What would you do without power? A standby generator can get you back on your feet. Get the guide to generator installation for home use here.

High winds at the beginning of May left more than 70,000 area homes without power. If yours was one of them, you might have decided to be prepared the next time a storm topples trees into power lines and leaves you in the dark.

The harsh weather in our area makes a backup power source a smart idea. Here in Northern Virginia, generators are becoming a more common sight next to a home. Understanding what’s involved in a generator installation for home use helps with choosing an installer and ensuring the process is done correctly.

Let’s take a look at how a generator is installed and the various steps in the process.

Choosing What Generator to Install

The first step to getting an emergency power source installed is deciding just what generator to install.

Size is your first consideration as you want to ensure you have enough power to run everything you need to during a blackout. You could focus on critical items like the AC and refrigerator or go bigger to power lights and other appliances.

You also need to choose a fuel source. If you use natural gas to heat or cook, it’s an easy choice to also use it to power your generator. Otherwise, you can choose to run it on diesel fuel or propane, which will need regular checks to make sure there’s fuel to run the electric generator when needed.

Generators in Northern VA need regular maintenance to keep them running well. Installing a brand like Generac makes this easy for you since you have a local mechanic to call on for service.

Generator Installation Process

If you’re pretty handy, you might think installing a generator yourself is a good way to save on the cost. But with so much riding on it in an emergency, having the job done right and safely is critical.

Your generator installation should be done by an installer with all the special tools and knowledge needed to do the job. They should follow all local, state, and federal codes, including electrical and plumbing. Having a team that is factory-trained and certified ensures your installation qualifies for any warranty work needed in the future.

Permitting and Permission

The first step involves getting all the necessary permits to put in your generator. These might be specific to generator installation or involve having the electric and gas lines inspected after install. Different local regulations can apply so you need to make sure all of those are covered.

Your installer should be familiar with what permits you need and can pull them for you, if necessary. This saves you time and ensures every permit is obtained.

If you have a homeowner’s association, you might also need to double-check with them as to whether there are guidelines for installing a generator. You might need approval from the HOA before installing.

Location Choice and Site Preparation

Several factors go into choosing the best place to locate the generator, starting with the specific clearances needed around the unit. These impact how easily your generator mechanic in Springfield, VA, can service the unit as well as safety by keeping the threat of carbon monoxide away from windows.

An ideal location will be close to your natural gas line and electric meter and be an area that doesn’t flood. Local ordinances and even your HOA restrictions might also play a role in locating your generator.

The site needs to be prepped with a flat, solid base made of concrete or gravel. Proper installation of the base impacts performance and functionality.

Install the Unit

Putting in a whole-house generator requires a lot of muscle. They can weigh half a ton, so getting it to and on your property requires a semi-truck and special moving equipment. Once at your home, it will be placed on top of the flat base prepared for it.

Once the generator is in place, it’s time to connect it to your home. This involves connecting the fuel lines and hooking the generator up to the main house electrical. This part becomes easier and less expensive if you were able to locate the unit near the gas line and electric meter.

A transfer switch is installed near the main breaker as well. Its job is to tell where the power is coming from and when to switch you over to the generator. The entire process incorporates the generator into your existing electrical setup as a secondary power source.

Outage Testing

The final stage involves testing the installation. This starts by checking all the wiring to ensure the electrical has been connected correctly.

Next comes an outage simulation on-site. This ensures the transfer switch works properly and you can count on the generator to run as it should.

Modern generators like those from Generac run weekly self-checks to diagnose any problems and ensure everything continues to run as it should. This removes any worries about your generator being ready to go the next time a big storm comes through and knocks out power to your area.

Need a Generator Installation for Home Use?

Generator installation for home use serves as a good line of defense the next time rough weather moves through Northern Virginia. Now that you know what’s involved in the Generac generator installation process, you’ll be better able to suggest locations and ask questions of your installer.

If you’re looking to do a home generator installation in northern VA, contact us for a free in-home assessment. We’re your Generac dealer in Springfield, VA, and can help you get your standby generator installed.

