When storms or heat waves cause power grids to fail, life at home can grind to a halt without a backup energy source. Installing a generator provides Houston households reliable access to air conditioning, refrigeration, lighting, and more to maintain safe, comfortable living conditions during outages.
As southeast Texas faces increasing extreme weather from climate change, having an emergency generator on hand grows more crucial each year. But not all generators live up to their promise, while flawed installations present safety issues. By understanding key considerations around generator selection, placement, hookup, and maintenance, Houston residents can ensure their backup system reliably powers them through grid failures.
Choosing the Right Generator
Houston’s climate and household needs determine the ideal generator size and fuel type. The major options include:
- Portable Generators
Run on gasoline and ranges from about 2,000 to 10,000 watts. These affordable, movable units power small items like phones and lamps during shorter outages.
- Standby Generators
Permanently installed systems connect to a home’s electrical panel to back up multiple large appliances like AC units, refrigerators, and well pumps when the main utility power fails. Gasoline and diesel varieties reach over 15,000 watts, while natural gas generators provide whole-house coverage exceeding 45,000 watts.
- Solar Generators
Absorb and store energy from sunlight during normal conditions then deliver clean, quiet backup electricity from batteries when needed. Though currently limited in capacity compared to traditional generators, solar technology constantly improves.
Safe, Strategic Generator Placement
Permanent Standby Generator for Sale Houston, TX require careful planning of the physical installation site to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning or fire risks:
- Outdoors Only
Stationary generators must be positioned fully outside homes, sheds, garages, or other structures with walls and ceiling construction that traps exhaust.
- Away from Entry Points
Avoid installing near windows, doors, or vents where dangerous emissions could seep inside.
- Accessibility
The generator location should remain open and easy to reach for maintenance checks and emergency fuel supply.
- Proper Support
These heavy systems need a dedicated concrete pad or pedestal base that keeps the generator stable and balanced.
Expert Electrical Connections
Houston residents should always hire a certified electrician rather than attempting dangerous do-it-yourself generator hookups. Professionals ensure:
- Accurate Load Calculation
Factor individual household appliance requirements to size appropriate generator wattage and choose a suitable wire gauge.
- Failsafe Transfer Switch Installation
It prevents sending electricity back into utility lines, which could electrocute workers trying to restore main grid power.
- Upgraded Breaker Panels
Safely delivers the generator’s electrical output to household circuits through dedicated breakers.
- Code-Compliant Placement
Meets line and load connection standards between the generator site and electrical panel.
Consistent Generator Maintenance Is Key
With proper installation and fuel supply, home generators can perform for decades when properly maintained. Technicians should check fluid levels, belts, batteries, air filters, and hoses during annual tune ups. Testing the start-up monthly ensures it will kick in when Houston households most need backup power.
Final Thought
By understanding generator selection, placement, hookup, and maintenance considerations for their specific needs, before outages happen, Houston residents can best power through storms in safety and comfort.
Lighting Parts Houston, TX now offers emergency standby generator installation Houston services from certified electricians from www.uspowerpros.com to keep households continuously running when extreme weather strains the Texas grid. Contact their team for help determining and installing the right size and fuel type backup generator for your home.
