First thing to do before you install a generator for your house is that you have to do a little research and get familiar with the differences in size, permanent and fuel usage. After that, consider what you need to have power for. I suggest you to make a list of several stuffs you need to power. I’ll help you a little bit. You have to add refrigerator, TV, and Air Conditioner as your main list items.
Your choices of connected load items will create the size requirements of the generator as well as the need for a transfer switch. The cheapest way is to have a portable generator just outside the garage and then install a transfer switch to your electrical panel. With an automatic transfer when power goes off, generator starts and the ATS switches the load (house) from utility power to the generator. When the utility power returns the ATS times itself out and switches back. The generator will shut itself down as well.
Usually permanent installed generators run on either natural gas or propane. Before choosing one of those generators, check if natural gas is available and get pricing on running a gas line for that installation. If not, you’ll need the price for installing a propane tank.
They can be installed above ground or buried so consider that. Most homeowner associations frown on permanently installed generators, so be sure you’re not creating a problem for yourself there.
So, after you buy a generator, you have to think carefully where to put and to set your generator. You have to choose a safe place to avoid severe weather. Remember, safety come first. So, be wise with your option to choose a place
Small generators (less than 5500 watts) can only do so much. If you overload the unit and damage it, you won’t have any power at all. So be smart with your move. Portable units are made up to almost 20k watts but they’re not for people on budgets.
The bottom line is to add up the load (watts) you plan to connect and size your generator at least 25% higher. When motors like the compressor in the refrigerator start up there is a sudden draw of power higher than the normal running load and you want to compensate for that.
Small appliances will have the wattage marked on them. Lighting circuits will be less than 1200 watts each. Water heater is 4500 watts alone.
