Generator Buyer’s Guide for South Florida Homeowners

1) Generator Types

Generators are classified primarily by application and fuel type. For residential standby power, the two dominant categories are portable generators and permanently installed whole-home standby generators.

Portable Generators

• Output Range: 2–10 kW
• Fuel: Gasoline or propane
• Startup: Manual pull or electric start
• Runtime: 8–12 hours on a full tank
• Use Case: Limited circuits or essential loads only (refrigerator, lights, fans)
• Limitations: Requires manual setup, external cords, refueling every 8–10 hours, and poses carbon-monoxide risks if improperly placed.

Whole-Home Standby Generators

• Output Range: 18–48 kW (typical for residential); larger custom units up to 150 kW.
• Fuel: Natural gas or propane.
• Startup: Fully automatic via transfer switch within ~10 seconds of outage.
• Runtime: Continuous as long as fuel supply is available.
• Integration: Connected directly to the home’s electrical service panel.
• Best For: Full-house coverage including HVAC, pool pumps, and well systems common in South Florida.

2) Generator Sizing & Load Calculation

Proper sizing ensures efficiency and prevents voltage fluctuation or overload conditions. Load is measured in kilowatts (kW), calculated as:

kW = (Total Amps × Volts) ÷ 1000

Typical Load Requirements

Example: A 3-bedroom home with 5-ton AC, refrigerator, lighting, and internet requires ~16 kW for essentials or ~22 kW for total-home coverage.

Recommendation: Most South Florida homes perform best with 18 kW to 26 kW Generac® air-cooled models, or 32 kW+ liquid-cooled for large estates.

3) Installation Requirements

• Placement: Level concrete or composite pad, minimum 18 inches from structure and 5 feet from openings (per NFPA 37).
• Electrical: Requires automatic transfer switch (ATS) sized to main breaker amperage (typically 200 A).
• Gas Plumbing: Underground or rigid piping with pressure-regulating valve; minimum ¾-inch line for 18 kW+ units.
• Permitting: County and city electrical/mechanical permits; may require noise and setback variances in residential zones.
• Testing: Post-installation load test to 80 % rated capacity.

Installation usually completes in 2–4 weeks from permit approval.

4) Fuel Sources

Natural Gas

• Advantages: Continuous supply, no tanks, cleaner combustion
• Limitations: Possible pressure drops during major outages

Propane (LP Gas)

• Tank Sizes: 250–1,000 gal
• Pros: Stored on site, reliable, stable fuel
• Cons: Requires refills and delivery access

Diesel

• Use Case: Mainly commercial/agriculture

Pro tip: Dual-fuel systems provide backup if one fuel source fails.

5) Costs & Lifecycle Economics

Initial Investment

• 18–22 kW: $10,000–$14,000
• 24–26 kW: $13,000–$17,000
• 32 kW+: $18,000–$28,000+

6) Maintenance & Remote Monitoring

• Exercise weekly (12-minute auto test)
• Monitor via GenMonitor™
• Service every 12 months or 200 hours

FAQs: Buying a Generator

How do I know what size generator I need?

A professional load analysis calculates starting and running watts of all circuits.

Can I install without natural gas?

Yes — propane (LP) is a reliable option.

Are permits required?

Yes — electrical and mechanical permits are mandatory.

How loud are generators?

Modern units operate around 65–69 dB(A) at 23 ft — similar to AC units.