Generator Installation Services in Houston

Helping Customers in Harris County Independently Power Their Home

For 35+ years, Valderrama A/C & Refrigeration has been a trusted local business providing residential generator installation services in Houston. As a family-owned and operated company, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality workmanship and exceptional customer care. Our licensed electrical contractors have the expertise and experience to install reliable and efficient generators that will meet your specific needs and provide peace of mind during power outages.

Schedule a service or request a free estimate today. We can be reached at (281) 942-6587.

What Is a Standby Generator? 

A standby generator is a self-contained power unit designed to automatically activate and provide electricity to a home during power outages. As the name suggests, these generators are standing by, waiting to kick in when you need them.

These generators are typically installed outdoors and connected to the main electrical system. They are equipped with a transfer switch that automatically disconnects the building from the utility grid and connects it to the generator when a power outage occurs. 

The Difference Between Standby & Backup Generators

While both standby and backup generators serve the same purpose of providing power during outages, there are key differences. Standby generators are automatically activated, requiring minimal human intervention, as they can work for a few hours at a time when needed.

Backup (or portable) generators, on the other hand, often require manual activation. In addition to differences in activation requirements, these generators are different as: 

• Standby generators are typically larger than backup generators and have more capability to power a wider range of appliances and systems.
• Backup generators only work to provide temporary backup power. 
• Backup generators can only power appliances connected directly to the unit rather than anything on your grid. 
• Backup generators are primarily powered by fuel and can require refills when in use for extended periods.

Benefits of Having a Whole Home Generator 

Installing a generator is a good idea for the following reasons: 

• Offering protection during natural disasters and severe weather. Houston residents are no strangers to blackouts caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, thunderstorms, and other natural disasters. Homeowners can have peace of mind during these storms, as they have continued refrigeration, HVAC power, cooking capabilities, and use of electrical appliances. 
• Offering protection from power grid attacks. Generators can offer a degree of protection against cyberattacks and physical disruptions that can target the power grid.
• Having uninterrupted power even during outages. Generators can provide continuous power during planned and unplanned outages, ensuring that you don't have to worry about losing power for work, school, or other activities.

What Size Generator Do You Need for Your Home? 

When selecting a generator for your home, the most crucial factor is ensuring it can provide enough power to meet your needs. This involves determining the total wattage required to operate your appliances and devices.

You should take the following steps when choosing your generator size: 

1. Create a list of your essential appliances. Begin by listing all the essential appliances and devices you want to power with the generator. Look for the wattage rating on the appliance's label or user manual. If you can't find it, you can often find this information online. Below, we will also provide a list outlining general wattage levels. 
2. Add up the wattage. Once you have a list of appliances and their corresponding wattages, add them together to determine the total wattage you need.
3. Determine whether the generators have sufficient wattage. Based on your calculated total wattage, choose a generator with a higher wattage rating to ensure it can handle your needs. If you anticipate adding appliances or devices in the future, choose a generator with a slightly higher wattage to accommodate future needs.

You should also consider these additional tips when choosing the right generator for your home:

• Check for continuous power. Some generators offer continuous power, while others may have limitations. Ensure the generator you choose can provide the required wattage for extended periods.
• Consider fuel efficiency. If fuel efficiency is a concern, look for generators with good fuel economy.
• Consider noise levels. If noise is a factor, consider generators with quieter operation.

It is important to note that if an appliance has a motor, you will need to use the following formula to determine its total wattage needs: Running wattage (R) + Starting wattage (R x 3) = Total wattage needed. Some appliances, like air conditioners or refrigerators, also require a higher initial surge of power to start, so you should add a buffer of 20-30% to your total wattage to account for these surges. An experienced electrical contractor can help you calculate what size generator you need so you can be confident when installing a new generator. 

Here is a list of common essential appliances and their running wattages: 

• Refrigerator and freezers: 600-800 watts
• Electric stoves: 2,000-3,000 watts
• Microwave oven: 1,000-1,500 watts
• Dishwasher: 1,200-2,400 watts
• Coffee maker: 400-800 watts
• Toaster: 1,100-1,700 watts
• Hot plates: 1250 watts
• Washing machine: 400-1400 watts
• Electric dryer: 1,500-5,000 watts (depending on unit style and size)
• Water heater: 1,125-4,000 watts
• Air conditioner: 800-3,000 watts (depending on size)
• Space heater: 1,500-2,500 watts
• Sump pump: 1,500 watts
• Water pump: 1,000-2,000 watts
• Television: 100-350 watts
• Computer: 500-2,000 watts
• Routers and modems: five-20 watts
• Smart home devices: ten-50 watts each