How to Select a Generator for a Home

The demand for home standby generators has grown significantly in recent years as more homeowners understand the importance of reliable backup power solutions. Power outages can be unpredictable and disruptive, affecting everything from heating and cooling to refrigeration and security systems. This has led to more and more homeowners wondering how to select a generator for a home. With a permanent home generator installed, homeowners know they can maintain power during storms, grid failures, or other emergencies without interruption.

Why Should You Consider a Home Generator?

A home generator provides a dependable power source when your local utility fails. Whether caused by severe weather, infrastructure issues, or rolling blackouts, power outages can leave you without essential services for hours or even days. A permanent home generator is an excellent investment for homeowners who want to avoid the inconvenience and risks of losing power.

Some of the key benefits of installing a home generator include:

• Automatic operation – Standby generators detect outages and activate within seconds, restoring power without any manual effort.
• Seamless fuel supply – These systems connect to existing natural gas or propane lines, eliminating the need for refueling.
• Whole-home or partial backup options – Homeowners can choose a generator that powers the entire home or only essential appliances, depending on their needs.
• Peace of mind – A home generator guarantees that refrigerators, medical devices, heating and cooling systems, and security features remain operational during an outage.

A home standby generator is a reliable way to maintain comfort and safety when unexpected power failures occur.

How to Select a Generator for a Home

Choosing the right generator for a home requires careful consideration of factors such as power capacity, fuel type, and automation features. In this article, our backup generator experts will give you all the information you need to choose the right home generator to fit your needs.

How Much Power Does Your Home Require?

Selecting the right generator starts with determining how much power your home needs. Generators come in many sizes, measured in kilowatts (kW), and understanding your household’s energy consumption will help you choose the correct capacity.

Understanding Home Generator Sizes

Home generators range from smaller 10kW units capable of running essential appliances to large 30kW+ generators that can power an entire home. The right size depends on what you want to keep running during an outage.

To determine your power requirements, follow these steps:

• List essential appliances – Identify which devices and systems you want powered during an outage (e.g., refrigerator, HVAC, lights, sump pump, Wi-Fi router, etc.).
• Check power ratings – Look at the wattage requirements for each appliance. These can typically be found in user manuals or on appliance labels.
• Add the total wattage – Sum the wattage of all essential appliances. Be sure to account for starting wattage, as some appliances (like air conditioners) require extra power when they start.
• Convert to kilowatts – Divide the total wattage by 1,000 to get the estimated kilowatt capacity needed for your generator.

For example, if your total wattage requirement is 12,000 watts (12kW), you’ll need at least a 12kW generator. If you want the flexibility to power additional appliances, consider sizing up to a 15kW or 20kW generator.

Explore Home Generators with Automatic Operation

Unlike portable generators, which require manual setup and fueling, home standby generators are permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical system. This allows them to provide:

• Outage detection – The generator’s transfer switch monitors the power supply and detects when an outage occurs.
• Instant activation – Within seconds, the generator starts and transfers power to your home.
• Continuous operation – The generator will continue running for as long as needed, keeping your home powered.
• Seamless transition – Once grid power is restored, the system automatically shuts down and switches back to utility power.

This hands-free functionality means you never have to step outside during a storm or emergency to start your generator. Plus, with permanent home generators tied into existing fuel lines, there’s no need for manual refueling, making them a hassle-free power solution.

Tri-State Water, Power & Air Offers Premium Home Generators

At Tri-State Water, Power & Air, we have decades of experience helping homeowners choose the right standby power solutions. Our team of professionals assists with everything from selecting the right generator size to expert installation and ongoing maintenance. We take pride in providing top-quality products, professional service, and long-term reliability.

Our home standby generator options include:

KOHLER Generators for a Homes

KOHLER generators are known for their premium engineering, reliability, and quiet operation. These units are built with commercial-grade engines, providing consistent power output for homes of all sizes.

Some of the factors that set KOHLER generators apart from the competition include:

• Fast power restoration – KOHLER standby generators detect outages and restore power within 10 seconds.
• Corrosion-resistant enclosures – They are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Quiet operation – Sound-dampening features reduce noise levels.
• Advanced monitoring – Remote system monitoring is available for added convenience.

KOHLER generators come in assorted sizes, from 10kW to 38kW, offering reliable backup power tailored to your household’s needs.

Generac Generators for Reliable Backup Power

Generac is a leading name in the home generator industry, offering high-performance and fuel-efficient standby generators. These systems provide exceptional backup power with advanced smart features.

Generac generators offer:

• Automatic load management – This feature prioritizes essential appliances during an outage.
• Remote monitoring – This allows homeowners to check system status via a mobile app.
• Quiet-Test^™ mode – Enjoy reduced noise and fuel consumption during routine self-checks.
• Weather-resistant design – They are built to endure harsh conditions.

With models ranging from 10kW to 50kW, Generac generators provide scalable solutions for homeowners looking for whole-home or partial backup power.

We Provide Flawless Home Generator Installation Services

Tri-State Water, Power & Air offers professional installation services and will ensure that your generator operates at peak efficiency. Our team will carefully evaluate your property to determine the best placement and configuration for your generator. We’ll handle every step of the installation process, from wiring and fuel line connections to system testing and final inspections.

Once installation is completed, we’ll conduct a thorough system test to confirm that your generator is ready to deliver backup power when needed. Our skilled technicians will be available to answer any questions and provide guidance on how to operate and monitor your new generator.

Regular Home Generator Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential if you want to keep your permanent home generator in top condition. Tri-State Water, Power & Air offers comprehensive maintenance services, including:

• System inspections – Checking for wear, leaks, and component performance.
• Battery testing – Ensuring reliable startup capability.
• Fuel line and connection checks – Identifying potential issues.
• Load testing – Simulating power outages to verify system functionality.

By scheduling regular maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your generator and avoid unexpected failures during emergencies.

Now That You Know How to Select a Generator for a Home, Pick Yours Out Today!

If you’re considering a permanent generator for your home, Tri-State Water, Power & Air is ready to help. Even if you’re still unsure how to select a generator for a home our experienced team will help you select the best home generator to meet your needs and then provide professional installation and ongoing maintenance.

Contact our home generator experts today to schedule a consultation so you can learn more about the best backup power solutions for your home.