How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Home

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Power outages can disrupt your life, whether caused by storms, high winds, or other unforeseen circumstances. That's where a generator comes in, ensuring that your home remains powered during emergencies, keeping your family comfortable and safe. But with so many different models and features on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? At Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we provide expert advice and service to help Iowa homeowners make the best choice when it comes to home backup power.

With over 75 years of experience, we know the importance of providing reliable, efficient, and high-quality solutions. Whether you need to power just the essentials or your entire home, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Let’s walk you through the steps of choosing the right generator and ensuring that you’re prepared when the power goes out.

Step 1: Understand Your Power Needs

Before you start shopping for a generator, it’s important to understand your power needs. Do you want to keep your essential appliances running, or do you need to power your entire home? This is a key factor in determining the size and type of generator you should buy.

Essential Power Only

For some homeowners, keeping a few basic appliances running is all that’s needed during an outage. A smaller, portable generator can handle:

• Refrigerator/freezer
• Lights and a few electrical outlets
• Medical equipment
• Security systems

If you’re only worried about powering the essentials, a smaller generator can provide cost-effective peace of mind.

Full-Home Backup

If you need to maintain full functionality during an outage, you’ll want a larger generator that can power everything in your home, including:

• HVAC systems (heating and cooling)
• Kitchen appliances
• Water heaters
• Electronics and lighting

Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is dedicated to delivering high-quality, dependable solutions with a No Breakdown Guarantee. When you choose us, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that we stand behind the quality of our work.

Step 2: Select the Right Fuel Source

Generators come in a variety of fuel types, each with its pros and cons. The fuel type you choose depends on your needs, preferences, and available resources.

Natural Gas

Natural gas generators are convenient because they are connected to your home’s existing gas line. They offer the advantage of a continuous fuel supply with minimal maintenance.

• Ideal for: Homes with natural gas service
• Benefits: No refueling required, lower emissions, reliable supply

Propane

For homes not connected to natural gas, propane is a great alternative. Propane generators are efficient, easy to store, and produce fewer emissions than gasoline-powered units.

• Ideal for: Homes in rural areas or those without natural gas access
• Benefits: Longer shelf life than gasoline, cleaner-burning, easy storage

Diesel

Diesel generators are powerful and durable, making them a good choice for larger homes or businesses with high power demands. However, they are generally less environmentally friendly compared to natural gas or propane.

• Ideal for: High-power needs and large homes
• Benefits: Efficient, durable, high power output

At Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we ensure that our solutions are designed to fit your specific needs, all while minimizing environmental impact. We help you select the fuel source that offers the right balance of performance and sustainability.

Step 3: Choose the Right Size Generator

Generator size is another crucial consideration. You’ll want to choose a generator that meets your power needs without wasting energy or fuel.

Small Generators (5,000–7,500 watts)

These smaller generators are ideal for homeowners who only need to power basic appliances during an outage.

Mid-Sized Generators (8,000–12,000 watts)

Mid-sized generators are perfect for homes that want to power several appliances and keep things running smoothly during an outage.

Whole-House Generators (12,000–22,000 watts or more)

A whole-house generator is designed to power every part of your home, including HVAC systems, lights, and large appliances.

When you work with Schaal, our skilled technicians will provide you with free, no-obligation estimates to help you understand your options and choose the right generator for your home. We ensure that you’ll have the perfect generator without overspending.

Step 4: Professional Installation

While you may be tempted to install a generator yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional for this important task. Proper installation ensures that your generator operates efficiently and safely.

Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is Iowa’s trusted provider of generator installation services. Our team of certified technicians will ensure that your generator is correctly installed and meets all local codes and safety standards. We handle everything from setting up fuel lines to connecting your generator to your electrical system.

We also offer a No Breakdown Guarantee on every job, giving you confidence that we stand behind our work. If anything goes wrong, we’ll fix it at no extra cost.

Step 5: Keep Your Generator Maintained

A generator requires regular maintenance to ensure it’s ready when you need it most. Neglecting maintenance can result in unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions during an outage.

Regular Maintenance Includes:

• Changing oil and replacing filters
• Testing battery and connections
• Inspecting fuel systems for clogs or leaks
• Running tests to make sure the generator is functioning properly

Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive maintenance services to ensure that your generator is always in top shape. Our skilled technicians will keep your unit running smoothly, minimizing the chance of failure during an emergency.

Benefits of Owning a Generator

Having a generator provides peace of mind and ensures that your home remains powered, no matter what. Here are some benefits of owning a generator:

• Power Outages: Keep your home running during blackouts
• Comfort: Maintain heating and cooling systems
• Food and Medicine: Prevent food spoilage and keep critical medical equipment working
• Security: Keep lights and security systems active

With Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, you’ll never have to worry about being unprepared. Our 24/7 emergency service means that we’re always here to help, whether you need generator installation, repairs, or maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a generator cost?

The cost of a generator depends on its size, fuel type, and installation needs. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 for a full-home generator. Schaal provides free estimates to help you plan and budget accordingly.

Can a generator power my entire home?

Yes, a whole-house generator can provide backup power to your entire home. The size of the generator will depend on your power needs, and we’re here to help you choose the right one for your home.

How often should I maintain my generator?

It’s recommended to perform maintenance at least once a year. For generators that are used more frequently, more frequent servicing may be necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Do I need to refuel my generator?

If you have a propane or diesel generator, you’ll need to refuel it periodically. Natural gas generators are connected to your home’s gas line and require no refueling.

Will the installation be disruptive?

Our professional installation team works efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily life. We handle all aspects of the installation process, ensuring it’s quick and hassle-free.

Ready to Power Your Home?

Choosing the right generator can make all the difference during an emergency. At Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’re here to help you select the perfect solution for your home. With over 75 years of experience, we provide trusted, reliable service that Iowans have come to count on.

Call Schaal Ya’all for fast, reliable service and expert advice when it comes to choosing and installing your generator. We’ll be there to ensure your home is powered, no matter what.

Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us help you stay prepared for the next power outage.