Here’s the latest in our 10+ year adventure of having a Whole House Generator. After 10+ years of use, our current generator began experiencing starting challenges during outages. The last thing you want to hear after the power goes out remains backfires & sputters instead of a quiet smooth purring generator.
Old Generator w/ 10+ Years of Service
Living in the country, we experience power outages from time to time. Many outages last less than an hour. Since we’re the last home on a rural Dominion Virginia Power line, we’re had outages up to 14 days. Annually our Whole House Generator logs at least 30+ hours of run time (Some years many more. During prolonged outages, we turn the generator off at while sleeping.). After 10+ years of faithful service, it was time to rebuild or replace our 12 KW generator. What to do?
Out w/ the Old Generator
We evaluated rebuilding the existing 12 KW generator vs. replacing with a new generator. With the advancements in generator and the switching/load management technology, replacing with a GE 20 KW Generator priced out a little more expensive than rebuilding. Since the 20KW generator and new switching provided more power and the ability to run two heat pumps plus the well pump, lights and appliances (very important when living in the country!), we opted for replacement.
Working from a home office most of the time, I need a consistent power supply for internet access, routers, printers, computers, etc. Having a Whole House Generator allows me to get information to home buyers and sellers during power outages. I’ve written purchase contracts during outages when others couldn’t print the paperwork!
The Replacement Generator Arrives
Before selecting an installer, we interviewed three local firms and had them independently evaluate our needs before providing a written proposal. Once selected, Lakeside Electric arrived early on a rainy December day to remove the old generator and install our new 20 KW generator. We were very happy to be moving forward with the project!
Rainy Installation
The installers came prepared to work all day and into the night removing the old generator and switching panels followed by installing the new equipment! The installers from Lakeside Electric worked very neatly on a rainy muddy day. They didn’t track any mud onto our newly installed basement carpet and restored the lawn covering with straw.
Replacement Whole House Generator Installed & Working
We’re ready for the next power outage with our new 20KW GE Whole House Generator (not that we’re hoping for a power outage anytime soon!). We’ve got a 500 gallon liquid propane tank that Southern States Orange – Madison Coop has never let get below 20%. Southern States comes out in the snow/ice if needed to fill the tank if needed. Remember, your generator isn’t much of a benefit if you don’t have the required fuel!
I would highly recommend some type of generator for country living. Your individual needs will dictate what type of generator and size best fits your home. If you have questions on generators or our experiences living in the country, let’s talk! I am here to help.