Louisville, KY is well-known for its unpredictable weather, and it frequently experiences tornadoes, hail and thunderstorms each spring. Installing a whole-home generator is a great way to enhance the functionality of your home during storms and power outages. Generators come with various options and features, so it’s important to understand each one when shopping.
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
The ATS serves as an essential feature that senses power interruptions and automatically transfers your home’s electricity supply from the grid to the generator. The automatic transition keeps power running in your house without requiring any human action.
Remote Monitoring
Many modern whole-home generators feature remote monitoring systems. The remote monitoring lets owners track the generator’s status and performance through smartphones or computers from any location. The feature helps you feel secure because it lets you verify your generator’s operational readiness at any time. Certain systems even send instant alerts for maintenance requirements and operational problems. You can use the alerts to take proactive steps to resolve potential issues like fuel shortages or mechanical malfunctions.
Variable Speed Technology
With variable speed technology, the generator’s engine speed varies according to the power needs. The ability to adapt engine speed results in better fuel performance and less noise during use. It also helps the generator experience less wear and tear, meaning its parts don’t wear out as fast. As a result, the power-producing appliance will last longer.
Dual-Fuel Compatibility
Dual-fuel-capable generators function with multiple fuel sources, including natural gas and propane. Their enhanced compatibility enables homeowners to select whichever fuel source is most accessible and economical. This means when one fuel option is unavailable or costly, the generator can stay functional by switching fuels.
Quiet Operation
Generators can create noise that becomes problematic in residential areas. Fortunately, the design of some generators includes sound-dampening materials and engineering techniques that lower operational noise levels. This design allows it to run quietly so that neither household members nor neighbors experience disruption during power outages.
Weather-Resistant Enclosure
Weather-resistant enclosures on generators safeguard their internal components against environmental factors, including rain, snow and extreme temperature fluctuations. The generator’s superior durability allows it to function properly even when exposed to severe weather.
Smart Load Management
Smart load management generators distribute power across home circuits with intelligence to prioritize important loads while avoiding system overload. During power outages, this feature guarantees essential devices stay powered while non-critical devices switch off temporarily. The efficient generator operation achieved through smart load management ultimately minimizes system failure risks.
Battery Backup
Certain whole-home generators include battery backups that provide immediate electricity between power outages and generator activation. This ensures continuous power to sensitive electronics and appliances like computers and medical devices throughout the transition period. The battery maintains its charge through automatic recharging whenever utility power is present to prepare for future power interruptions.
ENERGY STAR Certification
Generators that have ENERGY STAR Certification comply with the strict energy efficiency standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These generators deliver efficient operation that lowers both fuel use and operational expenses. And because they produce fewer emissions and consume fewer resources, they help your home have a smaller environmental footprint.
Cold-Weather Kit
The cold-weather kit allows generators to function properly in cold climates by keeping fuel and oil from becoming too thick and assuring dependable startup. People living in areas with severe winter conditions benefit from this feature because it keeps the generator ready for the power supply when it’s most necessary. The kit contains battery warmers and oil heaters among its components to ensure optimal operating conditions.
Surge Protection
The surge protection device protects electronic equipment from electrical spikes that occur when generators start up or shut down. By protecting various devices from damage, this feature ensures computers, televisions and medical equipment remain operational for longer periods. Every household with expensive or delicate electronics needs this level of surge protection to protect those devices.
Automatic Exercise Cycle
An automatic exercise cycle enables the generator to conduct its own routine checks to maintain operational readiness autonomously. The feature detects possible issues like low battery levels or clogged filters early to ensure reliable generator operation during power outages. Operators can schedule the exercise cycle at convenient intervals like weekly or monthly for regular operation.
Flexible Installation Options
Generators with flexible installation options offer multiple setup possibilities designed to accommodate diverse home designs and space limitations. This allows placement in locations that meet both convenience needs and building code requirements. Installation choices range from side-by-side setups to back-to-back configurations.
Integrated Transfer Switch
The integrated transfer switch design incorporates both the generator and transfer switch into one unit. This reduces installation complexity and cuts down on additional component requirements while offering potential cost savings. It also guarantees compatibility between the generator and transfer switch to minimize potential operational problems.
High Altitude Capability
These generators operate efficiently at elevations greater than 3,000 feet. The generators maintain stable power production by modifying engine settings to address lower air density. Homeowners living in elevated mountainous regions benefit from this feature because it safeguards generator functionality against altitude challenges. Generators that don’t have high-altitude capability may overheat or experience reduced performance in high elevations.
Overload Protection
A generator’s overload protection system cuts power automatically when demand surpasses its limits to protect internal components from damage. This protective feature works to extend the lifespan of the generator and connected appliances while maintaining dependable performance.
Low Oil Shutdown
The generator shuts itself down automatically when oil levels reach critically low levels through the low oil shutdown feature. A generator running without enough oil risks engine damage and subsequent failure. This protective mechanism extends the generator’s lifespan and reduces maintenance costs. Some generators even send a low-oil shutdown alert to notify homeowners about necessary oil maintenance.
Difference Between a Generator and Whole-Home Generator
Since you know what to look for in a generator, you should also know the difference between regular and whole-home units. A regular generator is usually small and portable, meaning you can move it around from one area of your home to another. These generators are very useful when traveling or powering outdoor activities. Whole-home generators are not portable. Instead, they are permanently installed units that deliver power to your whole house during outages. They connect directly to the home’s electrical system and run on natural gas or propane.
The advantages of a whole-home generator over a portable one are numerous. With a portable unit, you can only power specific appliances or areas. A whole-home model, on the other hand, powers your entire home. Also, whole-home generators can automatically activate during a power loss, unlike portable generators.
Contact Us Today
Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is here to answer any questions you may have about whole-home generators. We offer many other electrical services, including panel upgrades, surge protection and smoke detector service, to keep your home functional at all times. Call Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric today to learn more about choosing the best generator for your home in Louisville.
