When it comes to installing a generator in your Lakeland home, the stakes are high. A properly installed generator ensures your home stays powered during an outage, while an improper installation can lead to a variety of issues, including damage to your property, safety hazards, and costly repairs. As a professional generator services contractor in Lakeland, FL, we’ve seen our fair share of installation mistakes, and we’re here to help you avoid them.
By knowing the common pitfalls, you can ensure your generator installation goes smoothly and provides reliable power when you need it most.
1. Incorrect Sizing of the Generator
One of the most critical mistakes homeowners make when installing a generator is choosing the wrong size. A generator that’s too small won’t be able to power your home’s essential appliances during an outage, while an oversized generator might waste fuel and lead to unnecessary wear and tear.
How to Avoid This Mistake?
As a generator services contractor, the first step is assessing your home’s power needs. The generator should be able to handle the load of essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, and air conditioning. If you plan to power more than just the basics, it’s important to calculate the wattage requirements for each appliance you want to run.
Working with an experienced professional ensures the right size generator is selected for your specific needs, avoiding energy waste and unnecessary costs.
2. Poor Placement of the Generator
The location of your generator is crucial for both performance and safety. Many homeowners make the mistake of placing their generator too close to their home or in an area with poor ventilation. This can lead to carbon monoxide buildup or even fire hazards.
How to Avoid This Mistake?
The generator should be placed at least 5 feet away from doors, windows, and vents to ensure that exhaust fumes don’t enter your home. It should also be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area to keep it running smoothly. Working with a professional generator services contractor ensures that your generator is placed according to local codes and safety guidelines, which will also help with long-term maintenance and performance.
3. Inadequate Electrical Connections
Improper electrical connections are another common generator installation mistake. If the transfer switch or other wiring isn’t correctly installed, it can lead to malfunctioning equipment, electrical hazards, or damage to your home’s electrical system.
How to Avoid This Mistake?
Always ensure that a licensed professional handles the electrical connections for your generator installation. The transfer switch should be properly wired to your home’s main electrical panel to allow a seamless switch from utility power to generator power when needed.
It’s also important to make sure that the electrical connections are up to code to avoid electrical fires or equipment damage. A generator services contractor can ensure all connections are correctly installed for both safety and efficiency.
4. Neglecting Regular Maintenance Needs
Once your generator is installed, maintenance can often be overlooked. Neglecting regular maintenance can result in a breakdown when you need the generator most. Without proper care, the generator may not perform optimally or could even fail during an emergency.
How to Avoid This Mistake?
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your generator works when needed. This includes checking the fuel levels, changing the oil, inspecting the battery, and testing the system regularly. Schedule regular professional inspections to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.
A reliable generator services contractor will also provide you with a maintenance plan tailored to your specific generator model, helping to prolong its lifespan and ensure it’s always ready when the power goes out.
5. Not Understanding Local Regulations
Each area has different building codes and regulations regarding generator installation. Installing a generator without understanding these local regulations can lead to penalties or the need for costly reinstallation later. Ignoring these rules can also result in safety risks or warranty voids.
How to Avoid This Mistake?
Make sure that your generator installation complies with all local codes and regulations. A generator services contractor will be familiar with Lakeland’s specific rules and guidelines, ensuring that your installation is safe, legal, and efficient.
Get Professional Generator Installation in Lakeland, FL
Avoiding these common generator installation mistakes is crucial for ensuring that your Lakeland home is prepared for any power outage. By working with an experienced generator services contractor, you can ensure that your generator is the right size, installed in a safe location, and properly maintained to keep your home powered during emergencies.
Call Wheeler Generators Today at 407-437-9324
Protect your home and family with a reliable, professionally installed generator. Call Wheeler Generators at 407-437-9324 for expert advice, installation, and ongoing support. Our team is here to ensure that your generator installation is done correctly the first time, so you can have peace of mind during every power outage!
