company can easily fill your tank.
Backup generators all come wifi enabled. It is a good idea to have the generator in a location where it can access your home’s wifi network. If the generator is going to be located in a more remote part of your property, then you may consider extending your wifi network on getting a cellular communication accessory for the generator. Wifi access allows Generac to automatically push firmware updates to keep the generator’s software up to date. More importantly, it allows you to check in on the operation of your generator from the comfort of your living room or while traveling so that you can ensure your home is protected at all times.
One of the final factors to consider when deciding on where your generator should be installed is the aesthetics of your home. While this factor is not as important for practical reasons as the other factors listed above, it’s still important for your personal preferences to consider how the generator looks outside your home. Some homeowners don’t mind having their backup generator out in the open, while others prefer to hide their generators behind sheds or landscaping. Keep in mind that bushes and sheds or fences need to be at least 3’ from the sides of the generator.