Power outages can throw off your entire routine—from spoiled groceries to disconnected devices and chilly nights without heating. Whether caused by extreme weather, equipment failure, or regional grid issues, losing electricity is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a disruption to your comfort and safety.
Fortunately, a home standby generator can keep your household powered and protected. With the right guidance, choosing a generator doesn’t have to be confusing. This guide walks you through the process step by step so you can feel confident in your investment and prepared for whatever comes next.
At Campbell & Company, Trust Us To Do It Right isn’t just a saying—it’s the standard we live by. With every installation, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Let’s dive in and help you choose the right generator for your home.
Step 1: Identify What You Want to Power
Start by deciding how much of your home you’d like to keep running during an outage. This will help narrow down the size and type of generator that’s right for your needs.
Essential Circuits Only
If you just want to maintain the basics—such as your refrigerator, lights, sump pump, internet router, and a few outlets—you might opt for a generator designed to power only essential circuits. These models are typically more compact and cost-effective.
Ideal for:
- Short-duration outages
- Smaller households
- Budget-conscious homeowners
Benefits include:
- Lower installation cost
- Reduced fuel consumption
- Quieter operation
Whole-Home Power
For uninterrupted daily life during an extended blackout, a whole-house generator is the better choice. These units can keep everything from your HVAC system and kitchen appliances to medical equipment and work-from-home setups running smoothly.
Best suited for:
- Areas with frequent or long-term outages
- Larger homes or families with high power demands
- Remote workers or households with health concerns
Step 2: Choose the Right Fuel Type
Generators run on different types of fuel, and the best choice for you will depend on availability, efficiency, and how your home is set up.
Natural Gas
- Connects directly to your home’s existing gas line
- Continuous fuel supply—no need to refill
- Low emissions and low maintenance
Best for homes already hooked up to a gas utility line.
Propane
- Stored in on-site tanks
- Clean-burning and efficient
- Great for off-grid homes or those without natural gas
Provides flexibility and long shelf life, especially in rural settings.
Diesel
- Offers excellent fuel efficiency
- Suitable for high-power needs
- Requires fuel storage and routine upkeep
Common in rural or agricultural areas where reliability and performance are top priorities.
Still unsure? Our knowledgeable team can walk you through each fuel option and help you find the best match for your home and lifestyle.
Step 3: Understand the Installation Process
Installing a standby generator is a bit more involved than setting up a portable one—but the long-term peace of mind is well worth the investment.
Here’s what the process typically includes:
In-Home Assessment
Every home is different. We begin with a detailed evaluation of your layout, appliances, power needs, and existing systems. This ensures we recommend the best generator size and setup to meet your expectations.
Permitting and Compliance
Proper permits and inspections are required to meet local building and electrical codes. We handle the paperwork, so your installation is compliant and safe from day one.
Professional Installation
Our certified technicians install your generator, connect it to your electrical system, and integrate it with your fuel source. Once installed, we’ll fully test the system and show you how to monitor and maintain it.
With Campbell & Company’s team-focused approach, you can expect a streamlined experience from consultation to completion. We work as one unit to ensure the job gets done right, every time.
Why a Standby Generator Beats a Portable One
While portable generators may seem like a quick fix, they can’t compete with the safety, convenience, and performance of a permanent standby system.
Standby generator advantages:
- Automatic start-up: Kicks in within seconds of an outage—no action needed
- No manual setup or fuel hauling: Operates seamlessly in the background
- Cleaner, safer operation: No risk of carbon monoxide from improper placement
- Powers more of your home: Supports critical and non-essential systems alike
With a standby generator, you don’t just survive the storm—you stay fully functional.
Generator FAQs
How much does a whole-house generator cost?
Prices typically fall between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the generator’s size, fuel type, and the complexity of the installation. We believe in transparent pricing and will walk you through every detail before work begins.
How long can a generator run?
- Natural gas units can run as long as the utility line is active.
- Propane and diesel systems generally provide 24–72 hours of power per full tank, depending on how much you’re powering.
Can a generator power my whole house?
Yes! With the right size and professional setup, a standby generator can handle your entire home—lighting, HVAC, appliances, and all.
Do generators require maintenance?
Absolutely. Like any mechanical system, regular care is essential. We recommend annual maintenance checks to inspect fuel lines, test batteries, change filters, and verify everything is in good working order.
Count on Experts Who Do It Right
Choosing a generator is a smart investment in your home and your peace of mind. But choosing the right professionals to install and support that generator is just as important.
At Campbell & Company, we’ve built a legacy of trust by doing the job right, every time. Our team brings:
- Unmatched reliability and integrity—so you can feel confident in your decisions
- Customer-first thinking—your comfort and needs always come first
- A culture of continuous improvement—we’re always looking for better ways to serve you
- Positive, passionate service—because we believe energy and care make all the difference
When you’re ready to protect your home from the unexpected, we’re ready to help.
Don’t Wait for the Next Outage
Make the smart move today. Reach out to schedule a consultation and get a personalized recommendation for a generator system that fits your home—and your life.
Trust Us To Do It Right. Because when the lights go out, you deserve a team that shows up, does the work right, and keeps your family safe and comfortable.
