With most families dependent on electricity for almost every activity these days, Kohler Residential Backup Generators are becoming more commonplace for houses. In addition to the loss of electricity from storms, there are more brownouts during summertime because the grid is stressed on hot afternoons.
Kohler Residential Backup Generators for houses are called standby models because they are supposed to come on automatically only when the electricity from the utility grid fails. They are designed to run for a relatively short time period until the power is back up again. This may be several days at times.
If you tried to run a standby generator continuously to eliminate the need for the utility company’s electricity, it probably would not last long and would require much maintenance. Also, the cost for the fuel to operate it continuously would be much greater than your current electric bills.
You must decide what you mean by powering the entire house to determine the size of backup generator you will need. There are essential items such as the refrigerator, cooking, lighting, etc., which you will definitely need. Other items, such as air conditioning, washing/drying clothes, vacuuming, etc., may not be needed during the power outage.
Backup generators are sized by their KW (kilowatt) output. A 12-KW generator can power most of the electrical needs of a typical family of four. If you can eliminate nonessentials, a less expensive smaller unit will be adequate and the fuel costs to operate it will be less.
To get a rough idea of the size of generator you will need, list the electric items you want to power. Total up the wattages for all of these items. Ones with motors often require more electric current at startup, so increase the capacity somewhat. The contractor/installer can also advise you on the proper size.
For convenience and safety (for your family and the utility company’s workers), install an ATS (automatic transfer switch). This switch senses when the electricity goes off or the voltage drops (brownout). It automatically disconnects from the utility grid and starts the generator. It also runs the generator periodically to test if it is working properly.
If you have natural gas available at your house, this is the best fuel to power the backup generator. It runs cleanly and is the least expensive. Propane also runs cleanly, but it costs more than natural gas and requires a tank. Natural gas and propane engines require little regular maintenance.
A diesel engine-powered generator also requires a fuel tank, and the shelf life of the diesel fuel is only a couple of years.
