According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American household experiences power outages one to two times a year, lasting around four hours each. For residents of Connecticut and New York, severe weather conditions, including freezing rain and snow, can lead to extended outages. Several years ago, an ice storm left over 35,000 homes and businesses in Connecticut without power, prompting warnings of prolonged outages from Governor Ned Lamont.

Power outages bring a host of challenges, from spoiled food to the risk of frozen pipes, causing potential damage to your home. One of the best ways to prepare for these unpredictable events is by investing in a whole house generator. While researching home generators can feel overwhelming due to the various options and functionalities available, you don’t have to navigate this alone—New England Total Power is here to guide you.

Choosing the Right Home Generator

A home generator serves as your first line of defense against power interruptions. Whether your household relies on power for essential medical devices or simply wants to ensure comfort and convenience, having a generator is crucial.

Understanding the different types of generators will help you make an informed choice:

• Natural Gas Generators: These generators are permanently installed outside your home and automatically power on during an outage. Many models allow you to monitor system status via your smartphone or tablet, keeping you connected even when you’re away.

• Select Circuit Generators: This customizable option allows you to choose specific devices to power during an outage. Typically smaller, these generators are designed to run on less fuel, providing essential power to your selected appliances.

• Whole House Generators: For those who want comprehensive coverage, whole house generators provide stable power to all appliances in a reasonably sized home.

Choosing the right generator size is vital. You want it to efficiently power your necessary devices without overspending on the unit or operating costs.

Steps to Choose the Right Generator for Your Needs:

• Identify which appliances you want to keep powered during an outage.
• Estimate the starting (surge) and running wattage for each device. This information can usually be found on the appliance or by using our Generac home backup sizing calculator.
• Add up the wattage to determine which generators will meet your power needs.

Here’s a quick reference for common appliances’ wattage needs:

• Washing Machine: 1,200 starting watts, 1,200 running watts
• Clothes Dryer: 6,750 starting watts, 5,400 running watts
• Refrigerator: 2,900 starting watts, 700 running watts
• 2-Ton AC System: 8,700 starting watts, 3,800 running watts
• Electric Water Heater: 4,500 starting watts, 4,500 running watts

If you’d prefer to skip the research, connect with the New England Total Power team today, and we’ll guide you through your options.

Top Home Generator Brands

Navigating the world of generators can be daunting, especially with various brands and price ranges. While it might be tempting to choose the least expensive option, it’s essential to consider the quality of the unit and installation, as cutting corners now could lead to costly repairs down the road.

At New England Total Power, we pride ourselves on exceptional service, offering only the most reliable generators. Our top choices include Kohler and Generac—brands we trust and would install in our own homes:

Kohler: Established in 1920, Kohler generators are manufactured in the USA and come with a robust 5-year or 2,000-hour limited warranty. Kohler was also recognized among the leading home generator brands in 2019 by Generator Mag.

Generac: Known for its quality and reliability, Generac generators conduct regular quiet self-tests to ensure they function properly, keeping your home powered when it matters most. Each unit is also backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

Why Choose a Standby Generator?

Unlike portable options, a standby or whole house generator offers convenience and safety. When a storm disrupts your home in the middle of the night, you won’t need to worry about locating and refueling a portable generator. With a whole house generator from New England Total Power, you can monitor the unit right from your smartphone.

Don’t wait until the next power outage to realize you need a generator. Prepare for the unexpected with the expert team at New England Total Power. We’re committed to helping you select the perfect generator for your needs, ensuring your family remains safe and comfortable all year round.