Whole House Generator Services in Champaign, IL

How Do Whole House Generators Work?

Sometimes called a fixed standby generator, a whole house generator will be installed permanently outside your house usually on a solid concrete pad in your yard. Whenever you experience a power outage or equipment failure, the whole house generator will then automatically provide power straight to your home’s electrical panel, even when you are not there. There is an automatic transfer switch disconnecting you from your utility as soon as there’s any sudden interruption in service. An internal combustion engine is at the heart of this system, which powers it. The generator will energize your home non-stop for several days. When power come back on, the generator will then return to standby mode, and will be ready for any power outage in the future.

How is it Different from a Portable Generator?

Whole house generators offer much higher levels of power than portable generators and have the added bonus of automatic power. Because they are a permanent appliance, they will add a great deal of value to your home. Portable generators are typically used for tailgating, camping, job sites, and other outdoor activities. These type of generators are clearly mobile and can be used to power individual items with a plug-in situation, such as small appliances and lamps. You will have the control of turning them on and off as needed, and they are not automatic. Whole house generators have a permanent installation outside usually right next to your home, that supplies the power to your entire home. You will never have to worry about turning them on and off––they will work automatically, since they react to the need of power for your home.

How is it Fueled?

Nothing like the portable generators, which is run on gasoline or diesel that you provide, whole house generators are always fueled by your home’s existing fuel supply, such as natural gas, liquid propane and diesel.

How Much Does a Whole House Generator Cost?

This is determined by the generator’s capacity, and how many circuits it can power at once. To determine the size of generator you need to install, you will have to determine your needs during a temporary emergency situation. You should not include powering all the appliances in your home in your evaluation. Whole house generators usually cost between $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the size you need. You should also include the cost of fuel needed to run the generator when making a total assessment. Please note, if you ever decide to resell you home, a whole house generator will greatly add to the overall value of the house, so you could gain back much of the initial investment. One of our skilled and professional technicians at Edelman Inc can assist you with determining all these costs.

Does It Need Upkeep?

Like any other system, you will find there is always some upkeep involved. You want to be sure to get your generator serviced by a skilled professional after 24 to 48 hours of any continuous use. The oil and filter should be changed after ten days of use. You can keep your generator healthy by checking its oil level daily during use and also running it at no more than 75 percent of its rated capacity. And you will want to replace any overworked or broken parts, such as brushes. When you keep up with this type of maintenance it will ensure your generator will have a very long and useful life.

You should know, that installing a whole house generator is strictly for professionals. We offer many types and brands of generators in a large range of wattages. Reach us today for an estimate on what generator would be appropriate for your home.

FINANCING

Edelman Inc. understands that keeping your home safe and comfortable can quickly become expensive. With approved credit, our customers can get the products and services they need, while paying over time. The experts at Edelman work with Wells Fargo to help find the best financing options for you.

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