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How Generac Generators Keep Your Home Running

By Vance Electric • February 28, 2025

Is there anything as disruptive as a power outage? Whether there's an issue with the power grid or a powerful storm, a blackout can prevent you from enjoying the comfort of your home and adversely affect your work. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about one in four American households experience a power outage annually. Acquiring a Generac generator is a necessity if you want to avoid the inconvenience caused by an outage. Standby generators automatically detect outages, ensuring you don't sit in the dark or have the food in your freezer go bad. Let's explore Generac generators and why you need one in your home. How Generac Generators Work Installing a Generac standby generator ensures your home has backup power whenever necessary. The main types of generators are standby and portable. Generac generators function in the following ways: Detecting Power Outages These generators can come with a transfer switch that automatically monitors the flow of electricity in your home. When there is a power outage, the generator kicks in, supplying power to your home. A home Generac generator doesn't need you to connect any cables or physically switch it on. It will automatically supply your house with electricity, ensuring your appliances keep running. Continuous Running and Automatic Shutdown As a new generator owner , you'll realize that Generac generators run continuously as long as the power outage lasts. The generators are specifically designed to handle long run times and provide power for an extended period. They automatically shut down when the grid comes back on and go back to standby mode, acting as a reliable energy solution for future outages. Benefits of a Generac Generator Owning a Generac generator offers more benefits than just a continuous power supply. These generators can start running when the lights go out in under 30 seconds. The automatic function means you don't have to be home to turn it on. So, you will not incur any losses as your business or home will continue running smoothly. A Generac generator also adds value to your property and can help you get a high resale price if you decide to sell. Having a Generac generator can also reduce your homeowners' insurance premiums . Here are a few tips to extend your generator's life and optimize its benefits: Make preventive repairs Regularly inspect the battery Exercise the generator Test and replace the fuel Features of Generac Generators The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Americans experienced about five and a half hours of power interruptions in 2022. Unexpected power outages can result in heavy financial losses resulting from missed work and perishable goods going bad . These features of Generac generators enhance their reliability and efficiency: User-friendly control features All-weather features Fuel efficiency and durability Smart monitoring with some generators having features such as Wi-Fi Further, modern generators minimize sound output, reducing noise pollution in your house. Talking with one of the best Generac dealers in Springfield can help you understand the features of any unit prior to the purchase. Generac generators run on liquid propane or natural gas; you don't need to refuel them since they will connect directly to your house's fuel line. This feature also makes them less expensive to maintain than generators that run on gas. How Long Do Generac Generators Run As a business or homeowner, nothing comes close to the disruption of a power outage. Although weather conditions are the leading cause of outages, the power grid can go down for various reasons. Consequently, having a standby or home generator guarantees continuous, uninterrupted power. They don't run on gasoline, meaning you don't have to continually refuel them when the power grid is off for a prolonged period. The main factors that determine how long a Generac generator will last include: The generator model The load capacity Fuel type Natural gas generators, such as Generac generators, can last indefinitely. The continuous gas supply from your home's fuel line keeps the generator running as long as necessary. However, portable generators may not run continuously as standby models. One of the reasons to buy a Generac standby generator is that it can run 24/7 regardless of weather conditions. Maintenance Tips for Generac Generators Generator maintenance is necessary for smooth, continuous running when you need backup energy. One of the first maintenance tips you should follow is to get maintenance service from a reputable commercial dealer . But how can you know that a company has a good reputation? Some of the indicators of a great dealer are: Great online reviews from previous customers Level of experience Certifications and qualifications of individual vendors Referrals and level of customer service The maintenance needs of generators will vary depending on the type or model. A Generac vendor can help you understand the warning signs your generator needs maintenance. However, you shouldn't wait for visible signs to appear before getting your generators regularly serviced. Some of the signs your generator needs maintenance work include: Low power output Difficulty starting Fluid leakage Strange noise and faulty parts Age is another sign that your generator needs maintenance. Like other machines, generators experience wear and tear, so it's only normal that they'll need greater maintenance as they get older. Who Needs Generac Generators According to the Climate Central Organization, power outages are more common across the United States. The main reason behind this is the changing climate, which caused approximately 83% of all power outages from 2000 to 2021. Getting a Generac generator is a priority for any homeowner or businessman. You need to understand that there are different types of generators , such as: Backup generators Portable generators Standby generators Industrial generators Choose a generator that can meet your needs. Backup generators are ideal if you experience short-term blackouts, whereas standby generators are better suited if you need a continuous power supply . Keep Your Home Running With Generac Generators Today Generac generators are the best bet if you want an uninterrupted power supply for your home or business. A standby generator can run for weeks and even months if necessary. Vancelectric has experience dating back to 1998, and we've gained a reputation built on providing high-quality Generac generators . We also offer installation and maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly. Check out our website today to see all our energy solutions.