A Comprehensive Guide For Your Montana Home
When power outages strike, having a reliable home generator can make all the difference. At Central Heating Cooling Plumbing Electrical, we understand the importance of keeping your home powered and comfortable, especially during unexpected winter blackouts. In this guide, Central’s generator experts will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right home generator for your Montana home. From understanding your power requirements to comparing fuel types and deciding between portable and standby models, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding Your Power Needs
Before diving into the types of generators available, you will first want to determine your home’s power needs. This involves identifying which appliances and systems you want to keep running during an outage. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you calculate your power requirements:
List Essential Appliances
Make a list of appliances and systems you consider essential, such as refrigerators, heating and cooling systems, lights, etc.
Check Wattage
Look at the wattage requirements for each of these appliances. This information is usually found on the appliance label or in the user manual.
Calculate Total Wattage
Add up the wattage of all the essential appliances. This total will give you a rough estimate of the generator capacity you need.
Consider Surge Power
Some appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners, require extra power to start up. Make sure to account for these surge wattages in your calculations.
Need help calculating your home’s power requirements? Give Central a call. We can assess you needs and calculate the amount of power you will need to safely meet your backup power requirements.
Natural Gas vs. Propane
When it comes to fuel types for home generators, natural gas and propane are the most common options. Each has its advantages and considerations:
Natural Gas
Natural gas is supplied through your home’s gas lines, providing an uninterrupted fuel source during prolonged outages. Generally, natural gas is more cost-effective compared to propane and there is no need to store fuel or refill tanks.
Natural gas is only an option if your home is already connected to a natural gas line. A professional will need to handle the installation to connect the generator to the gas line.
Propane
Can be used in homes without natural gas lines. Propane has a longer shelf life compared to gasoline, making it a reliable fuel source for emergency situations. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in fewer emissions.
Will require a propane tank that needs to be refilled periodically. Propane is typically more expensive than natural gas.
Portable vs. Standby Generators
Another important decision is choosing between portable and standby generators. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is best for your home:
Portable Generators
Smaller generators are more cost-effective and generally cheaper than standby generators.
They can be moved and used in different locations and are simple to set up and use, often with a manual start.
However, depending on your backup power needs, a portable generator may not be suitable for powering all your appliances, so you will need to choose a few essential appliances.
Portable generators requires manual refueling and starting. This can be a hassle at night or during severe weather. They are typically louder than standby generators.
Standby Generators
One big advantage of a a standby generators is that they automatically turn on during an outage to power your entire home. This is can be a lifesaver when your are away from home.
They can power all essential appliances and systems for an extended period of time, particularly when connected to a natural gas line.
Today’s standby generators are designed to run quietly and efficiently and require less maintenance than older models.
Making the Final Decision
To recap, when choosing the right home generator, consider the following steps:
Assess Your Needs
Determine the essential appliances and systems you want to power during an outage.
Calculate Power Requirements
Add up the total wattage of your essential appliances, including surge wattages.
Choose Fuel Type
Decide between natural gas and propane based on availability, cost, and convenience.
Select Generator Type
Choose between a portable generator for basic needs or a standby generator for comprehensive home coverage.
Kalispell Generator Experts
At Central Heating Cooling Plumbing Electrical, we’re here to help you every step of the way in your generator purchase. Our team of experienced professionals can assist you in selecting, installing, and maintaining the perfect generator for your Flathead Valley home. Contact us today to ensure your home remains powered and comfortable, no matter the weather.
