Shopping for generators in Northern VA? Here are some things for you to keep in mind as you shop, so you buy the right generator for you.

Often we take the power for granted until it goes out. Then when darkness hits and the hum of appliances cease, panic sets in.

How long will this last? When will the power come back on? Will everything in my freezer melt?

One certain item in your home can help keep panic at bay. Generators in northern VA simply make sense. When you own a generator, you can continue with life as normal, even when the power company isn't providing you with electricity.

Keep reading to learn the essentials regarding generators in northern VA.

Selecting Generators in Northern VA

Do not just purchase the first generator that you find. Rather, look for electric generators that work best for your particular needs. A qualified electrician who specialized in generator installation for the home will know best what type of generator you will need.

In the meantime, use these qualifications to know if you've found the right northern Virginia generator for your needs.

What Are Your Appliance Needs?

Make a list of the appliances that you absolutely need should you lose power. Do you just need your fridge and stove to run? Or do you have home medical equipment that requires constant power?

If all the power went out, what would you need to survive or function.

If you own a business, what tools and appliances do you need to keep running? Do you need your radio to keep functioning?

Also, consider what you need to power if you take the generator on a campaign or fishing trip. Think about the outdoor cooking or heating appliances you would plugin.

Make a full list of your electrical needs.

What Are Your Power Needs?

Figure out how much power each of your essential appliances requires. Make sure you can start your appliances with a given generator and not just run them. Starting wattage is different than running wattage, so make sure your generator can handle the starting wattage.

You can find your appliances' start-up wattage need in the owner's manuals. If you've lost the owner's manual, then use a wattage calculator to estimate your power needs.

Once you've added up the running wattage for the items you need to power, add in the starting wattage. This total number is what you will need to start and run your appliances should you lose power.

Run-Time Matters

As you look at the different generators, look for one with at least 10 hours of run time. This will allow you to get a full night's sleep while your generator runs.

Also, count the number of outlets you will need. Your generator will have multiple outlets, so make sure the one you purchase has enough for your needs. Also, make sure the generator has the right kind of outlets.

Safety Tips

Before you plug your appliances into a generator, read the owner's manual and instructions for the generator from cover to cover. Generators create power, and that means they're a powerful and potentially dangerous tool. Make sure you're operating your generator safely.

Create Proper Ventilation

Exhaust from a fuel-powered generator has carbon monoxide in it. You will not be able to smell this gas, but it can kill you. In fact, when Hurricane Laura hit the Lake Charles, LA area, the majority of deaths came from improper usage of generators and not from the hurricane itself.

Thus, you should never run a generator indoors or in a partly enclosed area.

While you may store your electric generator inside, always run it outside in an area with adequate ventilation. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home as well.

Fuel Safety

Remember that the fuel that powers your generator is extremely flammable. So use caution around the machine.

Also, do not overfill the fuel tank. Instead, leave room for fuel explanation. Do not fill the tank while the unit is either hot or running. Allow your generator to cool completely before you add fuel.

Put your generator in a place far from anywhere that may spark a flame. This means you need to keep it away from open flames and pilot lights. Also, do not smoke near the fuel or your generator.

Your generator will be hot when it is running, so be careful to not touch any of the parts until you've given it sufficient time to cool down.

Electricity Safety

Do not attempt to connect your generator to your household wiring. The generator can back-feed into your power lines and ultimately cause harm to utility workers or your neighbors.

Also, do not add electrical loads until you have started the generator. Also, unplug your appliances from the generator before you stop it.

When the generator is running, you may be tempted to plug in more than you should. Remember, you can overload the generator and cause damage to the generator as well as your appliances. So use the generator only as much as you need to.

Ground the generator before you use it as well to avoid all kinds of safety hazards.

Generator Placement

Contact a professional if you need generator installation for a home. You can have a portable generator or a more permanent generator that your contractor wires into your home. Do not attempt to wire the generator on your own.

You want to put your generator in a purposeful place with at least five feet of clearance on all sides of it. Keep it on a level surface, protected from excessive dirt, moisture, dust, and corrosive vapors.

When you're done with the generator, inspect it carefully. If you notice a problem, contact an authorized technician who can repair it.

Keep the Lights On in Northern VA

Are you looking for a quality generator? If so, contact us. We have been providing our customers with generators in northern VA for over 20 years.

Not only do we sell turn-key generators, but we install generators and service existing generators. Our licensed and insured contractors can provide you with a free estimate today. Give us a call and don't get stuck in the dark.

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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.