Most U.S. Homes Don’t Have This Important Feature—Here’s Why You Need It

Red Kohler 26 kW home generator installed outside a house.

Extreme weather and increased demands on the power grid can cause blackouts that are inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst. Having a powerful and reliable whole-home generator on standby reduces the risks associated with power outages.

According to Kohler Energy, the global leader in backup power solutions for more than 100 years, a staggering 94 percent of American households lack the benefit of a whole-home generator. This means that a large share of American households are helpless against potentially life-threatening power outages. Food storage, electricity-dependent medical equipment, and basement-saving sump pumps are among the electricity-powered appliances you won’t want to be without in times of emergency—not to mention heat or air conditioning.

A standby generator is a system that automatically provides electricity to a home when the power grid is offline. Today’s standby generators, such as Kohler 26kW Home GeneratorWhen they detect a power loss they automatically activate to supply critical power to the home immediately.

The best whole house generator is one that is permanently installed in a fixed location outside the home, similar to an air conditioning unit. standby generator Connect to home integrated supply The use of natural gas or propane to produce enough electrical power to supply an entire home. These differ from portable generators, which get their fuel – usually gasoline or propane – from a non-integrated source, requiring frequent and manual refueling.

Whole home generators are usually enclosed in a weather-resistant housing for protection during inclement weather.

Red Kohler 26 kW home generator installed outside a house.
Photo: Courtesy of Kohler

Peace of mind for most homes: Kohler 26 kW generator

Kohler’s most popular generator, 26rca, Can power all circuits in large homes. It handles demanding loads like heat pumps and air conditioners without sacrificing power to other circuits. Its maximum sound output is 67 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a normal conversation. Plus, homeowners can customize the unit with one of 11 colors and three camouflage patterns.

View Kohler 26kW Generator

While portable generators can be useful in a pinch, they will not be able to meet the needs of an entire household over long periods of time, and the homeowner will have to start it manually in the event of a power loss. When a whole-house generator turns on automatically, on the other hand, electricity continues to flow seamlessly to everything in your home for as long as you need it. countless benefits For the health and safety of your family.

For example, it is necessary to power CPAP or nebulizer equipment for people receiving medical care at home. People who rely on sump pumps to keep their homes safe from flooding need a reliable power supply from a home generator, especially during inclement weather when the risk of flooding increases.

Everyday tools are important too. If you stock the fridge and freezer in anticipation of a major storm, you definitely don’t want that food to spoil due to a power outage. It’s also essential to keep your AC or heat running during a grid failure, as well as the uninterrupted operation of your home security system.

When looking at multiple factors Choosing a generator for your homeThe most important thing is to know how much electricity is required to keep your home running smoothly during the blackout period. Also, think about the frequency and duration of power outages that typically occur in your neighborhood. You will want to find a generator that can meet the needs of your particular situation. Kohler 26kW Home GeneratorFor example, it can provide continuous electricity to a home for several days or weeks.

Think about durability when choosing a generator – you’ll want a generator that is reliable year-round, in all types of weather. Also, consider checking with your homeowners association, which may have size or noise restrictions you’ll want to keep in mind.

Kohler standby generator installed outside a house in the rain.
Photo: Courtesy of Kohler

For larger homes: Kohler 48 kW generator

The 48RCA is another great choice for a home standby generator. At 48 kilowatts, this unit has enough power for everything in a home with 200 amp service. Its commercial-grade engine can restore power to critical systems or appliances within 10 seconds when tapped into a home’s natural gas or propane fuel supply. Kohler 48 It is also exceptionally quiet.

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Installing a standby generator is definitely not in the DIY realm. This complex undertaking must be handled by licensed professionals – requiring both electricians and plumbers – who have considerable experience. Installing a Standby Generator,

Additionally, these installs typically require a variety of permits, and sorting out the codes and regulations in your particular jurisdiction can be an exercise in frustration. It’s often best to work with someone, such as your local Kohler dealer, who can help cut through the red tape and streamline the process.

Professionally installed, high quality standby generators such as Kohler 26kW Home Generator Connect to home with automatic transfer switch as part of setup. The transfer switch is connected to both the generator and the home’s main electrical panel.

The automatic transfer switch monitors the power received from the utility service. When it detects an outage, it Automatically switches power source From utility to standby generator. The process takes about 10 seconds, and doesn’t require the homeowner to do anything. The generator will continue to power the home until the transfer switch detects a signal from the utility, at which time it switches the power source back to the grid.

A blue Kohler home generator is installed near a coastal home.
Photo: Courtesy of Kohler

Just the Basics When Backing Up: Kohler 10kW Generator

KOHLER 10RESV The 5 ton air conditioner can be easily switched on and off. It will power most appliances in a small home or a few important items in a larger home, plus it offers a compact footprint for those who are short on space. Like all Kohler generators, the 12RESV Provides advanced voltage and frequency regulation to protect sensitive electronic equipment during power cuts.

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Best time to buy standby generator Depends on where you live. You’ll definitely want to have one in place before hurricane season arrives, and this, of course, varies from region to region. For example, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, install a generator before the beginning of June, when hurricane activity begins. If cold, snowy winters are common in your climate, consider purchasing a generator in late summer or early fall.

Sometimes it’s not storms but extended heat waves that can collapse power grids. If you live in an area plagued by summer blackouts or brownouts, get your generator installed before the scorching temperatures of summer arrive.

All that aside, the short answer, ultimately, is that now is the best time to install a whole-house generator, while keeping your family safe comes first in mind.

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