Looking for a Backup Generator Installer “Near Me”? Here Are a Few Key Questions to Ask
Choosing an electrician and planning a backup generator installation may seem complicated. However, at TCA Electric we feel it all comes down to asking the right questions. That starts with finding an experienced backup generator installer “near me” and communicating with them to find the right solution for your needs.
At TCA Electric, our licensed and qualified electricians have installed (and maintained!) many backup generators over the years. These convenient devices are an excellent line of protection for your home, providing a source of power to keep key aspects of your home running even when the power fails. If you’re considering installing a backup generator, here are a few key considerations and questions you should be asking.
How Much Experience Do You Have with Backup Generator Installation?
Experience matters when it comes to choosing an electrical contractor for any job. However, it’s especially important with a device such as a backup generator, which requires careful planning and accounting for your household’s full electricity needs, your budget, and more.
At TCA Electric, we’ve been installing backup generators since our founding in 2009. Over the past decade and a half, we’ve gained a lot of experience helping homeowners find the perfect solution for their homes and families.
Do You Offer a Warranty?
While your backup generator helps to protect your home and keep crucial devices running, you’ll enjoy even greater peace of mind if your generator is protected by a workmanship warranty. After all, this is a significant upfront investment (more on that in a second), and it’s a good idea to choose a contractor who will stand behind their work.
At TCA Electric, we provide a 1-year workmanship warranty covering any installation issues or material failures.
How Much Does a Backup Generator Cost?
The cost of a backup generator varies greatly. As an experienced installer, we typically see backup generator projects cost at minimum $10,000 and up to $50,000 depending on the complexity of the project, the size of the generator, and the brand you choose.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
This is a crucial question to ask while planning your backup generator installation. The answer depends on how much emergency power you require, which is determined by your needed load capacity.
Generally speaking:
- If you have a 400 amp electrical service and you’re looking to install a 200 amp emergency panel, you will need a minimum of a 42 kW generator.
- If you have a 200 amp electrical service and you’re looking to install a 100 amp emergency panel, you will need a minimum of a 21 kW generator.
- If you are only looking to have a few essential circuits powered, such as refrigerator, some lighting, sump pumps, WiFi, etc., then you may want to go with something smaller—for example, installing a 12 kW generator to power a 60 amp emergency panel.
- Finally, if you only need to power a specific load, such as enough for your sump pump only, you can install a 7.5 kW generator to give you a 30 amp emergency circuit.
How Does Load Capacity Work?
Load capacity is what will determine the size of your backup generator, and identifying your needed load capacity requires careful planning and consideration. At TCA Electric, we sit down with our clients to determine the exact result our client is hoping for when the power goes out. This all comes down to answering the basic question of “What do you need?” and “What is non-essential?”
- Examples of possibly essential loads: lighting, refrigerator, sump pump, WiFi, security system, furnace, hot water tank, key outlets
- Examples of non-essential loads: hot tub, sauna, dishwasher, hood fan, wine fridge, lesser used outlets
Once you’ve determined which devices around your home are essential or non-essential, your partner electrician can calculate the load and identify the right size generator based on their calculations.
Are There Any Considerations After the Generator Is Installed?
One major consideration to keep in mind after installation is maintenance. Generators should be maintained regularly, and typically set up to run at regular intervals (such as weekly or every two weeks). This helps ensure the device is in good working order and does not interrupt power to your home at any time.
In addition, at TCA we provide regular generator service maintenance for our clients. This is an annual maintenance package that includes needed tasks such as replacing the oil, oil filter, spark plug, and air filter. These help extend the life of your generator and ensure it’s ready when you need it.
TCA Electric: Leading Backup Generator Installer “Near Me”
A backup generator brings unmatched peace of mind when major storms and power outages strike. With a backup generator installed, you can be confident that food won’t spoil, your basement will stay dry, and your home and family will remain safe and sound.
TCA Electric is the leading backup generator installer “near me” for homeowners throughout the Vancouver area. We have more than a decade of installation experience and provide ongoing maintenance to ensure your generator is always ready. Contact us today to start planning your project.