Home & Garden
Washington Homeowner’s Guide To Buying An Emergency Generator
How to choose the right backup power generator for your home.
![Invest in a backup generator and keep the lights on when the power goes out.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/22891437/20210201/112440/styles/patch_image/public/february-2-photo___01232206900.jpg)
Have you ever wondered if you need a generator for your home? Washington state homeowners are smart to think about a backup power source for those times when the power fails and stays off for longer than expected.
High winds, lightning and rain storms, and heavy snow can all cause a power blackout at any time. A generator can provide you with backup power and keep you and your family comfortable and safe during an outage. Here’s what you need to know when buying and installing a generator for your home.
Depending on the size of your house, there are different types of generators available for home use.
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Diesel and Gas Fueled
Affordable and intended for short-term use, choose a smaller diesel or gas fueled generator when you just want power for a few hours during an outage. These smaller generators are ideal for turning on lights and plugging in a few appliances until the power can be restored. Another advantage of a smaller generator is that it’s portable and can easily be moved from location to location.
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Natural Gas
Permanently installed outside your house, a natural gas generator is convenient, dependable to use, and can power your home indefinitely. A natural gas line is directly connected to the generator which means you won’t need to monitor usage or refuel. Another pro of choosing a natural gas generator is that it can be set to automatically switch on when the power goes off.
A whole house generator will provide power to your entire household during a power outage for as long as you need to. You’ll be able to run air conditioning and heating, appliances, computers, and lights all at the same time. Although more expensive to buy, a whole house generator is a good choice if you live in an area that has frequent power outages.
Select Circuit System
If you only need to supply power to a certain area of your home during an outage, selecting a circuit generator is a good option. Selected breakers are connected to the generator, which will power up when the power fails. You’ll be able to keep the essentials in your home running until the power is restored, such as the heating system and kitchen appliances.
Installing Home Generators
Installing an emergency generator for your home is best left to a professional. Here’s why. To be safely installed, generators require a flat surface that’s load bearing, has adequate air flow and ventilation, and allows for water drainage. An experienced contractor will ensure the job is done right to keep you and your family safe.
For help buying and installing a home generator call a HomeAdvisor professional in Washington state.
This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.