A First-Time Buyer’s Guide To Home Generators

A First-Time Buyer’s Guide To Home Generators

Power outages can throw off your routine, ruin perishable food, and even create safety hazards, especially in severe weather conditions. For a first-time buyer, purchasing a home generator is a smart step toward peace of mind. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the different types available to understanding the whole home generator price range.

Our goal is to help you feel confident in finding the best home power generator for your specific situation. As a company with over nine decades of experience in keeping homes comfortable, we at Aero Energy know that an informed decision is the best decision.

Why Consider a Home Generator?

Think beyond just keeping the lights on. A generator powers your essentials during an outage. This includes your refrigerator to prevent food spoilage, your heating or cooling system for safety in extreme temperatures, and your well pump for running water. It can also keep your home security system operational and allow you to charge phones and medical devices. For many, it is not a luxury but a key part of their family’s safety plan.

Types of Home Generators: Portable vs. Standby

The first big choice you will make is between the two main categories of generators.

Portable Generators:

These are mobile units that you can store in your garage and roll out when needed. They typically run on gasoline or propane and are plugged in via heavy-duty extension cords or a special transfer switch.

• Pros:
  • Lower upfront cost.
  • Versatile; can be used for camping, tailgating, or remote work sites.
• Cons:
  • Manual operation requires you to be home to set it up.
  • Not all models can power hardwired appliances like a furnace.
  • Must be operated outside and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Standby Generators:

This is what most people think of as the ideal home power generator for whole-house coverage. These are permanent units installed outside your home that automatically turn on within seconds of a power outage. They connect directly to your home’s electrical system and usually run on natural gas or propane from a large tank.

• Pros:
  • Fully automatic and seamless operation.
  • Can power your entire home or a selected set of major circuits.
  • Safe and convenient; no need to go outside in a storm.
• Cons:
  • Higher initial investment and installation cost.
  • Requires professional installation.

What Size Generator Do You Need?

Sizing is the most important technical step in buying a home generator. It is not about the physical size, but the electrical output, measured in watts.

• Portable Generators often range from 3,000 to 8,500 watts, enough to power a few necessary appliances.
• Standby Generators for whole homes typically range from 10,000 to 24,000 watts or more.

To find the right size, you need to calculate your “running watts” and “starting watts.”

• Running Watts: The continuous power needed to keep an appliance running.
• Starting Watts: The extra burst of power needed to start motors in appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners. This can be two to three times the running watts.

Add up the starting watts of the appliances you want to run simultaneously to get the total generator size you need. A professional assessment for our home generators service includes this precise calculation to make sure your system is perfectly matched to your home.

Understanding the Whole Home Generator Price

The cost can vary widely based on type, size, and installation complexity. It is helpful to think in terms of total project cost.

• Portable Generators: The unit itself can cost between $500 and $2,500. If you choose a safe connection method like a transfer switch, professional installation can add $500 to $1,500.
• Standby Generators: The whole home generator price for a complete system is higher. The unit can range from $2,000 to $5,000, with professional installation adding another $3,000 to $5,000 or more. This includes the unit, a concrete pad, and a connection to your fuel source and electrical panel.

While the sticker price for a standby system is significant, it is an investment in automatic, whole-house protection.

Key Features to Look For

When comparing models, keep an eye out for these important features:

• Automatic CO Shutoff: A necessary safety feature on many new portable models that turns the engine off if carbon monoxide builds up to dangerous levels. This is an important safeguard for your family, especially if the generator is accidentally placed too close to the house.
• Low-THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): Generators with low THD (under 5-6%) produce cleaner, more stable electricity that is safer for sensitive electronics like laptops, televisions, and gaming consoles. Inverter generators are typically the best choice for achieving low THD, protecting your devices from potential damage caused by “dirty” power.
• Electric Start: Makes starting a portable generator as easy as turning a key or pushing a button, a significant upgrade over a stubborn pull-cord. This is a huge convenience, particularly during bad weather when you need power quickly and without hassle.
• Fuel Type & Runtime: Consider fuel availability and how long the generator can run on a single tank. Propane stores indefinitely without degrading, making it more reliable for long-term storage, while gasoline typically has a shelf life of only a few months unless treated with a stabilizer. Also, look for a model with a fuel gauge, so you are not left guessing how much runtime you have left during an extended outage.

The Importance of Professional Installation and Support

Regardless of the type you choose, professional involvement is key to safety and performance. For a portable generator, an electrician can install a transfer switch to prevent dangerous backfeed into the utility lines. For a standby generator, professional installation is non-negotiable.

A certified technician will handle the complex tasks of pouring a concrete pad, connecting the fuel line, and wiring the automatic transfer switch to your electrical panel. As part of this process, scheduling regular electrical inspections can make sure your home’s entire electrical system is ready to handle backup power safely and efficiently.

We hope this guide demystifies the process of buying a home generator. Taking the time to understand your power needs, the different types of systems, and the associated costs will put you on the path to choosing the right backup power solution for your home and family.