A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Denver EV Charger Installation
Have you embraced the electric vehicle trend that's sweeping the nation? Or are you planning to make the switch very soon? If so, you should make your next home improvement project an electric vehicle charging station. There are a TON of reasons to invest in Denver EV charger installation services, but many homeowners don't know what to expect throughout the process.
At My Electric Home, we specialize in many whole home electrification projects, and we prioritize homeowner education at every turn. We're here to help you understand the residential installation process for electric vehicle charging stations so you can navigate the project with ease.
Why Add an EV Charging Station to Your Property?
While it depends on the exact model of car that you have, many electric vehicles can drive over 300 miles on a single charge. But, sooner or later, you'll need to recharge your vehicle, and that means you need to find and drive to a charging station. And that comes with many downsides:
Convenience & Distance – Public charging stations are less common than gas stations, so you may need to drive out of your way to find a suitable charger. So, you really can't beat the convenience of an at-home EV charger.
Time – When you arrive at a public station, there may be a line of cars ahead of you, and depending on the type of charger, you may need to wait up to an hour, or several hours to get a full charge. You won't need to think about these time considerations when you own a private charging station.
Costs – At public EV chargers, the average costs per kilowatt hour (kWh) range from $0.30-$0.60. However, when you charge your car at home, that cost is significantly lower, avg is $.14, or overnight closer to $.07.
Simply put: it's easier, more convenient, and more cost-effective to re-charge your electric vehicle at home. For those reasons (and many others), it's a good idea to upgrade your home in Denver with electric vehicle charger installation services.
How to Add an EV Charger in your Garage
While it's possible to handle some home electrification projects on your own like LED light bulb upgrades or sealing air leaks in your home, you should not install an EV station by yourself. These electrical improvements can be very complicated, especially since they route directly into your existing electrical systems and power sources. They must always be handled, managed, and coordinated by a licensed and experienced home electrification professional.
These specialists understand how to skillfully navigate the process, develop custom plans for your unique property needs, and ensure optimal performance for your charging station. They'll help guide you through every step and make appropriate recommendations along the way. Here are the main steps you can expect throughout your Denver EV charger installation project.
1. Assess the Installation Area & Electrical Panel
First things first: your home electrification specialist will need to visit your home to determine the optimal location for your charger. That location will need to be easily accessible and close to your electrical panel, but also well-protected from the elements and clear of any obstacles that could interfere with the installation process. The garage tends to be the best place to install this station, but that isn't always the case for every home.
In addition, your home electrification pro will need to evaluate the current capacities of your electrical panel. An electric vehicle charging station will put significant strain on your panel, so it needs to have a dedicated circuit breaker for that station. The wiring will also need to be rated for the amperage of the charger. If your specialist determines that the panel cannot handle the additional electrical demands, you may need to upgrade your panel or add a sub-panel.
2. Compare Chargers & Select the Right One
There are three types of EV chargers available on the market today (Level 1, Level 2, and Fast Chargers), but only two options are suitable for residential settings. This is because the fast chargers use DC (Direct Current) and residential buildings operate on the grid, where only AC power is available.
Level 1 chargers rely on a standard 120-volt household outlet and can take up to 24 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle. Because level 2 chargers use 240-volt outlets, they can fully charge most cars within 4-6 hours. The right type of station will depend on your needs and budget, and your electrical specialist will help you compare your options in greater detail.
3. Install The Station
Once all the details are checked and the plan has been made with your home electrification specialist, they will proceed with coordinating the installation of your charger. You can expect your Denver EV charger installation to take roughly 2-3 hours to complete.
They'll mount the charger to the wall or pedestal, run and connect the wiring to the panel, and turn on the power. Once the charger is connected, your specialist will thoroughly test the system to ensure everything is working correctly and power is flowing at optimal levels.
4. Apply for Rebates
Once the setup is completed, your electric vehicle charger installation may be eligible for many local rebates and programs to help you save on your home electrification project. For instance, Xcel Energy offers home wiring rebates for Level 2 chargers that can help you save hundreds.
At My Electric Home, our team will help you find all applicable rebates for your new charging station and apply for each one to maximize your savings. We are passionate about home electrification, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you.
Get Started on Your Denver EV Charger Installation
If you're ready to embrace charging technology at home, we can help at My Electric Home. We promise to take the time to get to know you and your needs, provide educational resources and recommendations, and help you find the best EV charger for your property. We will pull all the necessary permits, coordinate the installation with locally vetted and licensed electricians, and find ways to save you money on your home's EV charger installation.
Contact My Electric Home today to take the first step on your electric vehicle charger installation.