How To Choose a Generator

Generator and house

Start With What Matters: What Do You Want to Power?

Generators aren’t one-size-fits-all. To find the best fit, start by deciding what parts of your home you want to keep running during an outage.

Partial Coverage

Want to keep the essentials up and running? Think fridge, lighting, Wi-Fi, and the sump pump. A smaller generator can handle these basics and help you weather a short-term power loss comfortably.

Whole-Home Backup

Looking for seamless comfort across the board? A whole-home generator powers your HVAC system, kitchen appliances, water heater, medical equipment, and more. It’s ideal if you work from home, care for young kids or older adults, or simply don’t want to skip a beat when the lights go out.

Our certified SuperTechs work with you to understand your household’s needs and recommend the best-fit system based on your preferences, energy usage, and budget.

Know Your Fuel Options

Different generators use different fuel sources, and the best one for you depends on what’s available at your property and how you plan to use the system.

Natural Gas

This option connects to your home’s existing gas line, giving you a continuous fuel source without the need to refill.

  • Best for: Homes with natural gas service
  • Benefits: Clean-burning, low-maintenance, ideal for long outages

Propane

If natural gas isn’t available, propane is a great alternative. It stores safely in an on-site tank and powers your generator reliably.

  • Best for: Homes in rural or off-grid areas
  • Benefits: Long shelf life, burns clean, easy storage

Diesel

Known for efficiency and durability, diesel generators are common in heavy-duty or commercial settings.

  • Best for: High-demand or rural properties
  • Benefits: High output, reliable under heavy loads

At Hunter Super Techs, we help you weigh your options based on local availability and what fits your energy needs. Our customer-first approach means you get honest guidance—not upselling.

Sizing Your Generator: Why It Matters

An undersized generator won’t deliver enough power—and an oversized one can be inefficient and costly. That’s why getting the right size is critical.

We recommend evaluating:

  • Running watts: how much power your devices use during normal operation
  • Starting watts: the surge some appliances need to power on

Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Basic essentials (fridge, lights, internet): 5,000–7,500 watts
  • Partial home (plus furnace fan, sump pump): 8,000–12,000 watts
  • Whole-home coverage: 12,000–22,000+ watts

Our SuperTechs use precise load calculations to make sure your generator is sized correctly for your home. That means no guesswork, no stress, and peace of mind when the power cuts out.

Why Professional Installation Makes All the Difference

Installing a generator isn’t a DIY project. It involves complex electrical work, fuel connections, safety protocols, and local permitting. That’s why professional installation is so important.

When you choose Hunter Super Techs, you’re getting:

  • Thorough home assessment and generator sizing
  • Code-compliant installation and permitting
  • Seamless connection to your electrical system via an automatic transfer switch
  • Comprehensive testing to make sure everything runs like clockwork

We treat your home with the same care we’d want for our own. That’s what it means to be a locally operated, community-focused business. And it’s why we’re the team homeowners across the region trust with their long-term comfort.

Maintenance Matters: Keep Your System Ready

Just like your HVAC system or car, your generator needs regular upkeep to stay reliable. Routine maintenance ensures it’s always ready when you need it—and helps avoid unexpected repairs down the road.

Our generator maintenance services include:

  • Oil and filter changes
  • Battery inspection and testing
  • Software and firmware updates
  • Full-system operation checks

Plus, with our comprehensive home services, you can count on one trusted partner to maintain your HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and backup power systems all under one roof. That’s convenience and comfort you can count on.

What Are the Benefits of a Standby Generator?

A backup generator does more than just keep the lights on. It protects your home and peace of mind.

Advantages of a Standby System:

  • Automatic operation—no manual setup or extension cords required
  • Continuous power—keeps HVAC, refrigerators, and sump pumps running
  • Home office support—maintains your internet and tech for remote work
  • Safety—ensures medical equipment and security systems stay powered
  • Prevents damage—avoids water damage, spoiled food, and frozen pipes

Whether it’s for a snowstorm, tornado season, or unexpected utility outage, a generator helps you stay prepared—and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install a generator?

The cost varies depending on size, installation complexity, and fuel type. On average, installation for a home generator runs between $6,000 and $15,000. We provide transparent pricing, so you’ll always know what to expect—no surprises, no hidden fees.

How long will my generator run?

  • Natural gas generators can run indefinitely while connected to a fuel supply.
  • Propane or diesel generators typically last 24–72 hours on a full tank.

Runtime depends on fuel availability and your home’s electrical load.

Can I power my entire house?

Yes, with the right generator size and setup, full-home coverage is possible. We’ll guide you through load planning and help configure a system that meets your goals.

How often do I need maintenance?

We recommend servicing your generator once a year or every 100–200 hours of use. Regular maintenance ensures your system is ready when the power goes out.

What’s the difference between a portable and standby generator?

Portable generators require manual setup, refueling, and can pose carbon monoxide risks. Standby generators are permanently installed, start automatically, and safely power your home without lifting a finger.

Ready to Power Up with Confidence?

At Hunter Super Techs, we’re here to deliver comfort and security when you need it most. From first consultation to final installation—and every maintenance check in between—we bring certified expertise, local care, and a commitment to excellence.

Why choose us?

  • Certified SuperTechs
  • One-Stop Home Service Provider
  • Transparent, Honest Pricing
  • Locally Operated with a Heart for Community
  • Personalized Comfort Solutions

Let’s keep your home powered, your family protected, and your comfort uninterrupted—no matter the weather.

Your Comfort. Our Mission.