Why You Should Install a Home Generator Before Winter 2020-21 – Part 2

As discussed in Part 1, La Niña weather patterns will push the jet stream farther north into the Mid-Atlantic during Winter 2020, potentially causing severe winter weather events and electrical problems for Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Part 2 will discuss Home Standby Generators, Generator Installations, and Winter Issues.

Home Standby Generators

In contrast to portable generators, permanent home standby generators provide electricity automatically when power from the utility is lost. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) transfers power from the generator to a home within seconds after the power grid fails. Your home will stay powered and warm even if you are not home.

Home standby generators are also permanently installed and wired. Running on propane or natural gas from your home’s supply, standby generators can typically run for several days, or even weeks, without needing refueling. When the utility is back up and running, the generator will shut down and the ATS will automatically and safely switch back to receiving power from the grid.

Generator Installations

Installing a home standby generator does require planning. There are local building codes that require a permit. In addition, you will need to prepare the generator’s outdoor site and two to three inspections will be required. Homeowners should also work with their gas company to confirm whether their gas meter will be sufficient for serving the new generator. If it isn’t, a new one will have to be installed.

Winter Issues

A home standby generator can be installed during winter. However, after ice, snow and freezing temperatures arrive, preparing the site and installation will be much harder. In addition, local codes typically require the pouring of a concrete slab for the generator’s foundation. 

When the installation team has to dig trenches in frozen soil for burying cables, the process will be slower and more expensive. So, why wait for the dead of winter for installing your new home standby generator? Call a reputable local licensed electrician who has years of experience in installing generators today.

Electrical Services You Can Trust

Meyer Electrical Services is an authorized Kohler and KOHLER Sales &

Service Dealer serving Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. We provide custom standby generator installations and are trained and licensed to perform the regularly required important factory service and maintenance. Receive a free consultation today by calling (301) 941-1400.