How to Properly Prepare for and Install Generators

By Kris Wilson, Owner, A-American Electric

Soon after Helene hit Western North Carolina, A-American Electric got hundreds of calls from people needing generators hooked up. What most people don’t know is that it’s not that easy if you are not already set up for a generator. If you tie a generator into your home’s wiring without a proper transfer switch, you have the potential to back-feed power onto the utility grid. By doing this, you may be sending voltage down the line toward linemen who are trying to restore power, and the result can cause serious injury. To prevent this, you must have an approved transfer switch to disconnect your home from the grid before tying in the generator.

There are typically two types of transfer switches. One is automatic and one is manual. The automatic setup transfers power to your generator by simply sensing that you have lost power. This type of generator is usually more expensive, is fueled by propane or natural gas, and requires a maintenance agreement. The other option is a manual setup. This is less expensive than the automatic setup, but it requires some action by the homeowner to get the generator to power up the home. It is still a good, affordable option with some flexibility when the power is out.

If you have any questions, our service team will be glad to help guide you toward the best option.

Go to a-americanelectric.com or call (828) 684-7560.

Winter might seem like a quiet time for landscaping, but it’s the perfect season to get ahead on projects that will enhance the beauty, functionality and safety of your outdoor space.

Winter is an ideal time to plan and install hardscape features that bring year-round value to your property. From elegant patios and walkways to sturdy retaining walls, hardscapes create visual interest and functional spaces for outdoor enjoyment. Whether you’re envisioning a firepit for cozy winter evenings or a retaining wall to manage slopes and erosion, now is the time to make it happen.

Shorter days don’t have to mean darker nights. With professional landscape lighting, you can showcase the charm of your outdoor space while enhancing safety. Strategically placed lighting not only highlights architectural and landscape features but also provides illumination for pathways, steps and driveways.

Winter is the season for dormancy pruning — a critical step to ensure the health and vigor of your trees and shrubs. By carefully removing dead, diseased and overgrown branches, our experts promote robust growth when spring arrives. It’s a proactive way to set your greenery up for success in the months ahead.

Fresh mulch or pine straw isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a protective layer for your plants during the winter months. By insulating the soil, mulch and pine straw help regulate temperature, retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Preparing your landscape in the winter is crucial for a healthy, thriving yard all year long. Protect your lawn with pre-emergent treatments to stop weeds before they sprout, and give your garden a head start with preseason fertilization and herbicides for a lush, healthy landscape.

Start the new year with a landscape that’s as safe, functional and beautiful as it can be. 

Call (866) 455-LAWN (5296) or visit bhglandscapes.com.