Home Generator FAQs – What Homeowners Ask Us Most
Every year, as hurricane season creeps closer, we start getting flooded with the same questions from homeowners. Some folks just bought their first generator. Others are thinking about installing one but want to know what they’re really getting into.
So we decided to round up the most common home generator questions we hear out in the field — the real-world stuff, not the overcomplicated online answers. Whether you’re planning a whole-home backup system or just trying to keep the lights on after a storm, this FAQ will walk you through the basics the way we explain it to customers every week.
We’re Coharbor Electric, and we’ve installed, serviced, and repaired hundreds of generators across Lee County — from tiny 10kW essential-load units to 26kW full-house systems. Here’s everything you’ve probably wondered (and a few things you haven’t yet).
Q: What size generator do I need for my house?
This is easily the #1 question we get — and also the one with the most “it depends” answers.
The right size depends on how much you want to power.
Essentials only (fridge, AC, lights): 10–16kW
Most of the house: 18–22kW
Full-home coverage: 22–26kW and up
We run a load calculation for every home before quoting anything. That means we total up your appliance wattages, startup surges (for motors and compressors), and any future additions like EV chargers or pool heaters.
You don’t want to overspend on capacity you’ll never use, but undersizing is worse — that’s when generators trip breakers, struggle under load, or burn out early.
Q: How long will a generator run during an outage?
That depends on fuel type and load.
For propane systems:
For natural gas systems:
We usually recommend propane tanks big enough for at least three days of steady use, since gas supply interruptions after storms are rare but not impossible.
Q: Should I get a portable or standby generator?
We install both, but they’re totally different tools.
Portable generators are smaller, cheaper, and great for short outages or powering specific items. You have to wheel them out, plug them in, and manually manage the load.
Standby generators are permanent fixtures — they kick on automatically when the power drops, run your home through a transfer switch, and shut off when grid power returns.
If you’re tired of dragging cords around in the rain, go standby. If you just want a backup for weekend storms, a portable may be fine.
Q: Do I need a transfer switch or interlock kit?
Yes — always.
These devices keep generator power and utility power separate. That’s critical for safety. Without one, you risk backfeeding the grid, which can seriously injure linemen and destroy your generator when power comes back.
We handle the wiring, permits, and testing to make sure yours meets code and passes inspection cleanly.
Q: How much does a standby generator cost?
For most homes, you’re looking at:
Essential-load systems: $6,000–$9,000 installed
Whole-home systems: $10,000–$15,000 installed
Premium coastal setups or dual-fuel units: up to $20,000+
That includes the generator, pad, transfer switch, gas line connection, permits, and labor.
We’ll give you an exact quote after a load assessment and site inspection — no surprises, no upselling.
Q: What fuel’s better — propane or natural gas?
If your home already has natural gas, that’s usually the easiest choice. It’s reliable, clean, and doesn’t need refills.
If not, propane is a great backup fuel. It stores indefinitely, burns hot, and gives you independence if the gas grid goes down.
We install both — from buried propane tanks in rural areas to natural gas hookups in neighborhoods with utility service.
The key is making sure your gas line and regulators are properly sized. Undersized lines cause pressure drops, which make generators sputter or fail to start. We calculate that precisely before every install.
Q: Can I run my AC on a generator?
Yes — and you should.
Florida heat’s no joke after a storm, and most 14kW or larger generators can handle at least one AC zone comfortably.
We install load-shedding modules that manage big appliances automatically. When the AC compressor starts, it temporarily pauses other high-draw circuits (like the water heater or pool pump), then resumes once the AC stabilizes.
That means your home stays cool without overloading the system.
Q: How often should I service my generator?
At least once a year — ideally before hurricane season.
Annual service includes:
We also make sure the automatic transfer switch operates correctly and that the generator starts under load.
Even if it only runs weekly for its exercise cycle, you don’t want to find out it’s dead when the lights go out.
Q: How loud are standby generators?
Most modern models are surprisingly quiet — about 65 to 70 decibels at 20 feet, roughly the same as a normal conversation.
We always position units away from windows and bedrooms, and if noise’s a concern, we can add sound-dampening barriers or landscaping to soften it even more.
Many HOAs now have sound limits, and every generator we install meets or beats those requirements.
Q: How long does installation take?
A typical residential install takes one to two days once permits are approved.
The timeline looks like this:
Site inspection & load calc – 1–2 days
Permit & utility coordination – 1–2 weeks
Installation – 1–2 days
Inspection & final test – 1–2 days after install
We handle all the paperwork and scheduling so you don’t have to chase inspectors or gas providers.
Q: Can I monitor my generator remotely?
Yes. Most new models include Wi-Fi or cellular monitoring through an app.
You can:
Check status and runtime hours
Get alerts if there’s a fault or missed test
Start or stop the weekly exercise manually
It’s one of the best upgrades in recent years — and it’s especially handy for snowbirds who aren’t in Florida year-round.
Q: What’s the lifespan of a generator?
A good standby generator lasts 15–20 years with proper care.
The key is preventive maintenance — clean oil, healthy batteries, tight connections, and corrosion protection.
We’ve seen units from the early 2000s still running strong because their owners kept up with annual service.
Q: Do I need a permit for installation?
Yes — always. Most counties require electrical and gas permits for standby generators.
We handle the whole process: drawings, load calculations, coordination with propane or natural gas providers, and inspection scheduling.
You’ll get a clean, code-compliant install that passes the first time.
Q: What happens if I sell my home?
Good news — generators add value.
Buyers love seeing a professionally installed standby system, especially in Florida. It’s considered a premium feature, and homes with generators tend to sell faster after hurricane season.
We can even provide documentation showing the make, model, permit, and maintenance history.
Q: Can I install one myself?
We strongly advise against it.
Generators involve high-voltage wiring, gas connections, and code compliance. A DIY install might seem cheaper up front, but it can void your warranty and insurance if something goes wrong.
We’ve been called out to fix plenty of “handyman specials” that never should’ve been energized in the first place.
Hire a licensed pro, get it permitted, and you’ll sleep better when the storm hits.
Final Thoughts
Generators aren’t just another appliance — they’re an investment in comfort and security. Whether you’re looking for a small essential-load system or a full-house backup, understanding the basics helps you make the right call.
We’re here to walk you through it from start to finish — no pressure, no guessing, just honest answers and solid workmanship.
👉 Call Coharbor Electric today to schedule your home generator consultation. We’ll inspect your panel, check your gas service, and help you choose the perfect system for your home — safe, quiet, and ready before the next storm rolls through.
We make standby power simple, reliable, and built for Florida’s hurricane season — the right way, every time.
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