What Type of Generator Do I Need?

Advanced Propane helps keep your home safe when the power’s out

generators Cookeville, TN Winter has packed a wallop recently here in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. Many folks in our service area have dealt with the insecurity and discomfort that comes with a power outage.

Advanced Propane is here to help! We offer professional gas line installation for propane standby generators that are outstanding for keeping your home safe and comfortable when the power goes out. We will work with your generator installer to make sure the job is done right so you have peace of mind.

We’ve put together some information about standby generators so you can be assured you have the right one for your home.

What is a standby generator and how does it work?

A standby generator, sometimes known as a whole-house backup generator, lives up to its name by standing by until its services are needed. In a matter of seconds following a power outage, it effortlessly provides electricity directly to your home’s electrical circuit breaker box. And when power is restored, the generator automatically shuts off, ensuring a seamless operation.

Standby generators can be fueled by either propane or natural gas. One notable advantage of propane standby generators is that you can use them regardless of your location as you won’t have to rely on a natural gas utility and its infrastructure. Opting for a propane standby generator allows you to conveniently store your propane supply in a tank right at your home, ensuring a dependable power source whenever the need arises.

Standby generators offer a multitude of advantages, including uninterrupted power supply, regardless of whether you are at home or not. Unlike portable generators, you won’t have to go outside in the bad weather or deal with tangled extension cords. With a larger fuel supply, standby generators provide extended power capabilities. Furthermore, these generators are strategically positioned at a safe distance from your home, mitigating the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning commonly associated with portable generators.

Choosing the right standby generator

Whole-house standby generators are available in a range of sizes, starting from approximately 5 kilowatts (kW) and going up to 26 kW. As the kW rating increases, so does the power output of the generator.

When choosing a backup generator for your home, it’s important to prioritize power requirements over the size of your house. It’s not about the physical dimensions, but rather the amount of power needed to meet your specific needs. In addition to considering your specific usage requirements, you can also refer to your energy bills to estimate the average daily kilowatt usage. This valuable information will help you determine the appropriate generator size for your needs.

This table provides insights into generator sizes and their applications, helping you determine the most suitable option for your home. Gain a better understanding of your needs and make an informed decision.

Generator kW	Average price range	Applications
5 kW	$500 – 1,800	Refrigerator, lights, small appliances like a coffeemaker or slow cooker
7.5 – 10 kW	$2,000 – $3,500	All of the above along with a furnace fan, well pump, and additional outlets
14 – 18 kW	$4,000 – $5,500	All of the above along with window air conditioning and water heater.
20 – 24 kW	$5,000 – $6,500	Essential appliances, electric range, multiple window A/C units
26 – 32 kW	$6,500 – $15,000	All appliances along with water heating and HVAC system.
36 – 38 kW	$14,000 – $16,000	Power to the entire home, including HVAC system, also used in light commercial applications
45 – 48 kW	$16,000 – $21,000	Primarily used in commercial settings with larger HVAC systems, also used in large estate homes with high power demand

Are you ready for the comfort and security of a standby generator? Contact Advanced Propane for expert gas line installation.