9 Tips for Hiring a Generator Installer
2021 was a record-breaking year for Pennsylvania as far as reportable power outage events were concerned. To be such an outage event, power for 2,500 customers has to be out for six hours at most. In 2021, Pennsylvania had 63 of these events.
And experts say that things will only get worse. As the effects of climate change increase, so will the number of severe storms. And severe storms are the number one cause of power outages.
Do you want to escape the inconvenience of being without power? If so, your home is going to need a generator installer. Read on to learn nine tips about finding the right professional for you.
1. A License or Certification
Pennsylvania doesn't require workers to have a license to install a generator. However, you need to choose a licensed or certified contractor over an unlicensed or uncertified one. Such professionals have proven to respected authorities that they know their stuff.
At best, you'll want a generator contractor who is a certified generator technician. But a licensed electrician or plumber can handle the work as well. The former can hook a generator to an electrical system, and the latter can alter a gas line.
2. Experience Levels
Getting a license or certification usually requires a contractor to have some degree of experience. So you can assume that a licensed or certified contractor has experience.
Still, you must ask your generator contractor how many years they've worked. Either that or you can find this information on their site. Doing so can help you choose a more experienced technician over a less experienced one.
3. Age of Company
An older company is likely full of highly experienced technicians. But that isn't the only reason why you should search for a more senior generator installation company.
If a company has lasted for decades in a single area, it likely has stellar levels of service. It would have eventually run out of customers and business if it hadn't. Customers will only return to and recommend businesses that have good service.
4. Types of Generators
What type of generator do you want a generator contractor to install for your home? This can affect the type of generator contractors you can work with.
If a generator installation company doesn't have a certified generator technician, they should rely on a licensed plumber or electrician. The generator installation company may only have one of these.
Consider what type of generator you want a contractor to install. You then need to ensure the company has the right professionals to install that generator.
5. On Permits
Most US cities, states, and counties require generator installation permits. Anyone installing a generator will require a permit from their local government. Governments have these permits in place to keep their citizens safe.
Your contractor should take care of any permits for you. But they may not. Make sure to ask them ahead of time how they'll handle the permit process.
If they say they don't need a permit, strongly reconsider working with this contractor.
6. Insurance
Another important thing to look for on a generator contractor's site is proof of insurance. If a generator installation company has insurance, they can cover any mistakes they make. You may have to pay for a mistake if they don't.
Even the most experienced contractors can make mistakes when they install a generator. Don't risk working with a company without insurance, even if their technicians have a lot of experience. You don't want them to leave you with a broken gas pipe or electrical system.
7. Generator Maintenance
If you want your generator to last a long time, you need to hire someone for annual maintenance. The generator technician can spot and fix any issues with your generator during these appointments.
Ideally, you'd want your generator installation and maintenance contractors to be the same people. This can save you from having to perform yet another search to find a generator maintenance company. So you should choose a company that offers both installation and maintenance.
However, you can ask your generator installers if they have any recommendations for generator maintenance companies. They'll likely know some people you can work with.
8. Expected Costs
Most generator installation companies should offer you a price quote. You can use this to start planning out your budget for the installation project.
While you're getting the price quote, ask the phone operator what services make up the price quote. You should have a general idea of the costs of labor, materials, etc. This will help you get as close to the final price as possible.
Also, ask for an itemized bill. Doing so can stop more dishonest companies from putting fraudulent charges on your bill. With this bill, you can contest any strange-looking charges in court.
9. Reviews
If you want to know what working with a generator installer is like, look at the reviews for the company. Most generator contractors will place customer testimonials all over their sites. But you should look at review sites as well.
The Better Business Bureau's website is a great place to start. They're a highly respected company that takes business reviews very seriously. You can also look at sites like Yelp, Google Customer Reviews, etc.
We'll Be Your Generator Installer
Your generator will keep you and your household safe and comfortable during any power outage. But if you get the wrong generator installer, your generator won't be as reliable as you should want. You need to get the best generator installer so you can remain worry-free throughout any power disaster.
We can be that generator installer for you. We offer certified Generac home standby generator installations in northern Delaware and southern Chester County. Book your free Generac consultation today.
