Posted: June 17, 2024

Finding the Perfect Spot

In today’s world, where power outages can disrupt daily life and leave you in the dark, having a generator is a smart investment. Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster or simply want to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply, a generator can be a lifesaver. However, when it comes to installing a generator, one crucial question arises: how far should it be from your house?

The answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Several factors come into play when determining the ideal placement for a generator, including safety, noise considerations, and local building codes. When you trust the experts at Ace-Robbins to install your generator, they’ll make sure you have the right generator for your home and that it’s optimally placed.

Generator Placement: Factors to Consider

Here are some of the factors that affect generator placement:

• Safety: First and foremost, safety should be your top priority. Generators emit carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large quantities. Therefore, it’s essential to place the generator far enough from your house to prevent carbon monoxide from seeping indoors. The general rule of thumb is to keep the generator at least 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows. This distance minimizes the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and ensures the safety of you and your family.
• Flammable Materials: Additionally, consider the proximity of flammable materials to the generator. Keep it away from combustible items such as dry leaves, woodpiles, or propane tanks to prevent the risk of fire. Clearing the area around the generator will create a safe zone and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
• Noise: Noise pollution is another factor to take into account when choosing the generator’s placement. Generators can be noisy, especially during operation. Placing the generator too close to your home can result in disruptive noise levels, making it uncomfortable for you and your family. To minimize noise disturbances, position the generator as far away from living areas as possible. If feasible, consider installing a soundproof enclosure around the generator to reduce noise levels further.
• Regulations: Local regulations and building codes may dictate specific requirements for generator placement. Before installing a generator, check with your municipality or homeowners association to ensure compliance with local ordinances. Some areas may have zoning restrictions or setback requirements that dictate how far the generator must be from your home and property lines. The professionals at Ace-Robbins are familiar with all such regulations.
• Practicality: In addition to safety and regulatory considerations, practicality should also guide your decision-making process. Accessibility for maintenance and refueling is essential when selecting the generator’s location. Choose a spot that allows easy access for technicians to perform routine maintenance and repairs without encountering obstacles.
• Aesthetics: Furthermore, consider the aesthetic impact of the generator’s placement. While functionality is paramount, you also want the generator to blend seamlessly into your outdoor space. Concealing the generator behind landscaping or fencing can minimize its visual impact while still ensuring functionality.

Finding the perfect spot for your generator requires careful consideration of safety, noise, regulations, and practicality. By keeping the generator at a safe distance from your home, minimizing noise disturbances, adhering to local regulations, and ensuring accessibility, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a reliable power backup system.

The professionals at Ace-Robbins can help you select the optimal location for your generator—it’s a decision that will make all the difference when the lights go out.

Weather the Storm with a Generator from Ace-Robbins

If you’re in Clarks Summit, Towanda, or Lake Winola in Eastern Pennsylania, let Ace-Robbins help you get peace of mind with a Generac whole-house generator. Our service technicians will expertly install it and the propane tank for it as well. Finally, we’ll provide reliable propane delivery so you never have to worry that your generator won’t be ready to perform for you in the event of a power outage.

Contact Ace-Robbins today to learn more or to get started on having complete peace of mind.