The thought of getting a home generator is appealing to many property owners. With a generator, you can still continue to power your fridge, charge your cell phone and engage in other daily tasks even if the electricity goes out in the area. If you already have a home generator, keeping the unit in proper working condition is critical for the same reasons. While you might be tempted to install or work on a generator by yourself, hiring qualified electricians is a necessity for a variety of reasons.
Immediate Personal Safety
Trying to install or maintain a generator by yourself comes with a number of safety risks. While you’re working on the project, you could accidentally start a fire or the generator might explode. You could puncture part of the unit, thereby releasing dangerous gas into the air. Also, you might get injured by trying to carry the weight of the generator or by cutting yourself on a sharp piece of the unit. Our professionals know how to safely install a generator and navigate these potential obstacles.
Future Safety Concerns
Even if the initial installation or work seems to go well, you could have inadvertently caused problems that threaten your safety in the future. For example, if you punctured part of the unit or improperly installed the generator, a slow leak might begin, thereby releasing dangerous gases into your home. Your work might also threaten the home’s electrical system, which increases the risk of a fire.
Work Done to Code
A generator needs to be installed according to the local codes for safety purposes and to avoid other serious consequences. While you may be aware of the codes as a homeowner, it is unlikely that you know the specifics of the requirements or that you have the tools to properly complete the work up to code. Our team of professional electricians will ensure that the work complies with local codes. Moreover, while performing the work, our electricians may uncover other out-of-compliance issues in the home, which gives you the chance to install additional upgrades for a safer dwelling. Having the work done in line with current codes is also important if you want to sell the house in the future. Selling a property with code violations is difficult.
Adherence to Local Legislation
In addition to knowing and understanding national and state safety regulations, qualified electricians are also aware of local legislation governing the installation and usage of home generators. For example, you might be required to have an inspection conducted after installation. Our team members can guide you through the process of doing so. Keep in mind that a do-it-yourself project is unlikely to pass inspection.
Warranty Compliance
Hiring electricians to perform any repair and maintenance work can also keep you in compliance with the generator’s warranty. Check your warranty to see the specific terms of the agreement. Some warranties will indicate that you if complete any repair projects by yourself, your warranty will be voided. You may even be required to have professional maintenance performed on a regular schedule.
Accident and Injury Liability
Imagine that an accident related to the generator happens on your property. You might think that your homeowner’s insurance will automatically take care of any associated costs. However, if you performed the work yourself, the insurance company can claim that you are at fault. The company may argue that since the work was done improperly, the insurance provider is not responsible for any injuries or damage.
Damage to the Unit
Even if accidental damage to the unit doesn’t have long-term safety consequences for your loved ones and yourself, the lifespan of the unit may be shortened. While the longevity of a generator varies depending upon a variety of factors, some units can last for several decades. A damaged generator, though, may die out in only a few months or so. You may also inadvertently hook the generator up to an inappropriate power source, which can drain multiple systems in your home.
Incompatible Generator
You may also select a generator that is incompatible with your home’s system. In this case, you could end up with a frustrating situation in which you have to return the generator and get a new one. Instead of leaving it up to chance, book an appointment with our team. Our electricians can introduce you to options that are suitable for your house.
Overloaded Electrical System
While the unit might seem to be compatible, your home’s electrical system may not have the capacity to handle the unit. Our team members can check the property’s current electrical capacity. You can then choose to get a generator that your home can support. Alternatively, you could consider an electrical upgrade for a more powerful generator. Note that overloading an electrical system, especially with a unit as powerful as a generator, is a major fire hazard.
Reduced Costs
Many homeowners attempt to tackle the project themselves because they perceive this move as a cost-saving one. However, consider the various issues that can arise with trying to install or repair a generator by yourself. Many of the issues are expensive to deal with. While paying the professionals may initially seem like the more costly option, you are likely to save in the long term. For example, if you try to do the work yourself and make major errors that require professional assistance, you will then have paid for both your own attempt at the project and the expert repair.
Instructions on Usage
Getting the work done by a professional also means that you can learn how to make the best use of your system. For example, you can learn about simple operational techniques as well as energy-saving features. Improper usage of the generator could lead to early decay or destruction, so professional guidance is valuable in multiple ways.
With locations in both Ballwin and Pacific, Spark Daddy is here to assist with all of your home generator needs. We can help you find your first generator. We can also repair or replace your current unit. We provide a full range of electrical services as well, including whole-house rewiring, electrical panel replacements and repairs, circuit breaker solutions, surge protection and lighting fixtures.
In all of our work, safety, comfort and convenience are our priorities. We provide service in the greater St. Louis area, including communities like Bonnots Mill, Edgar Springs, Hawk Point and East St. Louis. Make sure to check out our current specials and our financing plans, too. We want to bring home safety and comfort to you in the most affordable way possible. You can visit our blog to learn about real ways that our services and products enhance customers’ homes. We’re open Mondays through Fridays during regular business hours, and if you need us on the weekends, you can schedule an appointment.
To book a consultation or to get started on your next home improvement project, contact Spark Daddy today.
