Whole House Generator

Whole House Generator

A whole house generator powers the main circuit breaker panel through an Automatic Transfer Switch. When an outage hits, whole house generator systems restore power to the entire home within seconds. The whole home generator senses the outage the moment it happens and starts. After a few seconds to warm up and stabilize, the generator controller signals the ATS to switch the house from utility to generator. The ATS isolates the utility lines from the home before it connects power from the generator—a safety requirement for all permanently connected and temporary generator systems.

A whole house standby generator might manage heavy loads to ensure the highest priority loads have enough power. For example, the electric water heater might wait until the air conditioner stops. A second air conditioner might wait until the first stops before it runs. Larger capacity generators cost more, but they don’t force loads to wait until other loads finish. Power management makes it possible and practical for a smaller capacity whole home backup generator to power an entire home. However, some loads may never run if the generator is too small. Consider your priorities while sizing a whole home generator. Standby Generator Sizing Guide.

Best Whole House Generator

“Which is the Best Whole House Generator?” It’s a common question often asked on social media, internet forums, and search engines. The answer is quite simple: The best whole home generator meets the needs of your family to keep your home safe and comfortable. A whole house backup generator should power all the essentials including lighting, refrigeration, heating, pumps, home medical equipment, and security. For some people, essentials also include air conditioning and cooking appliances.

Each brand has unique features that make it the Best Whole House Generator. One brand has a superior warranty. A competing brand advertises exceptional starting power for heavy motors like air conditioners. Another allows you to program the exercise cycle to prevent disturbing neighbors or the family.

For some homes, the best whole home generator is an air-cooled model that starts at low temperatures and uses the least amount of fuel. Another home in a desert climate needs a liquid-cooled model to ensure it runs when the temperature climbs to 115 degrees. Some large homes need the power of a liquid-cooled whole house backup generator for essentials and conveniences.

Whole House Generator Installation

A Whole House Generator Installation requires consideration for utility entrances and the location of windows, doors, vents, and other openings to the home. The generator needs fresh air for ventilation and cooling. The location should not flood. Ideally, the installer locates the generator close to the electric and gas utility entrance. Finally, the generator needs a suitable mounting surface. Local codes may restrict the distance from lot lines, distance to the building, or proximity to the utility entrances. Sometimes, gas and electric enter the home in different places.

The minimum distance from any point on the generator to the closes point on a window, door, or vent must be at least 60 inches. Codes also require a minimum of 36 inches on each end of the generator and in front of the generator for servicing.

A whole house standby generator installation requires an electric utility to provide the primary source of power. The generator is home backup generator only. Installation will require a building permit and an inspection. All manufacturers recommend using a licensed and insured installer. Most homeowners lack the knowledge and expertise for a whole home generator installation. Find an Installer.