Residential standby generators raise many questions among homeowners seeking to ensure a continuous supply of power in the event of a breakdown. In this article, we'll answer the most frequently asked questions to help you understand the importance, operation and installation considerations of this essential equipment.
In a world where the continuity of electrical services is crucial, owning a standby home generator can make all the difference. Power outages are unpredictable and can happen at any time, caused by extreme weather, maintenance, or technical issues.
Having an standby generator ensures that your home stays powered by electricity, which is critical not only for comfort but also for safety. Whether it's to keep your food cool, keep your heating or air conditioning systems running, or keep your vital medical devices running, an automatic generator gives you invaluable peace of mind.
Each house has a DMW (Maximum Watt Demand) meter that determines the highest points of electricity consumption. This meter plays a crucial role in choosing the right generator. By analyzing the maximum watt demand of your home, it becomes possible to determine the power needed (in kilowatts, kW) to power your entire home in the event of an outage.
For example, a home with energy-intensive appliances such as air conditioners, multiple refrigerators, and heating systems will require a higher-capacity generator compared to a smaller home with fewer energy-intensive equipment. Understanding this maximum demand allows you to choose a generator that not only meets your immediate needs, but can also handle peak consumption without fail, thus ensuring a continuous and stable supply to your home.
In Canada, it is essential to comply with certain standards to ensure safety when installing an standby generator. The generator should be placed outside the home, on a stable and level surface, away from doors and windows, to avoid the accumulation of harmful exhaust gases.
In addition, it is crucial to ensure good ventilation around the generator to avoid overheating. During installation, a qualified electrician can assess your property and determine the ideal location for your generator, taking into account all of these safety factors. Following these guidelines not only protects your home, but also ensures that the generator works properly when needed.
The cost of a home standby generator can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. At Erco, you can get a residential automatic generator starting at $39 per week, but the final price will depend on the power of the generator, the type of transfer panel, and other technical specifications.
The size of your home, your energy needs, and the additional options you choose, such as monitoring and maintenance systems, can also influence the total cost. To obtain an accurate estimate, it is recommended to consult a professional at Erco who can assess your specific needs and offer you a solution adapted to your budget.
The main Difference between a standby generator and a mechanical (portable) generator lies in their functioning and use. An standby generator is permanently installed and starts automatically in the event of a power outage, without user intervention. It is connected directly to the home electrical system and can power your entire household continuously and reliably.
On the other hand, a portable generator requires manual intervention to be started and connected to the devices you want to power. While portable generators are less expensive and easier to move, they have limited capacity and require constant monitoring. Although more expensive to buy and install, standby generators offer a more robust and practical solution to ensure the continuity of your home's electrical supply in all circumstances.
When a power outage occurs, a standby generator goes into action without requiring human intervention. As soon as the Hydro-Québec power is cut off, the generator detects the interruption and starts automatically. It is equipped with a transfer panel that allows you to switch the power in your home from the main source to the generator in seconds.
This process ensures that your home appliances, heating and cooling systems, and electronic devices continue to operate without interruption. Once the main power is restored, the generator stops automatically and the transfer panel puts your home back on the Hydro-Québec network. This automated operation ensures a continuous and reliable power supply, minimizing the inconvenience and risks associated with power outages.
