Choosing the Right Home Generator: Key Considerations for Homeowners

In today’s world, where power outages can disrupt our daily lives and routines, having a reliable home generator has become increasingly important. Whether it’s due to severe weather, aging power grids, or other unforeseen events, a generator can provide peace of mind and ensure that your home remains powered during an outage.

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential factors homeowners should consider when selecting a generator for their home.

Power Needs Assessment

The first step in selecting a generator is determining your power requirements. Start by considering which appliances and systems you need to keep running during an outage.


Essential items typically include:

Appliances (refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, oven, washer & dryer, etc.)
Heating and air conditioning
Water Systems (electric water heater, well pump, sump pump, if you have one)
Lighting
Medical equipment
Wifi and home security systems
Electronics (television, computers, phone chargers, etc.)

List these items and check their wattage requirements. Add up the total wattage to estimate the power output you’ll need from your generator. Remember, some appliances require more power to start up than to run continuously, so factor in starting wattage as well.

Understanding Common Standby Generator Sizes

Generators come in various sizes, each suited for different house sizes and power needs:

Homes up to 1,500 sq. ft.


For smaller homes, a generator with a capacity of 5,000 to 7,500 watts can typically handle essential circuits, such as lights, refrigerator, and a few smaller appliances.

Homes between 1,500 to 3,000 sq. ft.


Medium-sized homes usually require a generator with a capacity of 7,500 to 12,000 watts. This allows you to power more appliances, including HVAC systems, during an outage.

Homes over 3,000 sq. ft.


Larger homes often need a generator with a capacity of 12,000 to 20,000 watts or more. This ensures that multiple high-demand appliances and systems can operate simultaneously, maintaining comfort and security.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Generator

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Whole House vs. Essential Appliances

One of the first decisions to make is whether you want a generator that can power your entire home or just essential appliances. Whole-house generators provide comprehensive coverage but come at a higher cost. Alternatively, a smaller generator can be sufficient if you only need to power critical appliances like refrigerators, sump pumps, and a few lights.

Location of the Generator

Choosing the right location for your generator is crucial. It should be installed outside on a flat, stable surface, preferably close to the main electrical panel but away from windows and doors to avoid exhaust fumes entering the home. Ensuring adequate ventilation and adhering to local codes is essential for safety.

Benefits of Installing a Home Generator

Installing a home generator offers numerous benefits, including reliable power during outages, ensuring that your family remains comfortable and safe even during prolonged blackouts. Additionally, having a generator can significantly enhance the value of your home, potentially increasing its market value by up to 5%.

The Value of Home Generators

Investing in a home generator can be one of the best decisions for homeowners. Here are some statistics that highlight the importance and benefits of home generators:

Increased Home Value: Studies show that installing a home generator can increase property values by up to 5%, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners planning to sell in the future.
Preventing Losses: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that homeowners can prevent thousands of dollars in potential damages and food spoilage during prolonged outages by having a reliable generator.
Electrical Downtime: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, North Carolina ranks among the top 10 states for the highest electrical downtime, averaging 8.4 hours.
Causes of Power Outages: The most common causes of power outages are severe weather (storms, high winds, ice, and snow), equipment failure, human-related accidents, animal interference, and tree interference.

Investing in a home generator is a smart move for ensuring your household remains functional during power outages. By assessing your power needs, understanding the types of generators, considering fuel options, and prioritizing safety, you can make an informed decision that suits your home and lifestyle. Remember, a reliable generator isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about maintaining your safety, comfort, and security during uncertain times.

Home Generator Installation Process

Initial Consultation

Initiate the process by calling to schedule an estimate appointment and coordinating an on-site visit. This is also a great time to ask any questions should you have them before our appointment.

Needs Assessment

During your appointment, we will learn more about your needs, review your current electrical set-up, and discuss your preferred location.

Planning & Estimate

Following the appointment, we’ll send you an online estimate tailored to your needs, allowing you time to explore the available options at your own pace, with absolutely no pressure.

Project Permitting

Once you’ve given the green light, we’ll kick off the permitting process. A team member will connect with you to gather the necessary information and file the permit on your behalf.

Installation Process

During installation, we will create a level surface to place the generator on, secure the generator to the pad, work with our partners to connect the fuel line, install the transfer switch, and connect the generator to your electrical system.

Commissioning & Final Steps

After installation, and the inspection are complete we will commission the generator to make sure it is running properly, and set a reminder for your annual maintenance appointment.

Known for their durability and excellent performance.

Offers advanced technology and efficient power solutions.

Trusted for robust, high-performance generators.

About Us

At Point Electric LLC, we are more than just an electrical company. We are a passionate team of experts striving to deliver the best electrical service and solutions to individuals and businesses throughout our community. With over 9+ years of experience, we specialize in residential and commercial electrical services spanning installations, repairs, upgrades, inspections, and more.

We understand each project is unique and approach it with attention to detail combined with a deep understanding of the latest industry trends and best practices. From the initial call to project completion, we ensure excellence every step of the way, providing comprehensive services that optimize the efficiency and reliability of our customer’s electrical systems.

Flexible Payment Options

We Offer Financing

We partnered with Wisetack to offer our customers flexible financing, so you can pay over time rather than all at once. 

  • Finance projects up to $25,000*
  • Terms from 3 to 60 months*
  • APR from 0% to 35.9%*
  • No hidden fees or compounding interest

The application only takes a minute to complete.

No penalties, fees, or compounding interest.

Monthly payment amounts that work best for you.

*All financing is subject to credit approval. Your terms may vary. Payment options through Wisetack are provided by our lending partners. For example, a $1,200 purchase could cost $104.89 a month for 12 months, based on an 8.9% APR, or $400 a month for 3 months, based on a 0% APR. Offers range from 0-35.9% APR based on creditworthiness. No other financing charges or participation fees. See additional terms at http://wisetack.com/faqs.

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