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.

< Older Post Newer Post >

How Generac Generators Keep Your Home Running

By Vance Electric • February 28, 2025

Is there anything as disruptive as a power outage? Whether there's an issue with the power grid or a powerful storm, a blackout can prevent you from enjoying the comfort of your home and adversely affect your work. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about one in four American households experience a power outage annually. Acquiring a Generac generator is a necessity if you want to avoid the inconvenience caused by an outage. Standby generators automatically detect outages, ensuring you don't sit in the dark or have the food in your freezer go bad. Let's explore Generac generators and why you need one in your home. How Generac Generators Work Installing a Generac standby generator ensures your home has backup power whenever necessary. The main types of generators are standby and portable. Generac generators function in the following ways: Detecting Power Outages These generators can come with a transfer switch that automatically monitors the flow of electricity in your home. When there is a power outage, the generator kicks in, supplying power to your home. A home Generac generator doesn't need you to connect any cables or physically switch it on. It will automatically supply your house with electricity, ensuring your appliances keep running. Continuous Running and Automatic Shutdown As a new generator owner , you'll realize that Generac generators run continuously as long as the power outage lasts. The generators are specifically designed to handle long run times and provide power for an extended period. They automatically shut down when the grid comes back on and go back to standby mode, acting as a reliable energy solution for future outages. Benefits of a Generac Generator Owning a Generac generator offers more benefits than just a continuous power supply. These generators can start running when the lights go out in under 30 seconds. The automatic function means you don't have to be home to turn it on. So, you will not incur any losses as your business or home will continue running smoothly. A Generac generator also adds value to your property and can help you get a high resale price if you decide to sell. Having a Generac generator can also reduce your homeowners' insurance premiums . Here are a few tips to extend your generator's life and optimize its benefits: Make preventive repairs Regularly inspect the battery Exercise the generator Test and replace the fuel Features of Generac Generators The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Americans experienced about five and a half hours of power interruptions in 2022. Unexpected power outages can result in heavy financial losses resulting from missed work and perishable goods going bad . These features of Generac generators enhance their reliability and efficiency: User-friendly control features All-weather features Fuel efficiency and durability Smart monitoring with some generators having features such as Wi-Fi Further, modern generators minimize sound output, reducing noise pollution in your house. Talking with one of the best Generac dealers in Springfield can help you understand the features of any unit prior to the purchase. Generac generators run on liquid propane or natural gas; you don't need to refuel them since they will connect directly to your house's fuel line. This feature also makes them less expensive to maintain than generators that run on gas. How Long Do Generac Generators Run As a business or homeowner, nothing comes close to the disruption of a power outage. Although weather conditions are the leading cause of outages, the power grid can go down for various reasons. Consequently, having a standby or home generator guarantees continuous, uninterrupted power. They don't run on gasoline, meaning you don't have to continually refuel them when the power grid is off for a prolonged period. The main factors that determine how long a Generac generator will last include: The generator model The load capacity Fuel type Natural gas generators, such as Generac generators, can last indefinitely. The continuous gas supply from your home's fuel line keeps the generator running as long as necessary. However, portable generators may not run continuously as standby models. One of the reasons to buy a Generac standby generator is that it can run 24/7 regardless of weather conditions. Maintenance Tips for Generac Generators Generator maintenance is necessary for smooth, continuous running when you need backup energy. One of the first maintenance tips you should follow is to get maintenance service from a reputable commercial dealer . But how can you know that a company has a good reputation? Some of the indicators of a great dealer are: Great online reviews from previous customers Level of experience Certifications and qualifications of individual vendors Referrals and level of customer service The maintenance needs of generators will vary depending on the type or model. A Generac vendor can help you understand the warning signs your generator needs maintenance. However, you shouldn't wait for visible signs to appear before getting your generators regularly serviced. Some of the signs your generator needs maintenance work include: Low power output Difficulty starting Fluid leakage Strange noise and faulty parts Age is another sign that your generator needs maintenance. Like other machines, generators experience wear and tear, so it's only normal that they'll need greater maintenance as they get older. Who Needs Generac Generators According to the Climate Central Organization, power outages are more common across the United States. The main reason behind this is the changing climate, which caused approximately 83% of all power outages from 2000 to 2021. Getting a Generac generator is a priority for any homeowner or businessman. You need to understand that there are different types of generators , such as: Backup generators Portable generators Standby generators Industrial generators Choose a generator that can meet your needs. Backup generators are ideal if you experience short-term blackouts, whereas standby generators are better suited if you need a continuous power supply . Keep Your Home Running With Generac Generators Today Generac generators are the best bet if you want an uninterrupted power supply for your home or business. A standby generator can run for weeks and even months if necessary. Vancelectric has experience dating back to 1998, and we've gained a reputation built on providing high-quality Generac generators . We also offer installation and maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly. Check out our website today to see all our energy solutions.