Treasure Valley winters can bring heavy snow, ice and high winds that knock down power lines and leave neighborhoods dark for hours or longer. When the power goes out in January, it takes your furnace, lights, refrigerator and well pump with it. A whole-home generator keeps your household running until the lights come back on.
This whole home generator buying guide walks you through the main decisions so you can choose a system that fits your home, your budget and the way you live.
Standby vs. Portable Generators
The first choice is between a permanent standby generator and a portable unit.
Standby generators are installed outside your home on a pad, like an air conditioning unit. They connect to your electrical system through an automatic transfer switch and run on natural gas or propane. When the power goes out, the generator senses it and starts on its own within seconds, whether you are home, asleep or away. When utility power returns, it switches back and shuts down automatically.
Portable generators cost less upfront but require more work. You have to set them up outdoors, refuel them with gasoline and connect them through a properly installed transfer switch or interlock kit. They also power fewer circuits.
For homeowners who want hands-free protection through a long winter outage, a standby generator is usually the better investment. A portable unit can work for short outages if you only need a few essentials.
Safety note: Never plug a portable generator into a wall outlet or run one in a garage, even with the door open. Backfeeding can injure utility workers, and generator exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide.
How to Size a Whole-Home Generator
Generator size is measured in kilowatts (kW), and the right size depends on what you want to power. Most homeowners fall into one of two groups:
- Essential circuits only. Your furnace, refrigerator, freezer, some lights, outlets for phones and internet, and a well pump if you have one. These needs can often be met by a smaller standby unit.
- Whole-home coverage. Everything runs as normal, including electric ranges, dryers, water heaters and central air in summer. This requires a larger generator, especially in bigger homes or all-electric homes.
To size correctly, an electrician looks at your electrical panel, your largest appliances and how much power they draw when starting up. Motors in furnaces, well pumps and air conditioners need a burst of extra power at startup, so a generator that looks big enough on paper can still struggle if those loads are not accounted for. An undersized generator will overload, while an oversized one costs more to buy and run than it needs to.
Choosing a Fuel Type
Fuel affects cost, convenience and how long your generator can run:
- Natural gas. If your home already has a natural gas line, this is the most convenient option. The generator draws from the utility supply, so there is no tank to refill during a multi-day outage.
- Propane. A good choice for homes without natural gas service. Propane stores well for long periods, but tank size limits run time, so plan for refills during an extended outage.
- Gasoline. Common for portable units. Gasoline is easy to find but degrades in storage and needs frequent refueling, which is hard during a storm.
Features That Matter in an Idaho Winter
Cold weather is hard on engines and batteries. When comparing standby generators, ask about:
- Cold weather kits that keep the battery warm so the generator starts reliably below freezing.
- Automatic weekly self-tests that exercise the engine and alert you to problems before an outage.
- Remote monitoring so you can check generator status from your phone while traveling.
- Load management that controls large appliances so a mid-size generator can cover more of your home.
Why Professional Installation Matters
A standby generator connects directly to your home’s electrical system, and some installs also require a gas connection. Installation includes a permit, a level pad, a correctly sized transfer switch and, in some homes, electrical panel upgrades. A licensed electrician makes sure everything meets code and that your manufacturer warranty stays valid.
Same Day Electric is an authorized Generac generator dealer serving Boise, Meridian, Nampa and the surrounding area. We answer calls 24/7 and can often visit the same day you call to assess your home, recommend the right size and walk you through fuel and installation options.
Get Your Home Ready Before the First Storm
Installation calendars fill up quickly once winter weather arrives, so fall is the best time to plan. Explore our whole-home generators page, check our coupons for current generator offers, or call (208) 377-3278 to schedule your free estimate.
