Generators and Standby Power for Florida Homeowners

Hurricanes and tropical storms can knock out utility power across whole neighborhoods, and restoring it can take days. Even outside storm season, summer thunderstorms can interrupt service. Backup power is less about convenience and more about keeping the essentials of a home running.

• Heat and humidity: air conditioning or at least fans and dehumidification can matter for comfort and health, especially for young children, older adults and pets.
• Refrigerated medicine and medical equipment: some medications need to stay cold, and some home medical devices need steady power.
• Pumps: sump pumps, private well pumps and septic or lift-station pumps may stop when the power does.
• Food storage: a refrigerator and freezer can stay running instead of being emptied.
• Home offices and communication: internet equipment, phones and computers stay charged and connected.

Whole-home standby generator

A standby generator is permanently installed outside the home, usually on a pad, and runs on natural gas or propane. An automatic transfer switch senses when utility power drops, starts the generator and switches your home over — typically within seconds, even if no one is home. When utility power returns, it switches back and shuts the generator down.

Portable generator with a transfer switch

A portable generator is smaller, usually runs on gasoline, and has to be wheeled out, fueled and started by hand. Connected through a properly installed manual transfer switch or interlock, it can power selected circuits. It costs less, but powers less and needs someone to run it. Portable generators must always be operated outdoors, away from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide risk. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.

Which one fits depends on what you need to keep running, how long outages tend to last where you live, your fuel options and your budget.

A standby generator is a permanent electrical and fuel installation, so it is usually permitted and inspected. Steps commonly include:

• Sizing: the contractor reviews what you want powered and recommends a generator size.
• Permits: an electrical permit, and often a gas or fuel permit, from your city or county.
• Transfer switch: installed at or near your electrical panel so the home can switch safely between utility and generator power.
• Fuel connection: a natural gas line or a propane tank and line, run by a qualified installer.
• Concrete or composite pad: a level base set at required distances from the home, windows and property lines.
• Inspection and start-up: the building department inspects the work, and the installer tests the system and walks you through it.

Ask each contractor who pulls the permits, what the price includes and who is responsible for the gas or propane work.

The final price depends on generator size, the distance to your panel and fuel source, whether a propane tank is needed, panel or electrical upgrades, permit fees and site conditions. Ask for itemized written quotes so you can compare them side by side.