When the power goes out, your home shouldn’t have to. From protecting your family’s comfort to keeping your home running smoothly during Florida’s unpredictable storms, a backup generator provides peace of mind when you need it most.
But choosing the right generator isn’t as simple as picking one off the shelf. It requires understanding your home’s unique needs, local fuel availability, and the level of backup power you want. At Ellington AC and Electric, we believe in helping homeowners across Brevard County make informed decisions backed by integrity, expertise, and trust.
Let’s explore how to choose the best generator for your home—and how to truly experience the Ellington difference when it comes to protecting your comfort.
Step 1: Understand What You Want to Power
Start by thinking about what’s essential for your household during an outage. Are you aiming to keep the fridge, a few lights, and the Wi-Fi up and running? Or do you want whole-home backup for total comfort and convenience?
Basic Needs
Smaller generators can power critical appliances like:
- Refrigerator
- A few lights
- Microwave
- Internet router
- Sump pump
This is ideal for short-term outages or homes with limited backup needs.
Whole-Home Backup
If you want uninterrupted power for your air conditioning, major appliances, security systems, and more, a whole-house generator is your best bet. It’s designed to seamlessly restore power to your entire home within seconds of an outage.
Tip from the Ellington Team: Our NATE-certified technicians can walk through your home and help you assess exactly what size system you’ll need based on your lifestyle and energy usage.
Step 2: Choose Your Power Source
Generators run on different fuels, each with their own pros and cons depending on your home setup.
Natural Gas
If your home already has a gas line, this is a popular option. It connects directly to your utility line and provides a continuous fuel supply.
Advantages:
- No manual refueling
- Cleaner-burning than diesel
- Always available if gas service remains operational
Propane
Great for homes without natural gas. It burns clean, stores well, and is easy to monitor with a tank gauge.
Advantages:
- Clean energy source
- Long shelf life
- More flexible installation options
Diesel
Common for large-scale or commercial backup systems. Diesel generators are fuel-efficient but noisier and require more frequent maintenance.
Advantages:
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- Long run times
- High efficiency
- Good for high-demand setups
Ellington Insight: Our experienced team can help you weigh the long-term costs and fuel availability in your area to find the best solution for your home.
Step 3: Size Your Generator Correctly
Choosing the right generator size is one of the most important steps. If your system is too small, it won’t keep everything running. Too large, and you’re overspending on capacity you may never use.
Sizing by Wattage:
- List all the appliances you want to power.
- Note both their starting wattage (surge) and running wattage.
- Add up your total wattage needs.
General Guide:
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- Small (1,000–3,000 watts): Lights, fridge, basic electronics
- Medium (3,000–7,000 watts): Add HVAC and more appliances
- Large (7,000+ watts): Whole-home systems
Don’t guess—Ellington’s background-checked, certified technicians use professional load calculations to make sure your generator is a perfect fit.
Step 4: Consider Installation and Maintenance
Choosing a generator is only part of the equation. Professional installation ensures your investment performs flawlessly when it matters most.
What to Expect:
- Site Assessment: We inspect your electrical panel, property layout, and fuel access to recommend the best system.
- Permits & Compliance: Our team handles all local code and permitting requirements for safe, legal installation.
- System Testing & Training: We don’t just install and leave. We test the system, train you on use, and back it all with our lifetime installation guarantee.
Maintenance Tip: Like any mechanical system, generators need periodic checks. We offer ongoing service plans so your system is always ready—because reliability shouldn’t be a question.
Why Standby Generators Beat Portables
While portable generators can be useful in a pinch, they aren’t built for long-term or whole-home use. They require manual setup, frequent refueling, and can pose safety hazards if used improperly.
Advantages of a Standby Generator:
- Automatic Activation: Kicks on in seconds after a power loss.
- Higher Capacity: Powers your entire home if needed.
- Safer: No extension cords or fumes inside the home.
- Seamless Comfort: Keeps A/C running, lights on, and appliances working—automatically.
With Florida’s storm seasons and rising demand on the power grid, investing in a standby generator is investing in peace of mind.
Generator FAQs
How much does a whole-home generator cost?
- Depending on the system size, fuel source, and installation complexity, costs typically range from $5,000 to $15,000. Customized quotes are the best way to understand your exact investment.
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How long can a standby generator run?
- Natural gas: If your gas supply is active
- Propane/Diesel: 24–72 hours on average, depending on tank size and load
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Can I power my entire home with a generator?
- Yes, with the right sizing and setup. Our team helps design systems that meet your needs today—and grow with you into the future.
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Do generators require maintenance?
- Absolutely. Like any home system, regular servicing keeps your generator ready to go. At Ellington, we offer preventive maintenance plans to help your system perform its best year after year.
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Why Local Homeowners Trust Ellington AC and Electric
Since 2009, families across the Space Coast have trusted Ellington to keep their homes safe, comfortable, and connected—even when the lights go out. Our legacy of integrity, customer-first service, and technical excellence means you can rely on us for honest advice and dependable results.
The Ellington Difference:
- Trusted Since 2009: A legacy of reliability in Brevard County
- NATE-Certified Technicians: Skilled professionals who respect your time and home
- Lifetime Installation Guarantee: Peace of mind that lasts as long as your system
- Customer-First Focus: You’re more than a service call—you’re family
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So whether you’re preparing for hurricane season or just want backup power for peace of mind, let us help you build a solution that works for your home and your budget.
Experience the Ellington Difference—where service, safety, and satisfaction come standard.
