How to Choose the Best Home Generator for Your Needs

Dustin Streetman

October 1st, 2024

Power outages never happen at a convenient time, do they? Whether it’s a storm, a grid failure, or just bad luck, losing electricity can throw everything off balance. But imagine this: instead of scrambling in the dark, your home stays bright, your food stays fresh, and life continues as usual—all thanks to the right home generator.

Now, you might wonder, “How do I even begin choosing the best generator for my home?” With so many options out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’re here to break it down for you. From understanding your power needs to picking the right type and fuel source, this guide will help you find the perfect generator to keep your home running smoothly when the lights go out.

Understanding Your Power Needs

Before you even look at different types of generators, it’s crucial to figure out how much power your home actually needs. You don’t want to buy a generator that’s too small and can’t keep your essentials running, but you also don’t want to overspend on a machine that’s more powerful than you’ll ever need.

Start by making a list of the appliances and devices you absolutely can’t live without during an outage. This could include your refrigerator, heating or cooling system, lights, and maybe your internet router if you work from home. Each of these items has a specific power rating, measured in watts.

Why Standby Generators are the Ultimate Choice for Home Power

When it comes to ensuring your home stays powered during an outage, nothing beats the reliability and convenience of a standby generator. These generators are permanently installed outside your home and connect directly to your electrical system, making them an ideal long-term solution for continuous power supply.

Automatic Operation

One of the standout features of standby generators is their ability to kick in automatically when the power goes out. Unlike portable generators requiring manual operation, standby generators sense the outage and switch on without any intervention. This means you can go about your day—or night—without worrying about restarting or refueling the machine. With a standby generator, your home stays powered effortlessly.

Fuel Efficiency and Continuous Power

Most standby generators run on natural gas or propane, which are efficient and readily available fuel sources. If your home already has a natural gas line, a standby generator can seamlessly integrate with your existing setup, eliminating the need for frequent refueling. With their larger fuel capacities, these generators can run for extended periods, providing continuous power even during prolonged outages.

Seamless Integration with Your Home

Another advantage of standby generators is their ability to power your entire home. From essential appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning units to lights and security systems, a standby generator can handle all your power needs. It’s not just a stop-gap solution—it’s a reliable source of power that ensures your home functions normally, regardless of external conditions.

Low Maintenance and Professional Installation

Standby generators require professional installation to ensure they’re safely connected to your home’s electrical system. Once installed, they require minimal maintenance compared to other types of generators. Regular inspections and occasional servicing—such as oil changes and part replacements—are all that’s needed to keep your generator in optimal condition. Many service providers, like Anderson Power Services, offer maintenance packages to ensure your standby generator is always ready when you need it.

What Fuel Type Should You Choose?

Now, let’s talk fuel. Generators can run on various fuels, and each option has its pros and cons.

• Gasoline: Probably the easiest fuel to find, but it has a short shelf life and may be hard to come by in the event of a long-term power outage.
• Diesel: More fuel-efficient than gasoline, but diesel generators are typically noisier and heavier.
• Propane: A clean-burning option with a longer shelf life, but you’ll need to store propane tanks on your property.
• Natural Gas: This can be a great option if your home already has a natural gas line since you won’t have to worry about fuel storage.

Must-Have Features to Look For

Okay, so you’ve figured out your power needs, picked your generator type, and chosen your fuel. Now, what features should you be looking for?

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

This is a must if you’re going for a standby generator. The ATS automatically switches your home from the utility power to generator power when an outage occurs. You won’t even notice the transition—it’s that smooth.

Noise Level

The last thing you want during a power outage is a generator that sounds like a lawnmower in your backyard. Look for models that offer quiet operation, especially if you live in a densely populated area.

Run Time

How long can the generator run on a single tank of fuel? If you live in an area prone to long outages, you’ll want something that can last at least a day or more without refueling.

Weather Resistance 

If you’re going with a standby generator, it’s going to live outside. Make sure it’s built to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Budget: What’s It Going to Cost?

Generators are available at a range of prices, so finding the right balance between cost and reliability is key. Depending on size and features, portable generators typically range from $500 to $2,500. Standby generators, like those from Generac, can start around $3,000 and go up to $10,000 or more, especially when installing costs are added.

It’s also important to factor in ongoing maintenance. Standby generators need annual servicing to stay in top condition. Anderson Power Services offers reliable maintenance packages to extend the life of your generator, giving you peace of mind and great value for your investment.

Installation and Maintenance: Don’t Skimp Here

When installing a standby generator, this isn’t something you want to tackle on your own. You’ll need a professional to handle everything—from the wiring to the setup—to ensure it’s done safely and correctly. A properly installed generator will not only run more efficiently, but it’ll also last longer and give you peace of mind during an outage.

Plus, maintenance is key! home generators, much like cars, need regular care to stay in top condition. Routine inspections, oil changes, and part replacements are essential. If you’re searching for a “Generac service dealer near me”, we’ve got you covered. Anderson Power Services can handle both the installation and ongoing maintenance, so your generator is always ready to kick in when the power goes out.

Ready to Power Up?

Choosing the right home generator might seem like a big decision, but with a little research and the right team on your side, it’s totally manageable. If you’re wondering, “Where is the best Generac dealer near me?” worry no more. Reach out to us at Anderson Power Services. Whether you need help picking the perfect model or professional installation, we’ve got you covered.