Do You Have a Backup Power Generator for Your Home?

A home generator installation can keep your house up and running during power outages

Power outages are a fact of life. Equipment failures, transmission line damage, wildfires, severe storms, and any other number of factors can result in an unexpected outage at your Truckee, CA, home. Additionally, your power company may schedule rolling blackouts or brownouts due to severe storms or wildfires.

In the event of an outage, is your home prepared to keep critical systems running? Do you have a way to maintain communications to the outside world, keep food and medications cold, and remain comfortable during an outage that could last for days? If the answer is no, we recommend investing in a home generator that will keep important systems and appliances operating in your house.

Keep reading to learn what you need to know about purchasing a home generator installation.

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Critical Vs. Non-Critical Loads

Your home has numerous systems and appliances that rely on electricity. However, during a power outage, some systems are essential to keep up and running, while others aren’t. Critical loads include the refrigerator, heat, air conditioning, lighting, internet and telephone services, and security systems. On the other hand, non-critical loads include TVs, audio systems, computers, washing machines, and most kitchen appliances.   

Before purchasing a new home generator, you should take the time to classify all the electricity-dependent devices in your home as critical or non-critical. Knowing the systems you require to maintain communications with the outside world, feed your family, keep medications cold, and remain comfortable during a power outage can help you design a generator system that meets your household needs.

Types of Generator Systems

Home generator systems are designed around the needs of your critical and non-critical loads. There are two primary types of systems:

• The critical loads standby system. This type of system is designed to support only the loads you deem critical in your home. While these generators tend to be smaller and less expensive, the installation requires substantial electrical work that can become labor-intensive and time-consuming. During setup, we must reroute circuits from existing electrical panels to a centralized critical loads panel. If the rerouting process involves opening the walls and ceilings, the labor costs could make the installation more expensive.

• The whole home standby system. This type of system is designed to support your entire home when the power goes out. While these generators are larger and more expensive, the installation process is less invasive and doesn’t require the same electrical configurations a critical loads system does. Additionally, you and your family may feel more comfortable with all your systems operating normally during an outage.

Installation Considerations

Once you and your family have chosen the best generator system for your household needs, you’ll need to prepare for the installation. First, you’ll need to arrange for the power company to shut off power to the house while the hook-up is done. Second, you’ll require the services of a plumber alongside the generator installer to run the natural gas or propane lines to the new generator.

Finally, installing a generator requires some construction on your property. Trenching is necessary to run the new electrical feeds to and from the generator, and the gas lines may necessitate additional trenching. Additionally, we may have to build a concrete pad to house the generator.

What to Do Now

Now it’s time to call Sierra Integrated Systems. We’ll help you choose the best system for your Truckee, CA, home and install your brand-new generator for you. We’ll make sure you’re prepared with everything you need to know for expected or unexpected power outages in your area. Give us a call at 775-853-4800 or fill out a form on our website to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!