By: Alternate Power Solutions
As the frequency and intensity of power outages increase, many homeowners are investing in home generators to ensure their homes remain functional and comfortable during these disruptions. While choosing the right generator is crucial, ensuring that it is installed correctly is equally important. Professional installation of your home generator is essential for several reasons, including safety, efficiency, and compliance with local regulations. Let's explore why trusting a professional with this task is the best decision you can make.
What Does it Mean to be Licensed and Insured?
Before we dive into the importance of working with a licensed and insured generator repair company, let's define what it means to be licensed and insured. A licensed company has obtained the necessary permits and certifications to operate in their respective field. This means that they have met certain standards and requirements set forth by the state or local government.
An insured company has taken steps to protect their clients from any damages or accidents that may occur during their work. This typically includes general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. If any accidents or damages occur while the company is working on your generator, their insurance will cover the costs.
The Importance of Working with a Licensed and Insured Generator Repair Company
Now that we've defined what it means to be licensed and insured, let's explore the reasons why it's important to work with a licensed and insured generator repair company.
1. Safety First:
Installing a home generator involves complex electrical work and fuel connections, both of which pose significant safety risks if not handled correctly. A professional installer has the expertise and experience to ensure that all connections are secure and that the generator operates safely.
This includes:
Correct Electrical Connections: Proper wiring is essential to prevent electrical fires, shocks, and damage to appliances. A professional will ensure that all connections are made correctly and safely.
Proper Ventilation: Generators produce exhaust fumes that can be deadly if not properly vented. A professional installer will ensure the generator is placed in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Safe Fuel Handling: Whether your generator runs on natural gas, propane, diesel, or gasoline, handling these fuels requires knowledge and care to prevent leaks and explosions.
2. Compliance with Local Codes and Regulations:
Installing a home generator often requires permits and must comply with local building and electrical codes. Professional installers are familiar with these regulations and can ensure that your installation meets all necessary standards.
This compliance is crucial for:
Insurance Coverage: Many insurance policies require that electrical work, including generator installation, be performed by a licensed professional. Failure to comply can result in denied claims in the event of damage or injury.
Property Resale: Should you decide to sell your home, having a professionally installed generator that complies with local codes can be a significant selling point and prevent potential issues during the home inspection process.
3. Proper Sizing and Placement:
Choosing the right generator involves more than just picking a model with sufficient power output.
A professional installer will:
Conduct a Load Assessment: This involves calculating your home's power needs and ensuring the generator can handle the load, including the initial surge required to start appliances like air conditioners.
Determine Optimal Placement: Proper placement is critical to ensure the generator's performance and longevity. Professionals consider factors such as distance from the home, proximity to fuel sources, and local noise ordinances.
4. Seamless Integration with Your Home’s Electrical System:
A standby generator needs to integrate seamlessly with your home's electrical system to provide automatic power during an outage. This involves installing an automatic transfer switch (ATS), which requires precise electrical work.
A professional installer will:
Install the ATS Correctly: The ATS switches your home's power supply from the utility grid to the generator automatically during an outage and back again when power is restored. Proper installation ensures this transition is smooth and immediate.
Ensure Proper Load Management: Professionals can set up your generator to prioritize essential circuits, ensuring that critical systems like heating, cooling, and refrigeration are powered first.
5. Warranty and Longevity:
Most generator manufacturers require professional installation to maintain the warranty. Attempting a DIY installation or hiring an unqualified individual can void the warranty, leaving you unprotected against defects or malfunctions.
A professional installation also helps ensure the generator's longevity by:
Preventing Common Mistakes: Professionals have the training to avoid common installation mistakes that can shorten the lifespan of your generator.
Providing Routine Maintenance Tips: Installers often provide valuable advice on maintaining your generator, helping you keep it in top condition for years to come.
6. Peace of Mind:
Perhaps the most compelling reason to hire a professional for your home generator installation is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your generator has been installed correctly and safely by a qualified professional means you can rest easy, confident that your home is prepared for any power outage.
The APS Difference:
We are a State Certified Electrical Contractor (License # EC13002031), with a remarkable track record, delivering top-notch residential and commercial standby generator installations for almost 4 decades. As a State Licensed Gas Contractor (License #24513), we possess the necessary skills, experience, and licensure to handle your generator installation project completely. That includes natural gas hookups and liquid propane tank installations, which enables us to provide full, turnkey installations to our customers. We even have a full-time engineer on staff who does all of the necessary engineering work required for permits. Our qualifications and offered services completely supersede all other competitors.
Read more here: ABOUT US
Conclusion
The importance of professional installation for your home generator cannot be overstated. From ensuring safety and compliance with local codes to optimizing performance and maintaining your warranty, professional installation is a crucial step in safeguarding your home and family. When investing in a home generator, make the wise choice to hire a professional installer, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your backup power system is in expert hands.
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