Top 4 Considerations When Choosing the Right Location For Your Home Generator
So, you’ve finally made the decision to move forward and purchase a standby home generator. But where are you going to put it? We have compiled a list of the top 4 considerations when choosing the right location for your home standby generator. As electrician professionals, we understand that selecting the location for generator installation can be difficult. There are many factors to consider: safety, legality, functionality, aesthetics,and accessibility for regular maintenance. Here are some questions you should be asking yourself when making this important decision.
Where Will My Generator Be Safe?
Generators are powerful machines designed to purposely give off concentrated doses of electricity. As such, it’s important to consider the safety of yourself and others when placing your generator within your backyard. Set aside a small, flat and stable area matching the dimensions of your generator, or larger. The flat grade will prevent flooding and the myriad problems that come with it.
What are the Building Codes in My Town?
Towns across Long Island have different generator installation building codes. These codes concern the aesthetic impact of the generator on the property value of neighboring homes, as well as the proximity of the generator to other structures and homes.
It’s important to thoroughly read any building codes that may be relevant to you before construction begins, and apply for a permit if necessary.
Codes in some areas require homeowners to build generator pads with concrete, or to place the generators on gravel to prevent damage. Finally, be sure to place the generator away from shrubs, vegetation, and other easily combustible plants.
How Can I Conserve Energy?
Beyond these safety guidelines, you should also keep your generator located as close as possible to your main electrical panel (without breaking local ordinances). This will minimize the need for electrical wiring to connect the two, and keep the voltage output as high as possible.
However, you should also consider the noise that a running generator produces. While it’s possible to minimize this noise, generators close to your home will always cause more noise than those situated away from your home. To avoid excessive noise, try to keep your generator away from frequently trafficked areas of your home such as bedrooms and living rooms. Keep your neighbors in mind as well — you don’t want to go through the trouble of construction, only to have them complain about the noise it causes after installation.
Conserving energy will keep your generator in great working order, and make generator maintenance a breeze.
Generator Aesthetics: Where Will My Generator Be Most Hidden?
Large units like home generators and central air conditioning can potentially be an eyesore for neighbors and others within the community. To prevent your new home generator from standing out, situate it so that it cannot be seen from above the fence level.
Another solution is to construct a structure to conceal your generator altogether. Be sure to keep your generator out of the garage, where carbon monoxide could quickly fill the room, and possibly spread.
Contact Us for More Information About Generator Placement
As generator installation professionals, we can help you determine the best location for your home generator. We are family owned and operated, and know the specifics of installing a standby generator into your home in Huntington Station and surrounding areas. Contact us for advice and price quotes for installation, maintenance and more.