How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Home

Powered by John Betlem Heating & Cooling — Your Comfort is Our Commitment

When severe weather strikes or the power grid falters, your home’s comfort and safety shouldn’t be left to chance. That’s where a whole-home generator becomes more than just a backup—it becomes a reliable safeguard for your family and peace of mind.

At John Betlem Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping homeowners across Upstate New York make smart, stress-free decisions about home comfort for over 75 years. With expert technicians, transparent pricing, and a deep-rooted commitment to the community, we make it easy to select and install the right generator—so you’re never left in the dark.

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the ideal generator for your home and lifestyle.

1. Choosing the Right Size Generator

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing a generator that doesn’t match their power needs—either underpowered or unnecessarily oversized.

Just the Essentials?

If you only want to keep vital systems running—like your refrigerator, lights, internet, and a few outlets—a smaller unit may be all you need. These options are cost-effective, quicker to install, and require less ongoing maintenance.

Want Whole-Home Coverage?

For homes with larger power needs, medical equipment, or a home office setup, a whole-home standby generator offers reliable, uninterrupted service. These units can:

• Power your entire home seamlessly
• Activate automatically when the power goes out
• Operate for extended periods

How to Size a Generator

Not sure what size is right? Our team will perform a load analysis to determine your home’s unique energy profile. We’ll:

• Calculate appliance and system wattages
• Factor in surge requirements for start-up loads
• Account for future expansions like home additions or hot tubs

With reliable expertise and modern tools, we take the guesswork out of sizing—so you get a generator that’s built to meet your exact needs.

2. Choosing a Fuel Source

Your fuel choice affects everything from runtime and cost to maintenance and availability. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

Natural Gas

Best suited for homes with existing gas lines.

• Pros: Unlimited runtime (as long as supply is active), low maintenance, no fuel storage required
• Considerations: Availability depends on your location

Propane

Great for rural homes or properties without natural gas.

• Pros: Clean-burning, long shelf life, suitable for long outages
• Considerations: Requires on-site storage and tank refills

Diesel

A rugged option often chosen for high-efficiency and long-term durability.

• Pros: Efficient fuel usage, long lifespan, easy storage
• Considerations: Larger tanks, higher upfront cost

Our experts will walk you through the pros and cons, helping you select the right fit based on your home setup, budget, and comfort priorities.

3. What to Expect During Installation

Installing a standby generator involves more than just placing a unit in your yard. Here’s what the full process looks like with John Betlem:

In-Home Evaluation

We’ll visit your home to assess power needs, inspect your electrical system, and recommend the best generator size and location.

Permits & Compliance

We manage all necessary permits, inspections, and local code requirements—so you don’t have to worry about red tape.

Professional Installation

Once permits are secured, installation typically takes 1–2 days. We conduct thorough testing to ensure your system is ready when you need it most.

And with our Safety & Comfort Guarantee, you can rest easy knowing the job was done right the first time.

4. The Benefits of a Standby Generator

Unlike portable units that require manual fueling and setup, standby generators offer automated, uninterrupted power—even if you’re not home when the outage hits.

Why Standby Generators Make Sense:

• No need for extension cords or manual hookups
• Automatic startup within seconds of a power outage
• Capable of powering HVAC systems, appliances, security systems, and more
• Safe and quiet operation

With a standby generator, you’re investing in peace of mind—an effortless safety net for your home and family.

FAQs

Q: How much does a standby generator cost?
A: Costs generally range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on system size, fuel type, and installation needs. We offer honest, transparent pricing, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before we begin.

Q: Can a generator power my entire home?
A: Yes! With proper sizing and installation, your generator can support your home’s full electrical load.

Q: How long can a generator run during a power outage?

• Natural Gas: Unlimited as long as supply continues
• Propane or Diesel: Typically, several hours to several days, depending on tank size and usage

Q: How often should I maintain my generator?
A: We recommend an annual service check, which includes inspecting fuel lines, batteries, filters, and system performance to ensure your generator is ready when you need it.

Why Homeowners Choose John Betlem

Choosing a generator is about more than just keeping the lights on—it’s about choosing a partner you can rely on in every season. At John Betlem, we’re committed to delivering dependable service with a personal touch.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Reliable Expertise: Our licensed technicians are trained, experienced, and ready to deliver results.
• Upfront, Honest Pricing: No hidden fees, no surprises.
• Customer-Centered Convenience: We work on your schedule and offer easy booking options.
• Community Commitment: As a family-owned business, we’re proud to support Upstate New York.
• Safety & Comfort Guaranteed: Your family’s safety and comfort are always our top priority.

Let’s Power Your Peace of Mind

Don’t wait for the next storm or blackout to realize you needed backup power. With expert guidance, worry-free installation, and a team you can trust, John Betlem makes the entire process simple and stress-free.

Schedule your free in-home consultation today and discover why more homeowners in Upstate New York trust us to keep their homes powered, safe, and comfortable.

Because at John Betlem Heating & Cooling, Your Comfort is Our Commitment.