Choosing the Right Generator for Your Home in Oregon
Before choosing a generator, start by assessing your household’s power requirements. Consider essential appliances like refrigerators, HVAC systems, and medical equipment. You’ll also want to account for non-essential yet useful items like lighting and entertainment systems. A professional consultation can help calculate the total wattage your home needs during an outage so that you have a generator that can power everything your home usually uses, even washers and dryers. The right generator will become a powerful ally when the grid is in trouble, and can even boost the value of your home for potential buyers when you’re ready to sell.
Types of Whole-Home Generators
Whole-home generators are typically powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel. Natural gas generators are convenient because they connect directly to your home’s existing gas line, ensuring an uninterrupted fuel supply. Propane generators are a great option for homes without access to natural gas, offering clean-burning performance and long shelf life for stored fuel. Diesel-powered models, while less common for residential use, are extremely durable and often more fuel-efficient.
Choosing the Right Size Generator
The size of your generator matters. Undersized units won’t handle the load during an outage, while oversized models may cost more to purchase and operate than necessary. Generators are categorized by their power output, measured in kilowatts (kW). A small-to-medium-sized home might require a generator in the 15-20 kW range, while larger homes or those with energy-intensive systems could need 20-30 kW or more. A professional electrical service can help determine the right size based on your specific power needs.
Automatic Transfer Switches
One of the key features of a whole-home generator is an automatic transfer switch (ATS). This device seamlessly switches your home to generator power the moment an outage occurs, ensuring no interruption to your essential systems. When utility power is restored, the ATS automatically switches back, making the process hassle-free.
Trust the Experts
At Falcon Services, we specialize in helping homeowners in Beaverton, OR, select, install, and maintain whole-home generators. Our expert team ensures your system is tailored to your needs, providing peace of mind during any power outage. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward reliable home power!
