Sizing a Standby Generator for Hurricane Season in Fort Myers Homes | CoHarbor Electric

Sizing a Standby Generator for Hurricane Season in Fort Myers Homes

Every summer, it’s the same story in Fort Myers. The sky goes dark, the palm trees start to bend, and before long — boom— the lights flicker out. Sometimes it’s for a few hours, sometimes for days. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know the drill: hurricane season means power outages are just part of life.

But over the past few years, more homeowners have been asking us about standby generators — the permanent kind that automatically kick on when the grid goes down. They want something that’ll keep the lights on, the fridge cold, and the AC running while everyone else scrambles for flashlights.

Here’s the thing though — not all generators are created equal. You don’t just buy one off the shelf and plug it in. Getting the right size generator is what makes the difference between smooth sailing and constant tripping or fuel headaches.

We’ve installed a ton of these systems across Lee County — from McGregor to Iona to Gateway — and here’s how we help homeowners figure out what size standby generator they actually need for hurricane season.

Step 1: Decide What You Want to Power

This is where we start every job. You’ve got to decide — do you want to back up the whole house, or just the essentials?

For some folks, “essentials” mean:

• Refrigerator and freezer

• Air conditioning

• Well pump (if you’re on one)

• A few lights and outlets

• Wi-Fi and phone chargers

Others want everything — AC, pool pump, oven, washer/dryer, you name it. That’s fine, but it changes the size (and cost) fast.

A small generator might handle your basics, but if you want full comfort — lights, cold air, and hot coffee — you’re talking about a much larger system.

We sit down with homeowners and list out their must-haves. Then we calculate how much power those appliances actually draw — not just running watts, but starting watts (what they pull when the compressor or motor kicks on).

That number becomes the foundation for sizing the system.

Step 2: Understanding Generator Sizing Basics

Generators are rated in kilowatts (kW) — that’s how much power they can deliver at once.

Here’s a general idea:

Now, those are rough numbers. What really matters is load management. We’ll often install automatic load-shedding modules that prioritize big appliances — like turning off the water heater temporarily when the AC starts.

That kind of smart management lets you run a smaller generator without sacrificing comfort.

Step 3: Gas Type and Fuel Supply

Most Fort Myers homes run standby generators on natural gas or propane (LP).

If you’ve got natural gas service, that’s the easiest route — steady supply, no refilling. Propane’s a great option too, especially in rural areas. But you’ll need a tank sized for a few days of runtime — typically 250 to 500 gallons.

We calculate the fuel burn rate based on your generator size. For example, a 20kW unit running full load burns about 2.5 gallons of propane per hour. During hurricane week, that adds up fast, so tank size matters.

We’ll walk you through both options — cost, availability, and maintenance — before you commit.

Step 4: Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

This little box is the brains of the system. When the power goes out, the ATS senses it instantly and flips you over to generator power. When the grid comes back, it switches back automatically.

Every standby generator needs one, and the size has to match the generator and service.

For example, if you’ve got a 200-amp main panel, you’ll need a 200-amp-rated transfer switch. That ensures the generator can handle your home’s full load safely.

We handle all the wiring, permitting, and inspections to make sure it’s fully compliant with local code and utility requirements.

Step 5: Weatherproofing and Placement

Fort Myers weather can chew through anything that’s not built right. That’s why placement matters.

We always install standby generators on elevated composite pads or concrete slabs, at least 18 inches above grade. That keeps them dry in heavy rain or minor flooding.

We also make sure the exhaust clears any openings — doors, windows, or soffits — to meet safety code. And every outdoor connection is weather-sealed, conduit-protected, and corrosion-resistant.

You’d be surprised how many we’ve replaced because the installer used cheap fittings that rusted solid after one hurricane season.

Real Job Example: Fort Myers Beach Home

A homeowner on Fort Myers Beach called us last spring. They’d been through two major storms and had enough of losing power for days. The home had two HVAC systems, a large refrigerator, a sump pump, and a few medical devices that needed constant power.

We installed a 22kW Generac with a 200-amp automatic transfer switch and a 500-gallon buried propane tank.

During Hurricane Idalia, their power went out for 36 hours. The generator kicked on automatically within seconds and ran flawlessly until the grid came back.

When we followed up after the storm, they said, “We had AC, lights, and Netflix the whole time — it was the best decision we ever made.”

That’s what we like to hear.

Step 6: Maintenance Matters

Standby generators aren’t “set it and forget it.” They need occasional care — oil changes, filter replacements, and regular test runs.

We program every system we install to self-test weekly. The generator runs for a few minutes to keep everything lubricated and ready.

We also offer annual service plans that cover oil changes, inspections, and load testing — because the worst time to find a problem is when a storm’s already rolling in.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

We’ve fixed plenty of generator installs done wrong. Here’s what we see most often:

• Undersized units that can’t handle startup loads

• No load management, causing breaker trips

• Improper grounding — dangerous and noncompliant

• Cheap extension setups instead of transfer switches

• No permits or inspections (which can void insurance)

Generators are serious equipment. Done right, they’re safe, automatic, and bulletproof. Done wrong, they’re a fire risk waiting for a storm.

How We Handle It at Coharbor Electric

When you call us, we don’t just quote a number and walk away. We:

1. Inspect your panel and calculate your electrical load.

2. Help you decide what you want to power — essentials or full home.

3. Recommend the right size and brand for your home and budget.

4. Handle permits, fuel coordination, and inspections.

5. Test the entire system under load before signing off.

We make sure your setup’s ready long before hurricane season hits.

Wrapping It Up

Sizing a standby generator isn’t guesswork — it’s planning. You’ve got to balance your home’s needs, your power service, and your budget.

When it’s done right, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that even when the next big storm knocks the power out, your house won’t miss a beat.

If you’re tired of dragging out extension cords and portable generators every hurricane season, it might be time to look into a permanent solution.

👉 Call Coharbor Electric today to schedule your standby generator consultation. We’ll inspect your home, calculate your load, and design a system that keeps your lights, AC, and family safe — no matter what the weather brings.

We make power reliability simple, safe, and built to last for Fort Myers homes.