Home Generator FAQs: What Homeowners Need to Know
Tips from generator installation experts
Power outages can strike at any time—and when they do, a home generator can be your lifeline. Whether it’s keeping your refrigerator cold, lights on, or water heater running, a generator ensures your home stays functional and comfortable even during a prolonged blackout. As home generator installation specialists in Bucks County and the greater Philadelphia area, the team of licensed and insured electricians at McClain Bros. can help you prepare for future power outages. Whether you need a home generator installed or you need your current unit repaired or maintained, we’re here to help with the tools and expertise you need.
If you’re contemplating getting a home generator of your own, you probably have a lot of questions about how they work, the installation process, and how they need to be maintained. Below, we answer some of the most common questions homeowners have about installing and using home generators.
How does a home generator work?
A home generator automatically detects a power outage and restores electricity to your home within seconds. This power transfer occurs due to a transfer switch that is installed in your circuit breaker box along with the generator. It connects directly to your electrical system and runs on fuel in order to provide continual power to your home. When utility power returns, the generator automatically shuts off and switches back to grid power. This seamless transition means you won’t have to fumble in the dark or manually start your generator in bad weather.
How much fuel does a generator need?
A typical home generator is designed to run on either natural gas or liquid propane. Fuel consumption depends on the generator’s size, the load it’s powering, and the fuel type. The more power you use, the more fuel your generator will consume. For example:
- A 22kW standby generator running on natural gas can use approximately 3.5 to 5 gallons per hour at full load.
- Propane-powered home generators typically consume around 2 to 3 gallons per hour.
Because standby generators connect to your home’s fuel supply (natural gas or a large propane tank), refueling isn’t usually a concern unless there’s a disruption to that supply.
What’s the difference between Automatic Standby Generators vs. Portable Generators?
When considering a backup power solution for your home, you’ll need to choose between two main options: automatic standby generators and portable generators. Each has its pros and cons depending on your power needs, budget, and lifestyle. Below, we break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
- Standby Generators: These are permanently installed outside your home and turn on automatically during a power outage. They’re ideal for whole-house backup and offer the most convenience and reliability.
- Portable Generators: These are more affordable and mobile but must be manually set up and started. They’re best suited for powering a few essential items like your refrigerator, sump pump, or phone chargers.
If you want uninterrupted backup power with minimal effort, an automatic standby generator is your best bet. Your installer from McClain Bros. can offer guidance to help you choose the model that is best for your needs.
What size generator is right for my home?
Choosing the right generator size is one of the most important decisions when planning your backup power system. Too small, and you risk overloading the generator or leaving essential systems without power. Too large, and you may overspend on equipment and fuel costs.
Some home generators are designed to protect your entire home in the event of an outage, keeping all of your electronic systems and devices powered. Or, you may want to choose a smaller generator system that powers specific devices in your home while requiring less fuel. The more systems that are covered by the generator, the larger unit you’ll need. To help you determine these needs, it can be helpful to make a list of the systems that you want to remain functional during an outage. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Essential kitchen appliances (refrigerator, freezer, oven)
- HVAC system
- Lights and ceiling fans
- Water heater or well pump
- Wi-Fi router and home office
- Medical equipment
- Garage door opener
Once you’ve made your list, talk with your generator installation expert at McClain Bros. to determine which size generator is best for your needs. Here’s a general guide to generator sizes and the number of systems they can support:
- 5–7 kW: Essentials only (fridge, lights, sump pump)
- 10–14 kW: Most of the house (lights, appliances, AC or furnace)
- 20–24 kW: Whole-home backup, including HVAC, kitchen, and electronics
Will I need to update my outdated circuit breaker panel?
If your current electrical panel is outdated or lacks the capacity to support a generator, you may need to upgrade it. Modern home generators require a transfer switch and a compatible panel to safely route power throughout your home. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. Our team of licensed and insured electricians can assess your setup and help you determine a course of action. At McClain Bros., our Bucks County electricians are skilled at installing and upgrading electrical panels in older homes throughout the greater Philadelphia area.
What should I know before getting a home generator?
Just like any home appliance, there are a lot of considerations that need to be made when determining whether you want a home generator. Here are a few things to think about:
- Fuel source: Do you have access to natural gas or will you need a propane tank?
- Permits: Local regulations may require permits or inspections.
- Noise: Standby generators are quieter than portable ones, but location matters.
- Maintenance: Generators require regular maintenance to stay in working order.
- Professional installation: Always hire a licensed technician to ensure safety and code compliance.
How can I protect my electronics without a home generator?
If you aren’t positive that a home generator is right for your needs, but you still want the peace of mind knowing that your expensive electronic devices are protected during turbulent outages, then whole-home surge protection might be the right solution for you. This device can be quickly installed into your electrical panel and provides a buffer between your panel and your electronics. In the event of a power surge, this unit instantly diverts power away from your devices, protecting them from damage. If this solution sounds right for you, you can read more about whole-home surge protection or contact our electricians today to discuss the installation process.
Have questions? Ask our home generator experts
Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to install a generator, the team of Bucks County electricians at McClain Bros. is here to help. We’ll guide you through every step—from choosing the right size and model to handling installation, permitting, and maintenance. We are also an authorized service partner of Colonial Generator, and leverage our expertise to install their high-quality Generac generators. Contact us today to schedule your home generator consultation and stay powered through any storm.
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