Colorado’s unpredictable weather can flip from sunshine to hailstorm in just a few minutes. Power outages can disrupt your day, compromise your safety, and lead to expensive damages. Many families are turning to generators as a dependable backup plan. Mr. Electric is here to provide reliable generator installation in Lone Tree, Colorado, and surrounding neighborhoods. Whether you’re shopping around for standby generators or you’re thinking about a generator replacement, our team of electricians in Lone Tree can help you make the important decisions. Keep reading to learn what to consider and how to avoid mistakes that could cost you more in the long run.
A very common oversight when installing a generator is getting the size wrong. A lot of homeowners really underestimate how much power their home actually needs. If the generator is too small, then it will strain to keep up and could fail right when you need it the most. Oversized units will cost more upfront and could waste fuel. Start by listing the essential appliances that you want running in an outage. For most homes, that means the refrigerator, HVAC system, sump pump, lighting, and home office. A qualified electrician can perform a load calculation to find out the total wattage that your household requires on a normal day. Once you know what your needs are, you’ll need to choose between standby and portable generators. Portable generators are less expensive, but they need manual setup and operation. Standby generators are permanently installed and will automatically kick in during an emergency. They are perfect for covering the whole home or large loads. Working with an experienced generator installer in Lone Tree will make sure that you get a unit that works best for your needs and budget.
Generators will run on a variety of fuel types, so it’s important that you know the differences so you can make the right decision for your property. Natural gas is popular because it’s reliable and convenient. If your home already has a gas line, then this fuel option will make it easy to get an automatic and uninterrupted supply of fuel in an electrical crisis. Propane is a solid option if you don’t have access to natural gas. Propane burns a lot cleaner than diesel and will store it indefinitely, so it’s a very dependable backup. However, you’ll need to make room for a large storage tank, and you’ll need to refill your supply. Diesel generators are usually kept for commercial use or larger residential setups. They deliver strong power output but come with higher emissions and fuel storage requirements. For most households, the choice is between natural gas or propane. A generator installer in Lone Tree will guide you through the options and explain the trade-offs based on your situation.
Generator installation isn’t your run-of-the-mill weekend DIY project. Skipping important steps or cutting corners will lead to poor performance or system damage. Improper placement is one of the biggest mistakes because generators should be installed at least five feet away from windows, doors, and vents. This prevents harmful exhaust from entering your home, and ignoring this will put your family at serious risk. Local regulations and manufacturing guidelines will also dictate proper clearance. Another issue is failing to install a transfer switch. If you don’t have one, your generator can’t safely power your home’s circuits during an outage. Transfer switches prevent backfeeding, which could be dangerous to utility workers and your neighbors. Hiring a qualified electrician with experience in generator installation in Lone Tree will protect you from these errors so your generator is compliant and ready to perform.
A generator is a serious investment in the security of your home. So, you’ll want to make sure that it stays in good condition. Here are some tips that can help you get the most from your system:
Do you want to make sure your home and family stay safe no matter what nature throws your way? Generator replacement and installation require skills and knowledge of local codes. Mr. Electric offers services you can rely on. We handle every step, from load calculations to installation and testing. Power outages might be unpredictable, but your backup power shouldn’t be. Contact our office to schedule your next service.