5 Things to Consider When Shopping for a New Generator
With an aging electrical grid and a year-round threat of strong storms, more and more Connecticut homeowners are turning to generators to protect their power supply. If you are thinking about becoming one of them, here are five things you should consider before you buy a new generator…
1. Portable Generator or Whole-Home Generator?
The first decision you must make is whether you want to purchase a portable generator or a standby unit. Portable generators are convenient and can provide power in a pinch, but their electricity output is limited. Standby generators, on the other hand, are permanently installed and can power your entire home. You can learn more about the pros and cons of each type of generator by clicking here.
2. Generator Size
A generator’s “size” refers to how much power it can provide. Choosing a properly-sized generator is important for your home to function during a power outage. The size of your generator is determined by the size of your house, as well as the number of devices and appliances you want to run. It is best to leave this decision up to a professional contractor.
3. Local Laws and Regulations
Believe it or not, many cities and states have laws that can affect your generator purchase. You should familiarize yourself with all of these regulations before you start your shopping. Any good contractor in your area will already know about these laws, and should be able to explain them to you.
4. Generator Maintenance Plan
The number one reason for failure in generators is a lack of maintenance. If you neglect your generator year after year, it might not work for you when you need it most. Consider how much maintenance each type of generator needs, and shop around for maintenance plans to help keep yours running.
5. Choosing a Generator Contractor
Even the best generator in the world won’t function correctly if it was not properly installed. For this reason, finding the right contractor is equally as important as finding the right generator.
Look to Cannondale for Your Home Generator Needs
If you live in Fairfield County, look no further than Cannondale for all of your generator needs. Since opening for business more than 25 years ago, we have sold, installed, and serviced more than 7,500 generators across southwestern Connecticut. Visit our website for more information, or give us a call at (203) 762-2608.
