Your Guide to Home Generator Installation

Home Generator Installation in Houston: Don’t Wait for the Next Outage

Since the last few years have demonstrated a bit of chaotic weather, many Texas homeowners have been led to again consider the purchase of a whole-house backup generator. Few people have even basic knowledge of the workings of generators; for this reason, many people put off the decision to obtain a generator until the next major weather event. Here are some interesting facts about generators that might help you with this decision.

Reasons for a Home Generator Installation

The obvious reason to purchase a backup generator is frequent power outages. But the reasons for outages have increased over the years.

• Since hurricanes feature both high winds and heavy rain that lead to flooding, they can cause widespread damage to utility infrastructure above and below ground. Recovery to the electrical grid can take weeks, sometimes even months, leaving your family without power and vulnerable.
• Localized thunderstorms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds often result in localized severe damage, especially to the power grid. The recovery time depends on the damage, but you can count on days or weeks without electricity.
• Although it happens infrequently, the chaotic weather recently has included ice storms that resulted in power outages. It is admittedly rare, but it can be just as dangerous as other weather events.

Home Generator Installation Timing

Everyone in Houston knows that hurricane season lasts from June until November; the largest number of hurricanes make landfall during these months. This season is also the period of peak interest in generator purchases. A few years ago, supply chain problems led to a shortage of available generators during the hurricane/peak purchase season, but the economy and supply chain have recovered. It should not be a problem to find a generator for your home. However, the peak season may overwhelm the number of qualified contractors who can install the generator.

The Home Generator Installation Process

The installation process goes way beyond the initial purchase; it will include these steps and maybe more.

• There is some consultation with electrical professionals to determine which circuits on the service panel will be powered by the generator. This will determine the size of the generator—measured in power output in wattage. Do you absolutely need to empower every circuit? Which circuits could be isolated and not empowered? This will help determine the size of the generator needed for your home.
• Is the existing electrical service panel in your home compatible with the generator connections? If not, a generator will require an added step.
• The generator will require a transfer switch installation. The transfer switch automatically breaks the connection with the power grid whenever the generator is engaged. This prevents the power from the generator from reaching repair crews working to restore power or the neighbors’ homes who are not expecting their homes to be empowered.
• The installation of the generator requires some planning. It requires permanent installation of the generator at least 20’ away from the home (to prevent exhaust from entering the home). If the generator is powered by natural gas, it will need to be connected to the gas utility. If the generator is powered by another fossil fuel, installation should include a safe fuel facility.
• The generator will require maintenance, filter changes, and schedules of activation to ensure it is ready for an emergency.

If a Home Generator Installation is in your future, give yourself some time.

Home Generator Installation: Our Essential Homeowner’s Guide

There is an increasing need for home generator installation in Texas due to frequent and severe weather-related power outages. We recommend these crucial steps involved in home generator installation, from determining power needs and compatibility to proper placement and maintenance. We advise homeowners to plan their purchase and home generator installation well in advance of peak storm season to avoid delays and ensure preparedness.

With our four decades of experience in helping homeowners with their home generator installation, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge of electrical repairs in your home and addresses any issues that homeowners may encounter. Call our team of electricians at 281-880-8805.