How to Choose the Right Backup Generator for Your Home

When the lights go out, everything changes. Suddenly, everyday tasks become impossible. The fridge warms up, screens go dark, and the silence feels heavy. That's when you realize how much you rely on electricity—and how vital it is to keep your family safe and comfortable.

At Lew Sader Electric, we know the pressure of preparing for storms, outages, and the unexpected. We’ve helped countless homeowners choose, install, and maintain backup generators. Here’s what you need to know before you invest in your own peace of mind.

Types of Home Backup Generators ⚡

Not all generators are created equal. Choosing the right one is like picking the right shoes for a hike—some are built for quick sprints, others for the long haul.

Portable Generators

Portable units are like the spare tire in your car: handy in an emergency, but not a permanent solution. They’re typically powered by gasoline or propane and can be moved where you need them. These generators are great for short outages or powering a handful of essentials—think refrigerator, lights, and phone charger.

Pros:

• Affordable upfront cost
• Easy to move and store
• Quick to set up

Cons:

• Limited capacity (can’t power your whole house)
• Manual operation (must be started and refueled)
• Require extension cords and careful setup

Standby Generators

A standby generator is the workhorse—always waiting, always ready. Installed permanently outside your home, it connects directly to your electrical panel and starts automatically when the power goes out. Most use natural gas or propane.

Pros:

• Powers most or all home circuits
• Starts automatically—no fumbling in the dark
• Reliable for extended outages

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Professional installation required
• Needs regular maintenance

Fuel Options

Think of fuel like the food that keeps your generator going. The common choices are:

• Gasoline: Easy to find, but not ideal for long-term storage.
• Propane: Burns cleanly, stores well, and is widely available.
• Natural Gas: Connects to your home’s existing gas line—no refueling needed, but not available everywhere.
• Diesel: Long shelf life, but generators are typically larger and noisier.

Consider what’s available near you during storms or emergencies. Some neighborhoods lose gas service during outages, so a dual-fuel model can be a smart hedge.

How to Size a Generator

Sizing a generator is like packing for a trip. Too little, and you’ll leave essentials behind; too much, and you’ll carry unnecessary weight (and expense).

Find Your Home’s Power Needs

Start with a list of what you can’t live without during an outage. Typical essentials:

• Refrigerator & freezer
• Furnace or space heater
• Sump pump
• Well pump
• Lights
• Medical devices
• Phone and internet modem

Check the labels on these appliances for wattage. Add up the running watts. Then, add the highest starting wattage (some appliances use more power to start than to run).

Example:

• Refrigerator: 700 running / 2200 starting watts
• Sump pump: 800 running / 1300 starting watts
• Lights: 400 watts
• Router & modem: 50 watts
  Total (with one high starting load): ~2950 running, ~4500 starting watts

Allow for Growth

Homes change. You might add a freezer or upgrade your HVAC. Add at least 10–20% to your total to avoid future headaches.

Whole-House or Essentials-Only?

• Essentials-only: Portable or small standby units (3,000–7,500 watts)
• Whole-house: Larger standby generators (10,000–20,000+ watts)

A certified emergency electrician can perform a load calculation and recommend the right size. Fault Finding near you can also help spot hidden loads that could trip your system.

Installation and Maintenance Basics 🛠️

A generator isn’t just a plug-and-play appliance. Think of it like a new heart for your home’s electrical system. Safe installation is key.

Site Selection

• Place generators outdoors—never in a garage or basement (carbon monoxide risk).
• Keep at least five feet from windows, doors, and vents.
• Mount on a level, flood-resistant surface.

Transfer Switches

A transfer switch is the traffic cop for your home’s electricity. It prevents dangerous backfeeding into utility lines, which can injure workers and neighbors. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires transfer switches for standby generators.

Regular Maintenance

• Run the generator monthly for 15–30 minutes.
• Change oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Replace air filters and spark plugs annually.
• Check fuel and battery levels before storm season.

When to Call a Professional

DIY can be tempting, but home wiring is as tricky as a maze. One wrong turn, and you risk injury, fire, or code violations.

Call an Emergency Electrician If:

• You need to connect a generator to your home’s electrical panel.
• There’s any sign of damaged wiring or unusual smells.
• You need help with transfer switch installation.
• You want to ensure code compliance and inspection.

A licensed professional will:

• Assess your home’s unique needs
• Handle permits and inspections
• Test the system for safety and reliability
• Provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety after installation

Don’t gamble with your safety or insurance coverage.

Practical Tips for Generator Owners

• Store extra fuel safely, away from living spaces.
• Invest in carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
• Test your generator before every storm season.
• Keep a flashlight and manual handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a standby generator run during an outage?

Most standby units can run as long as they have fuel—often for days. Propane tanks may need refilling; natural gas units can run indefinitely if supply isn’t interrupted.

Can I power my whole house with a portable generator?

Not safely. Portable generators are best for essentials. Overloading can trip breakers or damage appliances.

Is a permit required for generator installation?

Yes. Most local codes require permits and inspections for permanent installations. Always check with your municipality or a licensed electrician.

What about noise?

Portable generators can be as loud as a lawnmower. Standby units are quieter, but placement and enclosure matter. Check manufacturer specs for decibel ratings.

Local and Seasonal Considerations 🌧️

Storm season means more frequent outages. In some regions, ice storms or hurricanes knock out power for days. If you live in an area with frequent severe weather, a standby generator is often the safest choice.

Cold climates? Make sure your generator has a cold weather kit to prevent hard starting and freezing. Hot, humid zones? Watch for corrosion and keep air vents clear.

References

• National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines for generator installation
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission—Generator safety tips
• Manufacturer’s manuals (always follow specific maintenance schedules)

Ready for peace of mind?
Call Lew Sader Electric now — or reach us anytime at  888-851-5284 .