How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Home: A Guide from Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric

When the power goes out, your comfort and safety shouldn’t go with it. That’s where a home backup generator comes in—offering reliable power, peace of mind, and the ability to keep life moving forward, no matter the weather.

At Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we understand the importance of uninterrupted comfort. With over 70 years of experience and a reputation built on trust, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners make confident decisions about their home systems—including finding the perfect generator solution.

Whether you’re considering a whole-home generator for full back up power or just want to power the essentials during an outage, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Step 1: Choose the Right Size for Your Home

One of the biggest decisions when selecting a generator is determining the right size for your household needs. A generator that’s too small won’t cover your must-haves, while one that’s too large may be more costly than necessary. The goal is to find the “just right” fit for your energy usage and budget.

Powering the Essentials

If your priority is to keep your refrigerator running, lights on, and internet connected, a smaller backup generator may do the trick. These systems offer targeted power for high-priority appliances without the full investment of a whole-house unit.

This option is great for homeowners who want to avoid major disruptions during an outage while keeping costs in check.

Whole-Home Coverage

If you want uninterrupted comfort—heating and cooling systems, kitchen appliances, medical devices, laundry machines, and more—a whole-home generator is your best bet. These systems are designed to handle higher energy demands and longer outages, making them ideal for families, larger homes, or areas with frequent power interruptions.

How to Determine Your Generator Size

• Estimate Your Power Needs: Take inventory of the appliances and systems you want to power during an outage. A professional from Anthony can help calculate total wattage and recommend the right generator size.
• Plan for Growth: Thinking about adding a new HVAC system or high-powered appliances in the future? Plan ahead by choosing a generator that can grow with your home.
• Consider Surge Power: Some appliances, like AC units and refrigerators, require more power to start than they do to run. Your generator needs to handle those surge demands smoothly.

Step 2: Select the Best Fuel Source

Generators run on a variety of fuels, and each option has pros and cons depending on your location, accessibility, and household needs.

Natural Gas

Pros:

• Hooks directly into your existing gas line—no refueling necessary.
• Cleaner and lower maintenance than diesel or gasoline.
• Perfect for homeowners who already have gas service.

Cons:

• Not available in all areas.

Natural gas generators are a preferred choice for many Anthony customers because they’re convenient, low-maintenance, and always ready to go when the grid fails.

Propane

Pros:

• Great alternative for homes without natural gas access.
• Long shelf life and fewer emissions than diesel.
• Easy to store in large tanks for long-term readiness.

Cons:

• Requires fuel tank monitoring and regular refills.

Propane is a flexible, dependable choice, especially in rural areas. It gives homeowners the option to stockpile fuel and plan ahead.

Diesel

Pros:

• High fuel efficiency and long-lasting performance.
• Well-suited for larger or higher-demand homes.
• Fuel stores well over time.

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost.
• Requires ample fuel storage.

Diesel is often chosen for homes with larger electrical loads or specific power requirements, such as medical equipment or commercial-grade HVAC systems.

Which Fuel Is Right for You?

Our Anthony team will guide you through your options based on your home’s location, fuel availability, energy needs, and long-term goals. We pride ourselves on honest recommendations and transparent pricing so you can make the best choice with confidence.

Step 3: Know the Installation Process & Timeline

Installing a generator isn’t as simple as plugging it in—it involves planning, permitting, and professional expertise. With Anthony, you get start-to-finish service from local experts who’ve installed thousands of systems across our community.

What to Expect:

1. Site Assessment
   A technician will visit your home to evaluate energy needs, determine optimal generator placement, and ensure everything complies with local codes.
2. Permitting & Scheduling
   Depending on your municipality, permits may be required before installation. We handle all paperwork and approvals, keeping the process simple for you.
3. Installation & Testing
   Once approvals are in place, our licensed professionals install the generator, connect it to your fuel source, and ensure safe operation. Before we leave, we’ll test the system thoroughly to confirm it’s ready for the next outage.

From start to finish, our convenient scheduling, same-day availability, and real-time text updates keep you informed and in control. That’s what makes us the Technicians You Can Trust With Your Housekeys®.

Step 4: Enjoy “Set It and Forget It” Reliability

Standby generators are built for convenience. Once installed, they automatically detect outages and power up—no dragging out cords or worrying about manual start-up.

Whether you’re on vacation or asleep in bed, your generator will kick in within seconds to keep your home running without interruption. At Anthony, we make your comfort worry-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Generators

How much does a whole-home generator cost?
The price depends on generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. On average, expect to invest between $5,000 and $15,000, including installation. Anthony offers upfront, flat-rate pricing—no hidden fees or surprises.

Can a generator power my entire house?
Yes! A properly sized whole-home generator can keep everything running—HVAC systems, lighting, kitchen appliances, and even medical devices. We’ll help you choose the right fit.

How long can a generator run?
Natural gas generators can operate indefinitely as long as gas is available. Propane and diesel generators depend on tank capacity, but typically run from 8 hours to several days without refueling.

Does my generator need regular maintenance?
Yes. Like any home system, annual maintenance is essential to ensure your generator is ready when you need it most. Anthony offers service plans to keep your generator in peak condition all year long.

Why Choose Anthony for Your Home Generator?

At Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we’re more than just a service provider—we’re your neighbor. We offer more than reliable home solutions; we provide peace of mind, expert guidance, and five-star care every step of the way.

• Trusted Experts: With over 70 years of experience and tens of thousands of 5-star reviews, we’re the top choice for homeowners across the region.
• Reliable, Convenient Service: From online booking to weekend appointments and real-time updates, we make home service easy.
• Upfront Pricing: You’ll never be surprised with hidden fees. We believe in honest, transparent pricing.
• Committed to Excellence: Our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee and a passion for getting it right—every time.
• Anthony Cares: We support the community through volunteer work, donations, and acts of kindness that make a difference.

Ready to Power Your Home with Confidence?

Let Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric help you find the perfect generator for your home. Schedule your free consultation today and experience the trusted service that’s earned us a reputation as the Technicians You Can Trust With Your Housekeys®.