Are you in need of a new generator for your home? Here's everything you need to know about generator installations from your Generac dealer in Springfield, VA.

Generator sales are up nationwide as more consumers are looking for alternative means of power. Weather conditions like heavy storms can knock a power grid offline, leaving your home without electricity for a significant amount of time.

Without power, you won't have access to HVAC services or refrigeration. This could be a disaster if you lose power during the hot summer months or during the frigid winter.

The good news is that generator installations can keep the electricity flowing. Read on to learn all about installing a generator.

The Kinds of Generators

All generator installations use an internal combustion engine to generate electric power. A number of substances fuel these engines with natural gas and gasoline among the most popular choices.

There are two main kinds of generators for home use: portable generators and standby generators.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are usually fairly small. They run on gasoline and are an alright option in the case of an emergency.

However, they have a few notable downsides. Portable generators use a large amount of gasoline, which could be troublesome to store. You'll also have to start them by hand in the event of a power outage.

Standby Generators

Standby generators are the larger kind of home generator. These connect to your power line and kick on when they sense a loss of power to your home. You won't have to worry about starting them manually, so they could prove valuable if you lose power while you're not home.

These generators are a permanent installation on your property. An appropriately-sized one can power your entire home for an extended period of time.

Standby generators are powered by natural gas or propane, so you won't need to store gasoline in your home.

You'll need a professional's help with their installation, but the peace of mind is worth it. If you're considering a backup generator for your property, you can't go wrong with a standby generator.

Determining Your Power Requirements

A generator's power output is measured in watts. Most homes need a generator capable of producing at least 14kW. You'll need a standby generator for that kind of power.

Wattage is broken down into two categories: starting watts and running watts. Starting watts is the amount of energy needed to start large appliances like refrigerators. Running watts is the amount of power needed to keep items working.

You'll need to account for starting wattage when determining your energy requirements. For instance, when you open your refrigerator door, the cooling cycle needs something in the neighborhood of 1,200 watts to start up before dropping back down.

You'll need a generator that can manage the peak power consumption of all your appliances with a bit of extra room. You don't want to run your generator at maximum capacity or you'll risk damaging its internal components.

Hiring a Professional

You can avoid many generator issues by working with a professional generator installation company.

They'll be able to work with you and help you determine which generator you need to meet your power demands. You don't want to risk losing power to an important appliance like a sump pump in the middle of a storm.

They can also find the correct place to install your generator. They will be aware of all laws and regulations surrounding generator installation in your area.

You'll need them to hook it up to your gas line. In many places, it's illegal to work on gas lines without the certification a generator technician possesses.

Without the help of a professional, installing a generator could put your entire electrical system at risk. It could short the entire system, leaving you with a massive repair bill and no working electricity. A professional will make sure that your generator doesn't pose a risk to the safety of you, your neighbors, or the electrical system.

Location of Your Generator

Once you've found a generator that can accommodate your needs, you'll need to find a place to install it on your property.

This spot should be around 1.5 feet from your house, 5 feet from doors, windows, and air intakes, and leaves plenty of room for service professionals to access it.

You should also have it installed in a place where its noise won't bother your neighbors.

The ground underneath your generator installation needs to be flat and dry. You might need to pour a concrete slab or install a layer of pea gravel.

Finally, the installation site should be as close as possible to electric and gas lines. This could save you money on installation costs.

Installing Your Generator

It's now time to install your new generator. Standby generators often weigh over 1,000 pounds, so your technician will likely bring a team of people to ensure the process goes smoothly.

The first step is to position the generator. Once it's in place, the fuel line that powers the generator is connected.

They'll also need to install the transfer switch next to the breaker. This important piece is what allows it to kick on when your home loses power.

Once everything is ready for activation, your technician will conduct a test to make sure your generator is working as it should. They'll also walk you through the process of testing the generator yourself.

Generator Installations From Vancelectric

Generator installations can power your home if you lose electricity. They are becoming more popular in recent years due to more cases of severe weather and the fragility of some electrical systems.

To power an entire house, you'll need to invest in a standby generator. These generators are permanent installations and can take over when they sense your home has lost electricity.

Looking for a Generac dealer in Springfield, Va? Look no further than Vancelectric. Our technicians can help you find the perfect spot to place your generator and handle all of the installation tasks. Reach out to see how we can help you.

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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.