Whole House Generators in Virginia

A power outage requires more than just a standby generator. Why settle for powering just a few things when you need fresh food, internet access, and other amenities? New home generators can provide backup power for everything, regardless of how severe the weather is or if there’s a natural disaster.

Benefits of Whole House Generators

• Backup power for the entire home
• Power capacity of 22 to 48 kW
• Lower noise, due to lower engine speeds
• Automotive-style engine superior to the best standby generator
• Liquid cooling for safer operation of large models
• Less frequent maintenance
• Greater fuel efficiency
• Options for load management and A/C shedding

Choosing the Right Whole House Generator

There are just a few basic considerations when choosing the perfect generator. These include:

• Fuel Source: The fuel type is an important aspect of the generator. Some use liquid propane, while others use diesel fuel, and both require sizable storage. Natural gas powered generators require properly sized natural gas meters and lines. Consult product literature, installation manuals, and contractors to determine the best options.
• Size: Unit size and electrical load of major appliances are important for any installation. Once you determine the values, identify starting wattage by multiplying the starting amps by total volts to get how many watts are needed. Select a generator rated at about 20 to 25% higher than your expected peak load.
• Transfer Switch: A whole house generator installation isn’t complete without an automatic transfer switch, which activates the system upon power loss. An internal sensor monitors utility power. If an outage is detected, the system starts the engine and disconnects the utility line power. The switch must match the capacity of the generator.

Whole House Generator Installation Process

Generators are heavy and require a truck and pallet jack to be moved. Typically, a generator sits on a concrete pad. Contractors may use a forklift to move larger models onto the pad, which are then bolted down to it. Once the unit is secured, the gas hookup, pressure relief regulator, and manual shut-off valve can be connected. Your local gas utility may have to secure these connections to ensure the unit is safe to operate.

How Much Does It Cost to Put in a Whole House Generator?

A small generator may cost you under $9,000, but larger, higher-capacity models may cost over $14,000. Check with A-Advantage for exact pricing and potential savings through our Rebate Program. Transport and installation costs may apply, as well, and these will vary depending on the contractor.

How Long Can You Run a Whole House Generator?

The generator will run so long as utility power is out and it has fuel. Generally, units run safely until the oil runs low or the engine exceeds its rated operating speed and temperature. Many models are shut off automatically if normal operating parameters are exceeded.

Keep Up with Maintenance

Consult the operator’s manual or your contracting company for details on repairs and maintenance. Generators require periodic oil and filter changes, like cars do, and inspections to ensure they’re in working condition. For more information on whole house generators and 24-hour emergency services, call our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 461-6701 or our Manassas, VA, office at (703) 368-7855. Watch the video below to learn more. Here are some standby generators we’ve installed for customers. Contact us today for a free estimate.