Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Generator For Your Home

Is your home ready for anything? As power outages become increasingly common across the United States, unreliable electricity access can leave Sacramento residents vulnerable. If you are feeling unprepared for outages—don’t worry, you are not alone. Many homeowners are extending their preparedness to plan for disaster, avoid shortages, and expect the unexpected.

At-home generators are becoming a popular upgrade for homeowners, and the team at Bonney is working to meet this demand and help Sacramento residents get the protection they need. Choosing the right generator can feel like an overwhelming decision, but Bonney is on your side. Here is everything you need to know about purchasing a backup generator for your home.

Wattage: What Wattage Should Your Generator Have?

When it comes to choosing a generator for your home, first consider your wattage needs. This will allow you to evaluate the power a potential generator provides to find a unit that suits you. 

Simply put, wattage is the basic measurement of how much power your appliances need to work safely. To figure out how powerful of a generator you need for your home, you can add up the total wattage for all your appliances. 

In an emergency situation, running all of your lights and appliances may not be necessary. Ask yourself which appliances are most important, or speak with an electrical expert at Bonney for professional help and insight. Our electricians are on standby and ready to help you assess your home and its generator needs. Because Bonney is local to Sacramento, we understand standard patterns of outages and the unique needs of homes in the area. Once you understand the wattage you need from a generator, you can begin considering your unit options. 

The Three Types of Generators

Your generator decision may be shaped by both your home’s needs and your budget. Homes are often equipped with one of the three common generator varieties: Standby Generators, Portable Generators, and Inverter Generators. Each of these options is built to accommodate different home sizes and power needs:

• Standby Generators
• • If you have medical equipment running at home or you simply cannot afford to lose power for even a minute, standby generators may be for you. These generators are powerful and they automatically turn on when a voltage slump is detected. Unlike other generators, they also offer a range of fuel options. 

• Portable Generators
• • Portable generators offer a flexible and reliable power option that is suitable for the needs of most homes. These units are not only useful as a backup home power supply, but they can be used recreationally as well. It is important to note that these generators often rely on gas, so be prepared to keep extra fuel on hand. 
• Inverter Generators
  • Inverter generators are similar to the power and functionality of portable generators—one main difference is that inverter generators are much quieter when running. These generators offer a more advanced, emissions-friendly engine that can provide long-term savings. 

More information on these types of generators can be found in this buyers’ guide by Consumer Reports. You can also speak with a Bonney expert for details on which type of generator is right for your needs and your home.

Professional Generator Installation

Installing a generator is beyond the DIY capabilities of most homeowners. Their energy power can be dangerous for an unskilled hand. They are also easy to damage and will not work if installed improperly. For a generator to work in the event of a power outage, it needs to be connected to the main electrical panel via a transfer switch. Failure to properly connect the generator to the power supply could ruin your appliances or injure utility workers. Before you spend hours watching youtube videos or put your safety on the line, call one of the skilled technicians at Bonney to handle the generator installation for you. 

Home Generator Maintenance and Care

Before you invest in a generator, it is important to ensure you are ready to protect this investment with routine professional maintenance and inspections. An expert will provide your generator with the manufacturer-recommended care to keep your system safe, efficient, and working properly. This involves checking for proper fluid levels, testing unit load banks, changing the fuel and air filters, inspecting the connections, and upgrading worn out parts. Without the care your unit needs, it can quickly become a hazard instead of a safeguard. 

Top Priority: Generator Safety

As with all of your home’s features, safety is the highest priority when using a generator. One mistake that many homeowners make is running a backup generator indoors. This can lead to serious injury or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Place the generator outside with the emissions facing away from the house. In poor weather conditions, a generator can be covered by a fitted tarp. Homeowners should also be careful to properly store generator fuel to avoid fires. Ultimately, a generator is designed to promote your safety and wellbeing, not put it at risk. If you follow the proper safety precautions, your generator will work as it is intended—keeping your electricity running when you need it most. 

Bonney Generator Installation, Maintenance, and Repair in Sacramento

Now that you’ve got all the information you need, don’t wait until tomorrow to start getting your home protected. You may not realize how much you rely on your power supply until it’s gone. The experts at Bonney are here and ready to help you get a generator and the peace of mind it brings. Bonney is one of the leading generator providers in Sacramento. Contact our electrical professionals to get started today!
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