When the lights go out, daily routines can be disrupted in an instant. Hurricanes, summer storms, and even routine grid stress often leave Florida homes without power for hours or days. That’s why backup generators are a smart investment.
This guide covers everything Space Coast homeowners need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining a backup generator—offering practical advice tailored to the unique challenges of Rockledge, New Smyrna Beach, and nearby communities.
Ellington is a Licensed Generac Home Generator Provider so you know you’re getting a professional installation, an excellent warranty, and reliable support and repairs.
Types of Backup Generators
Choosing the right home backup generator starts with understanding your options and how each connects to your home.
Standby Generators
Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home and automatically turn on when the power goes out. They typically run on natural gas or propane and are wired directly into your home’s electrical panel using a generator transfer switch. This setup allows them to support your entire house or just essential circuits, depending on your needs.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are smaller, mobile units that you move and start manually. They’re ideal for powering select appliances or circuits during shorter outages. Connecting a portable generator to your home safely requires a transfer switch or interlock kit—never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet, as this is both dangerous and illegal.
Fuel Types
Generators typically run on natural gas, propane, gasoline, or diesel. Natural gas and propane are popular for standby units due to their reliability and low maintenance, while gasoline is common for portable generators. Each fuel type has its pros and cons, from ease of storage to run time and availability during emergencies.
Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled
Most residential generators are air-cooled. This is generally sufficient for average homes. Larger properties or those with higher power demands may require a liquid-cooled generator for greater efficiency and durability.
Your choice between standby and portable, and the type of fuel, will affect everything from installation complexity to how you wire the generator to your house.
The Home Generator Installation Process
Installing a backup generator is a multi-step process that ensures your system is safe, reliable, and ready for Florida’s unpredictable weather. Ellington’s Trusted Generac Backup Power Experts can help you understand which generator is best suited for your situation.
Preparing for Installation
Before you install a backup generator, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s what to do first:
- Make a List of Essentials: Decide which appliances and devices you want to keep running during an outage. Most families choose things like the refrigerator, air conditioning, a few lights, and medical equipment if needed.
- Add Up the Power Needed: Check the wattage on each item and add them together. This helps you pick a generator that’s the right size for your home.
- Pick a Good Spot: Your generator should sit on solid, level ground that won’t flood. Keep it away from windows and doors so exhaust doesn’t get inside. Local building codes may also require certain distances from your property lines or house.
- Check Permit Requirements: Most cities and towns on the Space Coast require permits for backup generator installation and generator transfer switch installation. Permits make sure everything is safe and up to code.
Taking these steps helps your installation go smoothly and ensures your generator will be ready when you need it.
How to Connect the Generator to the House
Now it’s time to get your generator set up so it can power your home safely:
- Install the Transfer Switch: This switch lets you safely move your home’s power source from the utility grid to your generator. It’s usually placed next to your electrical panel and is required by code for both standby and portable generators.
- Wiring the Generator: Wires run from your generator to the transfer switch and then to your home’s electrical panel. If you have a portable generator, you’ll need to know how to hook up a portable generator to your home using a transfer switch or interlock kit. Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet—this is unsafe and can harm utility workers.
- Connect the Fuel: Standby generators usually hook up to your home’s natural gas or propane supply. Portable generators need to be refueled with gasoline or propane by hand.
- Test Everything: After installation, your electrician will simulate a power outage to make sure everything works. Standby generators often run automatic self-tests every week to stay ready.
Taking these steps helps ensure your generator will work safely and reliably when you need it most.
Cost Considerations for Backup Generator Installation
The cost of installing a backup generator in Florida depends on several key factors. Understanding what goes into the total price can help you make informed decisions and plan your budget.
- Generator Size and Type: Whole-house standby generators cost more to purchase and install than portable units. The more circuits or appliances you want to power, the larger the generator you’ll need, which increases both equipment and installation costs.
- Transfer Switch Installation: Every generator setup requires a transfer switch for safety and code compliance. Manual switches are generally less expensive, while automatic transfer switches, often paired with standby generators, add to the overall investment.
- Wiring and Electrical Panel Upgrades: If your home’s electrical panel is older or doesn’t have enough capacity, you may need upgrades to safely connect your generator. The distance between your generator and the panel, as well as the complexity of the wiring, can also influence installation costs.
- Site Accessibility and Preparation: Installing a generator on a stable, level surface is important. If your chosen location is difficult to access or needs extra work—like grading, drainage improvements, or a concrete pad—this can increase the total cost.
- Permits and Fees: Most Space Coast communities require permits and inspections for backup generator installation and generator transfer switch installation. Permit fees and inspection requirements vary by location and can affect your project timeline and budget.
Because of Florida’s frequent storms and strict local regulations, installation costs here are often higher than in other areas. While it’s a significant investment, having a backup generator provides lasting peace of mind, keeps your home comfortable during outages, and can add value to your property.
DIY Installation vs. Professional Installation
Can you install a generator yourself? It might be tempting. But the risks are significant. Improper installation can lead to electrical hazards, code violations, and even fires. Wiring a generator to a breaker box or electrical panel requires knowledge of local codes and safety standards.
Professional backup generator installation by Ellington’s Generac Standby Generator Specialists ensures your unit is safely connected, code-compliant, and ready to perform when you need it most. Licensed electricians will handle all permits, transfer switch wiring, and final system testing—saving you time, stress, and potential danger.
Whole House Backup Generator Installation from Ellington
For many Space Coast families, whole house backup generators are incredibly helpful. But you’ll need careful planning, larger generators, and professional transfer switch installation if you want to make sure your setup can handle the electrical load.
If you work from home, have health concerns, or simply want uninterrupted comfort, investing in a whole house system means you’ll never have to worry about how to connect a generator to your house or which circuits to prioritize.
Ready to protect your home and family? Contact Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat today to schedule a consultation.
