The facts about generator options to power a home through outages

Introduction

Many of us probably could have used a call to the doctor overnight—the electric doctor that is. Luckily, the doctor is in right now. Jeff Lam has 41 years of experience and is the owner of the Electric Doctor, and he joins us on Quad City's Live.

Portable Generators: The Entry-Level Choice

According to Jeff, the most economical entry into home backup power is a portable generator that runs on gasoline. However, there are important considerations:

1. Safety: Portable generators emit carbon monoxide, so never operate them inside a garage or enclosed space.
2. Home Connection: You'll need to keep a door or window open to run extension cords into your house, limiting what appliances you can power.
3. Home Connection Box: To safely connect a portable generator to your home, it is advisable to install an external connection box. This setup could cost between $ 2,000 to $ 4,000, including the generator and installation.

Home Standby Generators: The Ultimate Convenience

For a more seamless and worry-free solution, Jeff suggests a home standby generator. These systems offer:

1. Permanent Installation: Connected directly to your home’s gas and electric systems.
2. Automatic Operation: The generator detects power outages and starts automatically, supplying power to your entire home, including important devices like furnaces, air conditioners, sump pumps, and refrigerators.
3. Remote Monitoring: Modern systems can be monitored via Wi-Fi through your phone, giving homeowners peace of mind while away.

Installation and Costs

A home standby generator can cost anywhere from $ 8,000 to $ 12,000, covering all aspects, including gas connection, electrical setup, and permits.

Professional Installation Recommended

While you can purchase generators from big-box stores, it's best to leave the installation to professionals like the team at The Electric Doctor. They offer a one-stop solution that includes an initial free home consultation, a detailed assessment of your needs, and a firm upfront price. The entire process takes about two to four weeks to complete.

Other Electrical Services

In addition to generators, The Electric Doctor provides comprehensive electrical services, available 24/7 with a live operator, ensuring they can handle both small and large electrical issues anytime.

Contact Information

To learn more about the services offered by Jeff and his team at The Electric Doctor, visit their website at electric.com or call the number displayed on your screen.

Keywords

• Portable Generators
• Home Standby Generators
• Installation
• Safety
• Automatic Operation
• Remote Monitoring
• Professional Services
• Electrical Doctor

FAQ

Q1: What’s the most economical generator option for home use? A1: A portable gasoline-driven generator, typically costing around $ 2,000 to $ 4,000, including installation.

Q2: Are home standby generators complicated to install? A2: They require professional installation to connect to gas and electric systems, costing between $ 8,000 to $ 12,000.

Q3: Can home standby generators be monitored remotely? A3: Yes, modern standby generators can be monitored via Wi-Fi through your phone.

Q4: How long does it take to install a home standby generator? A4: The entire process usually takes about two to four weeks.

Q5: What other services does The Electric Doctor offer? A5: They provide 24/7 electrical services for both small and large issues, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all electrical needs.