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Everything You Need To Know About Home Standby Generators

Everything You Need to Know About Home Standby Generators

 

In the last two years, the coronavirus has touched all areas of life as we know it. And it’s no different for standby generators. Power interruptions are an inconvenience for millions of people working and schooling from home.

Pair this with severe storms (such as Hurricane Iasais in 2020) and our quickly aging U.S. power grid, the market for home generators has soared.

But will this storm pass, or are generators becoming a staple of home ownership?

Award-winning home improvement show, Designing Spaces, travels the country to find the best of the best when it comes to building up the space we call home. They came to Cannondale Generators to get the full breakdown on this change and other commonly asked questions, from “Do you really need a home standby generator?” to “What is the process of installing a generator unit?”

Why are home standby generators important?

The need for reliable standby power has increased over the years due to the infrastructure of our U.S. power grid. More than half of the grid is 40+ years old, making it a weak link when it comes to keeping the lights on.

Power outages can interfere with everyday life. From spoiling food and flooding basements to potentially life-or-death situations, home backup generators are a useful shield of armor.

Related: Pros & Cons of Having a Home Standby Generator

Home standby generators are important because you can protect your home without even having to be there.

For example, if you have a family member on oxygen, someone who uses power stairs or beds, or has other medical needs that require electricity, a blackout can be a serious problem. In other situations, you can continue working from home, your children can stay online for remote learning, or you can simply stay connected to the Internet in case of emergency.

Generators make this all possible by turning on automatically within one minute of a power outage. The last thing you want to do in the middle of a storm is go outside to plug in a portable generator.

How does a generator work?

Backup generators work through what is called an automatic transfer switch. This is a switch located in your basement or outside your home at your electric panel.

When your home power source is cut off, such as in a storm, the switch to your utility typically shuts off and stays off. However, with a generator set up, you will become disconnected, but the switch will automatically connect you to your generator to source power.

What type of generator should I get for my home?

At Cannondale, we are the go-to company for generator installation in Connecticut and New York. In fact, it is the only thing we specialize in, meaning we are experts in this field. From commercial generators to individual home standby generators, we’ve helped over 8,000 families and businesses protect what’s valuable.

The most popular generator we see for residential use is the Generac Guardian 22kW Generator. This is an air-cooled, automatic generator that comes with a free remote monitoring tool, Mobile Link.

Learn more about the best generator brands we sell and install at Cannondale.

How do I install a home generator?

The short answer is: you don’t. Generators are not like a regular home appliance. Instead of picking a unit off the shelf, think of it more like a minor home construction project.

You will need to get a professional team of installers, including electricians and plumbers. You will also need to get specific approval from your town for the installation of your home generator.

When you work with a generator company like Cannondale Generators, our team will handle the entire process for you. From getting the town’s approval on your generator unit and its location as well as filing permits and arranging inspections, our technicians will do the hard part. You sit back and relax.

How long does the installation process take?

Home standby generators typically take 3 to 4 weeks to install. This is due to the planning and zoning approvals required by state and local government.

This is because of the importance of your unit’s specifications, such as its location. For this reason, Cannondale Generators begins the process with a free home estimate appointment with one of our licensed technicians.

To ensure you are in good hands, your technician will help you choose the perfect size generator, the right fuel source, and the best generator installation location.

Keep in mind that due to the current rising demand for standby generators, suppliers can often be backed up by as much as 9 to 11 months. Ask your generator company for the expected timeline when you get started to get a more exact time frame for your home.

Install Your Home Standby Generator with Cannondale Before the Next Storm

The best time to get a home standby generator is before the storm. Speak with your family about what you want to protect and prioritize in your home, and call us for a free evaluation of your property to select the right generator model for you.

We are proud to partner with Designing Spaces to share why home standby generators are becoming more and more important to keep your home and your loved ones safe. Contact us today at 203-762-2608 or request an appointment online for a FREE consultation.

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