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The Homeowner's Guide to Choosing a Generator

Vance Electric • Apr 12, 2021

Considering a generator but not sure how to pick one? Learn everything you need to know about choosing a generator in our homeowner's guide today.

Are you afraid of the day that your power goes out and you're left unprepared to deal with the power outage? Do you find peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for any situation nature throws at you?


If so, then you need help in choosing a generator. Investing in a home generator is the only way to ensure your family is protected during an outage without having to hit the panic button. They give you much-needed energy until the power comes back, however long that may take.



See below for an in-depth guide on how to find the right generator for your residential property today.

Find the Perfect Size

Put yourself in Goldilocks shoes for a moment. If she were searching for a generator to power her home, she'd be looking for something that's "just right."


If the generator is too small, then it won't power all of the appliances and functions of your house that you deem necessary. If it's too large, you're wasting money on a generator size that you don't need.


So... how do you pick the right size? Only you can answer that question! We'll provide you with the info, you use this insight to choose the right size for your generator needs. Here's a bit of information on each:


  • Recreational Generator: Offers up to 2,000 watts. Generally used for recreational activities such as camping, RVing, and the like. Has enough wattage to power a fridge, a few lights, one TV, a computer, and a charger for your phone.
  • Mid Sized Generator: Gives you up to 3,500 watts. Can power a refrigerator, home security system, phone charger, laptop, and up to 10 lights at a time. In place of some of those, it can also provide power for a small AC unit or space heater to control the climate.
  • Large Generator: Gives you up to 7,500 watts. You can power a plethora of things such as a home security system, up to 10 lights, laptop, phone charger, fridge, portable AC unit, furnace, and sump pump. It can also give you power for your electric stove and dishwasher.



At first, you might think the choice is a no-brainer. But remember, there's also the price to consider, and the price ranges vary by size and wattage. Let's cover that next...

Consider Your Budget

First off, let's consider this: choosing a generator is a long-term investment. Though you may not use it right away, it can be a life-saving benefit the next time you experience an emergency. 


That said, you can find your dream home generator at a great price. Remember that the goal here isn't to find the lowest price, it's to find the highest return on your investment over time.


That means looking for the right size, a trusted brand, positive online reviews, high-quality generator installation/repair (like us!), and so on.


All of this should start with you creating a budget. This will offer you more accountability as you shop for the generator you want. Once you have a budget to follow, you'll be able to filter out options and make an educated choice on the legitimate options you have.



Make sure your budget is realistic. Once you know the size of the generator you want, do some research on how much they go for when new or used. 

Increase the Durability of Your Generator

Did you know that a home generator can last up to 3,000 hours? That means you could run it for a collective 4 months without ever having to replace it. 


That said, some generators only last 1,500 hours before dying out. What's the difference? The quality of installation and maintenance. Like all other investments, a generator should be repaired and maintained by a trained expert. 

Be sure to take the time and find a trusted generator repair service near you. Doing so can help you extend the life of your generator and give you the highest ROI possible. 



Anytime you see the signs of it wearing out, you can give them a call, such as:

  • Issues with the fuel or oil
  • Low coolant in the generator
  • Frequent overheating 
  • Loud roaring or noises when the generator is in use
  • Frequent battery failure
  • Tripped circuits
  • Poor installation by the initial service you hired

Purchase a Standby Generator for Commercial Needs

If you're a residential property owner, then you might choose between a portable or standby generator. However, if you're a business owner, then the choice is clear!


There's too much at stake to not invest in a standby generator. One power outage can put your entire business operations behind, costing you revenue and clients. 


Commercial standby generators are made with business owners in mind. They can produce up to 250kw. We offer either diesel or gaseous generators, depending on your budget and preference.


Not sure which one is right for you? We're happy to help. We'll help you find the perfect fit for your needs to ensure your company's future is protected without breaking the budget. 



If you need even more power, we can also offer industrial commercial generators to ensure that your manufacturing and labor needs are met in the direst of situations.

Choosing a Generator: Find the Perfect Fit

Everyone's needs are different. Use this in-depth guide to help you when choosing a generator for your residential property.



Of course, commercial owners aren't the only ones that can benefit from a standby generator. Be sure to read this article for reasons that you might need a standby home generator.


We're happy to answer any questions. Be sure to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further.

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