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Home Standby Generators Are Getting Smarter

Technology focused on smartphones, apps, tablets, and computers continues to carve a niche in many areas of our home lives, and standby electrical power generators are no different. In this blog post, we’d like to present an overview of “smart features” that can now be found on many brands and models of permanently installed, natural gas and propane-fired home standby generators.

While much of our research presented here is based on a closer look at Generac and Kohler brand equipment, we have also looked at others, such as Honeywell and some others whose names are not as widely known.

Top ‘Smart Features’ of Home Standby Generators

According to a 2022 Associated Press study, the number of power outages in the U.S. has doubled in the past 20 years. With more and more of these incidences occurring as a result of increased extreme weather, the number of homeowners considering home standby generators as backup electrical systems is increasing, as well.

That being said, many manufacturers are integrating smart technology in these products, making it much easier and more convenient to keep tabs on them. Android and IOS compatibility is typically available on all Wi-Fi enabled models, and many brands feature optional, customized mobile apps to make monitoring and managing your home standby generator nearly effortless. Generac is known for their Mobile Link app, and Kohler’s system is based on their OnCue Plus app.

Here’s a quick look at some of the top smart features you can expect to find in new, Wi-Fi connected, home standby generators:

Manage and Control Your Generator Remotely

Wi-Fi enabled home standby generators typically provide the ability to manage and control the system remotely, as well. Features that are frequently available include managing the full load, as well as individual circuits that are connected to the generator; changing the language that the app appears in; along with routinely “exercising” the generator.

Exercising the generator refers to periodically, automatically running the unit during periods of non-operation (weekly is often recommended) to make sure it’s ready to go when needed.

You may also be able to adjust the start-delay of the generator, i.e. the time delay before the generator kicks in after the power goes down. Many units are set to automatically startup within 10 seconds of detecting a power outage, while others offer the option of setting that delay up to 30 seconds in length. In some cases, it may be preferable to wait a bit longer before the generators starts operating; in others, maybe not so much!

Other Standby Generator Smart Features

Depending on the manufacturer, there may be other smart features available, as well. Here’s a quick look at some of them:

• Voice command options (including Google and Alexa)
• Enhanced frequency modulation circuitry, achieving very low harmonic distortion in order to supply high levels of clean power to help protect sensitive home electronics
• Built-in self-diagnostic ability
• Multi-speed operation for improved efficiency and quieter operation
• Built-in battery charging capability for use with renewable energy systems
• Certain models feature variable-speed, direct current (DC) voltage design specifically for renewable energy applications. (Alternating current, AC voltage, is what our homes normally operate off of, while systems such as wind and solar are DC-based systems.)
• ”Smart grid” ready, with the capability of serving as a Distributed Energy Source, providing Virtual Power Plants. Heady stuff, please feel free to Google further!

Our electrical team at Save Home Heat is experienced installing a broad range of home standby generator brands for our customers in the Boulder-Denver metro area, and all our work is performed in strict adherence to National Electrical Code (NEC), local code, and manufacturer installation instructions.

Wi-Fi Enabled Whole-Home Electrical Service Panels, Too!

In the home electrical power field, smart standby generators are not alone. There are also whole-home electrical service panels available that provide similar Wi-Fi connectivity and control options. Smart electrical service panels allow unparalleled remote monitoring and management of all of your home’s electrical circuits, and more. Our electrical team is on top of these products, and supply our customers with complete installation services. The smart electrical panels that our team installs are built by one of the most trusted names in the electrical industry.

Please contact me to discuss my home’s electrical needs!