How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Home

When the power goes out, your world can quickly come to a halt. From spoiled food to losing access to important devices, a power outage can disrupt your comfort and safety. Whether caused by severe weather, utility failures, or seasonal extremes, a backup generator ensures your home remains functional during such events.

However, selecting the right generator for your needs can be overwhelming with so many options and technicalities. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance and some thoughtful consideration, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a reliable backup power source.

At Cassell Brothers Home Services, we understand the value of reliability and expert craftsmanship. With over 60 years of combined experience, we have become the Midlands’ trusted partner for home comfort solutions. Our team is here to guide you through the process of selecting and installing the perfect generator to keep your home running smoothly, no matter what the weather or power grid may bring.

Step 1: Determine What You Want to Power

The first thing to consider when selecting a generator is what you want to keep running during a power outage. Depending on your needs, a smaller, more affordable generator may suffice, or you may require a more robust solution for a whole-home system.

Powering the Essentials

For smaller homes or less frequent outages, a generator that powers only essential systems could be enough. This includes appliances like your refrigerator, a few lights, internet router, and the sump pump.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Quieter operation
• Simpler installation

Best for:

• Short-term outages
• Small households
• Budget-conscious homeowners

Full Home Power

For uninterrupted daily life during long or frequent outages, a whole-home generator is a better option. These units provide power to essential and non-essential systems, such as HVAC, kitchen appliances, and more.

Ideal for:

• Homes with higher energy demand
• Families with medical equipment needs
• Remote work setups that rely on continuous power

Step 2: Choose the Right Fuel Type

Generators come in different fuel types, and the best choice for your home depends on availability, cost, and your household needs.

Natural Gas

• Directly connects to your home’s existing gas supply
• Requires less maintenance
• Clean-burning fuel source
• Never need to store fuel

Best for:

• Homes already on a natural gas line
• Those seeking convenience and efficiency

Propane

• Stored in tanks on your property
• Clean-burning with good energy efficiency
• Ideal for homes without natural gas access

Perfect for:

• Off-grid homes
• Those needing fuel flexibility and reliability

Diesel

• Known for high fuel efficiency
• Suitable for larger homes or high-demand systems
• Requires fuel storage and regular maintenance

Great for:

• Large homes or rural areas
• Those needing heavy-duty power

Step 3: Understand the Installation Process

Installing a standby generator requires more than just plugging it in. It’s essential to work with professionals who can ensure a proper installation that meets your home’s energy needs, local regulations, and safety standards.

In-Home Assessment

The first step is a thorough evaluation of your home’s electrical layout and power needs. This helps identify the best generator size and fuel type suited to your home and lifestyle.

Permitting and Compliance

There are regulations and permits required for generator installations. A professional team will manage these aspects, ensuring everything is compliant with local codes.

Expert Installation

A trained and licensed team will handle the installation, connect the generator to your home’s electrical and fuel systems, and perform necessary tests to ensure everything is working correctly.

At Cassell Brothers Home Services, we treat every customer like family. Our expertise ensures your installation is done with care, precision, and attention to detail—giving you the comfort and security you deserve.

Why Choose a Standby Generator Over a Portable One?

Portable generators may seem like a convenient solution for power outages, but they come with significant drawbacks when compared to standby models. Here’s why you should consider making the investment in a standby generator:

Advantages of a Standby Generator:

• Automatic Activation: Standby generators kick on automatically within seconds of a power loss, so you don’t have to worry about manually starting it.
• Safety: Standby units are permanently installed, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, or tripping hazards from extension cords.
• Reliability: Standby generators are designed to integrate with your home’s electrical system and run for extended periods, unlike portable models that may require frequent refueling.

In short, a standby generator ensures you stay connected, comfortable, and safe during an outage—without the extra stress.

Generator FAQs

How much does a whole-home generator cost?
 The cost of a whole-home generator typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on factors like size, fuel type, and installation complexity. At Cassell Brothers, we offer transparent pricing and ensure you know what to expect upfront.

How long can a generator run during an outage?

• Natural gas generators: As long as the natural gas supply remains active.
• Propane and diesel generators: Generally run for 24 to 72 hours on a full tank, depending on the load.

Will a generator power my entire house?
 Yes, with the right size and professional installation, a whole-home generator can seamlessly power your entire house, including lights, appliances, and HVAC systems.

Do generators need maintenance?
 Yes, standby generators require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition. We recommend annual inspections to ensure optimal performance, including checking fuel lines, filters, batteries, and overall operation.

Rely on Experts You Can Trust

When it comes to selecting and installing a backup generator, working with experts who prioritize reliability and customer satisfaction is key. At Cassell Brothers Home Services, we bring over 60 years of combined experience to every job, offering you the peace of mind that your generator will be installed correctly, safely, and efficiently.

24/7 Emergency Service ensures we’re here when you need us most, with fast response times to tackle unexpected issues. Whether you’re dealing with a power outage or need a generator installed, we’ve got you covered.

As a family-owned, community-focused company, we believe in treating each customer like part of the family. Our expertise, customer satisfaction guarantee, and commitment to getting the job done right are at the heart of everything we do.

Don’t Wait for the Next Power Outage
It’s always better to be prepared. Schedule a consultation today, and let us help you find the right generator for your home.

When you trust us, you can rest easy knowing that your home is protected by a reliable, professionally installed generator.