Should You Install Generator at Home? Pros & Cons Explained
admin • June 19, 2017

Get in Touch With us Today!

generator-installation

A lot of people in this country would probably like to have a generator installed on their property. They’re pretty convenient things to have, after all. However, having one installed on your property is also a pretty big investment. Before you make the decision to install one for your home, you should consider the pros and cons of doing so. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might want to install a generator.

You Live in an Area With a Spotty Power Grid

Unfortunately, infrastructure of all kinds throughout the country is not in the best shape. This includes the power grid, which is in dire need of upgrading and will often fail in some locations. If you happen to live in an area that experiences frequent power outages due to an unreliable power grid, it might be a good idea to consider installing a generator on your property. It won’t prevent all of the inconvenience caused by a power outage, but at least you won’t have to sit in the dark and wait for the lights to come back on.

You Need Constant Power

For most people, the occasional loss of power is never anything more than an inconvenience. Not everyone is in that position, though. For some, like those with electrical servers or sensitive medical equipment, a power loss of even a few minutes can spell disaster. If you’re in that kind of position, it’s definitely a good idea to invest in a generator for those times when the power cuts out. You can even get a generator powerful enough to keep everything operating for hours or days at a time, ensuring that none but the most severe outages will be able to cause a meaningful interruption in power.

You’re Concerned About Safety

Power outages present a number of safety concerns, both minor and not so minor. The most common issue with power outages is that it can be dangerous to walk around in the dark in your home. You don’t want to fall and hurt yourself after all. The second issue is that a power outage presents temptations and opportunities for others of a less scrupulous nature. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity, which means that by keeping your lights on you might be able to dissuade someone who might otherwise think it a good idea to try something illegal.

You Just Want to Avoid Obnoxious Power Outages!

Even if you don’t have concerns like those listed above, it’s perfectly okay to want to avoid the terrible inconvenience of power outages. Some areas can experience power outages for hours every year, which is more than enough justification to install a generator if you have the money and space for one. Consult with a professional about whether or not a generator would be right for your home.

Anderson Electric Corp. offers a full range of generator services throughout Wayne, NJ. If you need a generator installed, repaired, maintained, or replaced, we can help you out. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.  

Anderson Electric electrician testing electrical panel with a multimeter, wires visible, indoor sett
By George Anderson August 15, 2025
What’s Included in a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection? Summer in New Jersey means rising temperatures — and rising electrical usage. Between air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, EV chargers, and outdoor appliances, your home’s electrical system will be working overtime. That’s why now is the perfect time for a comprehensive electrical safety inspection . At Anderson Electric, we help homeowners prepare for the heat by identifying potential risks, fixing hidden issues, and making sure their system is up to code before the busy season begins. Here’s what’s included — and why it matters. Why Get an Electrical Inspection Before Summer? Even if your lights seem fine and your panel isn’t tripping, your system could be under silent strain. Summer adds demand and environmental exposure (like humidity or storms) that can stress aging wires and overloaded circuits. Benefits of a seasonal inspection include: Preventing outages during peak usage Protecting your family from fire hazards Avoiding costly emergency repairs Ensuring your HVAC and appliances run efficiently 💡 Related: Is Your Electrical System Ready for Summer in NJ? → What We Check During a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection 1. Electrical Panel Evaluation We open your main service panel to: Check breaker condition and labeling Look for signs of overheating, rust, or loose wires Evaluate if your panel is properly sized for your summer load (especially important if you’ve added AC units or EV chargers) If your panel is outdated or underpowered, we’ll recommend options for a safe 200-amp panel upgrade . 🔌 Read: 5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in NJ → 2. GFCI and Outdoor Outlet Testing GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are essential outdoors and near water — and they should be tested monthly. We’ll: Test GFCIs for fast, reliable shutoff Inspect weatherproof covers and boxes Look for corrosion or loose connections Faulty GFCIs are one of the most common summer hazards near pools and patios. 💡 See our blog: Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips for Summer → 3. HVAC and Cooling Circuit Review Your air conditioner is likely the biggest electrical draw during summer. We’ll inspect: HVAC circuit wiring Disconnect box Breaker capacity Voltage drops when the system powers on We also look for warning signs like dimming lights or buzzing sounds that could indicate overloaded circuits or failing connections. 4. Surge Protection Assessment We check whether your system has adequate protection from lightning or utility surges — which are common during NJ storms. If not, we may recommend a whole-home surge protector , which is installed directly at your panel to shield your entire system. âš¡ Learn more: Why Surge Protection Is Essential in NJ → 5. Grounding and Bonding Verification Proper grounding is key to protecting people and equipment during faults or surges. We verify: Ground rod connections Neutral and ground separation in subpanels Proper bonding of water/gas lines Missing or faulty grounding is a major safety issue — and often goes unnoticed until there’s a serious problem. 6. Smoke Detector and CO Alarm Checks We test hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure: Power supply is stable Batteries are functional Units are still within their service life For families spending more time indoors with windows closed and AC running, reliable CO detection is essential. Where We Offer Inspections in New Jersey Anderson Electric proudly serves: Montclair West Orange Livingston Caldwell Verona Bloomfield And surrounding areas Our licensed electricians know local codes, township regulations, and the unique needs of NJ homes. FAQs: Summer Electrical Inspections in NJ How long does an electrical safety inspection take? Most inspections take 60–90 minutes, depending on the size of your home and system complexity. Do I need one every year? We recommend seasonal inspections — especially before summer and winter, when electrical demand peaks. Is an inspection required by law? Not typically, but if you're selling your home or making upgrades (like a new HVAC system), a current inspection may be required for permitting. What if something fails the inspection? We'll provide a clear report with recommendations. You’re not obligated to make upgrades, but we can complete repairs as needed — often the same day. Will this inspection help with insurance? Yes. Many insurers appreciate proof of proactive maintenance and may lower premiums for updated panels or smoke detectors. Keep Cool and Safe This Summer Your family’s comfort and safety shouldn’t be left to chance. Get ahead of potential issues and enjoy a stress-free season with a professional summer electrical inspection from Anderson Electric. 👉 Book Your Electrical Safety Inspection Today →
Anderson Electric electrician inspecting a generator next to an air conditioning unit outdoors.
By George Anderson August 8, 2025
Summer storms in New Jersey can knock out your power fast. Learn why now is the right time to install a backup generator with help from Anderson Electric.
Outdoor electrical outlet outside of New Jersey home.
By George Anderson July 14, 2025
Planning outdoor fun this summer in NJ? Learn how to safely use outdoor outlets, lighting, and appliances with expert tips from Anderson Electric.
A man is using a multimeter to test an electrical box in a residential home in New Jersey.
By George Anderson July 7, 2025
Protect your New Jersey home from lightning strikes and power surges with a whole-home surge protector. Learn the benefits and how installation works.
Electrician is working on an electrical panel in New Jersey.
By George Anderson June 16, 2025
Noticing flickering lights or tripped breakers? Discover 5 signs your NJ home needs an electrical panel upgrade — and how Anderson Electric can help.
An electrician with a toolbox arrives to help with electrical issues in New Jersey home.
By George Anderson June 2, 2025
Get your home’s electrical system ready for summer in Montclair, NJ. Learn expert tips from Anderson Electric to avoid outages, overloads, and safety risks.
Show More