Winter Generator & Backup Power Guide

Portable vs standby generators

Portable generators ($500–$2,500) run on gasoline, produce 3,000–10,000 watts, and power essential circuits through extension cords or a manual transfer switch. They require manual startup, refueling every 8–12 hours, and outdoor placement at least 20 feet from the house (CO poisoning kills 70+ Americans annually from improper generator placement). Best for: occasional outages under 24 hours, renters, or budget-constrained homeowners.

Standby generators ($3,000–$15,000 installed) connect permanently to the electrical panel via an automatic transfer switch (ATS), run on natural gas or propane, and start within 10–30 seconds of a power loss — no human intervention needed. They power the entire house or selected circuits depending on sizing. Best for: homes with frequent outages, medical equipment, sump pumps in flood-prone basements, or home offices that can't afford downtime.

Sizing your generator

• Refrigerator — 100–400W running, 1,200W starting surge
• Furnace blower — 300–800W running, 1,500W starting
• Sump pump — 500–1,000W running, 1,500–2,500W starting
• Well pump — 750–1,500W running, 2,000–4,000W starting
• Window AC or space heater — 1,000–1,500W running
• Lights (10 LED bulbs) — 100W total
• Wi-Fi router + modem — 20–50W

Add up running watts for everything you want to power simultaneously, then add the largest starting surge. Most homes need 5,000–7,500W portable or 10,000–22,000W standby to cover essentials + comfort.

Critical safety rules

• NEVER run a portable generator indoors — not in the garage, not in the basement, not under a carport. CO is odorless and lethal within minutes.
• Install CO detectors on every floor — battery-operated models work during outages ($20–$40 each).
• Never backfeed through a dryer outlet or breaker panel without a transfer switch — this energizes utility lines and can electrocute line workers. It's also illegal.
• Use a transfer switch — manual ($300–$800 installed) or automatic ($500–$2,000 installed). Required by NEC code for permanent generator connections.
• Store fuel safely — fresh gasoline in approved containers, 50 feet from ignition sources. Add fuel stabilizer if stored more than 30 days.

Costs and installation

• Portable generator + manual transfer switch — $800–$3,000 total installed
• Whole-house standby (10–22kW) — $5,000–$15,000 installed (includes concrete pad, ATS, gas line, permits)
• Battery backup system (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase) — $10,000–$20,000 per unit installed. Silent, no fuel, but limited capacity (13–15 kWh per unit covers 8–12 hours for essentials).

Installation requires a licensed electrician for the transfer switch and electrical connections. Gas line work for standby generators requires a licensed plumber in most jurisdictions. Plan for 2–4 weeks lead time for standby installation.

Pre-winter generator checklist

• Run the generator under load for 30 minutes monthly to keep the engine lubricated and the carburetor clear
• Change oil and spark plug per manufacturer schedule (typically every 100–200 hours)
• Check fuel supply — fresh gasoline with stabilizer, or verify propane/gas line connections
• Test the transfer switch (manual or automatic) to confirm it engages properly
• Verify CO detectors have fresh batteries
• Know your watt budget — which circuits and appliances run on generator power