How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Home: You Can TRUST Corley

Power outages can disrupt your daily routine, from keeping your lights on to ensuring your home remains comfortable and safe. Whether caused by storms, grid failures, or unforeseen issues, losing electricity can affect everything from your appliances to your security. That’s why having a backup generator can provide peace of mind, ensuring your home stays powered, and your life remains uninterrupted.

At Corley Plumbing Air Electric, we understand how important it is to keep your home running smoothly, no matter the circumstances. With years of experience serving Upstate South Carolina, we pride ourselves on delivering dependable home services with integrity and professionalism. When you choose Corley, you don’t just get a generator—you gain peace of mind, knowing that your home’s needs are in the hands of a trusted partner.

Here’s a guide to choosing the right generator for your home, backed by Corley’s commitment to “You can TRUST Corley” and our promise of total home comfort.

Step 1: Assess What You Want to Power

The first step in choosing the right generator for your home is understanding what you need to power during an outage. Some homes only require basic appliances, while others need more extensive systems to keep everything running smoothly.

Powering the Essentials

If you’re concerned about keeping only the essentials running, such as the refrigerator, lights, internet router, and sump pump, a smaller generator may suffice.

Benefits:

• Lower initial cost
• Quieter operation
• Simpler installation

Ideal for:

• Short-term power outages
• Smaller homes or apartments
• Budget-conscious homeowners

Full Home Power

For homes with larger energy needs or longer outages, a whole-home generator is the better option. These systems provide backup power for everything in your home, including HVAC systems, lighting, appliances, and electronics.

Ideal for:

• Larger homes with higher energy consumption
• Families requiring power for medical equipment
• Homes with home offices that demand reliable power

Step 2: Choose the Right Fuel Type

Generators come in various fuel options, each offering different benefits depending on the availability of fuel and your home’s energy needs.

Natural Gas

• Pros: Always available, connects directly to your home’s existing gas line, low maintenance
• Best for: Homes with a natural gas connection, homeowners seeking convenience and reliability
• Environmental Impact: Clean-burning, eco-friendly

Propane

• Pros: Stored in tanks, efficient, and clean-burning
• Best for: Off-grid homes or properties not connected to natural gas
• Ideal For: Homeowners who want flexibility and reliability in their energy source

Diesel

• Pros: Highly fuel-efficient
• Best for: Larger homes with heavy energy needs or in rural areas
• Considerations: Requires storage and periodic maintenance

Step 3: Understand the Installation Process

Proper installation is critical to ensuring your generator meets your home’s power requirements efficiently and safely. Here’s what to expect during the installation process:

In-Home Assessment

Before installation, a professional will assess your home’s power needs. This ensures that the generator’s size and fuel type align with your household’s specific requirements.

Permitting and Compliance

Local permits and safety codes must be followed when installing a generator. A licensed professional ensures the installation is compliant with all regulations, ensuring both safety and functionality.

Expert Installation

Our certified technicians will handle the entire installation, from connecting the generator to your home’s electrical system to performing thorough testing. With the Corley “You can TRUST Corley” promise, you can rest easy knowing your generator is installed for optimal performance.

Why Choose a Standby Generator Over a Portable One?

Portable generators are a common choice for backup power, but they come with limitations that make standby generators a superior choice for most homeowners.

Advantages of Standby Generators:

• Automatic Activation: Standby generators automatically power up within seconds of an outage, meaning no manual effort on your part.
• Safety: Permanently installed outside, these systems reduce risks like carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazards.
• Reliability: Standby generators are integrated into your home’s electrical system, ensuring continuous power without needing refueling.

With a standby generator, you can enjoy seamless protection without the worry of manually switching on or maintaining the system during an outage.

Generator FAQs

How much does a whole-home generator cost?

The cost for a whole-home generator typically ranges between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on size, fuel type, and installation complexities. At Corley, we believe in transparent pricing—no surprises, just honest, upfront costs.

How long can a generator run during an outage?

• Natural Gas Generators: These will run as long as the gas supply remains active.
• Propane and Diesel Generators: These can last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on fuel tank size and energy demand.

Will a generator power my entire house?

Yes! A properly sized whole-home generator can power all your essential systems—HVAC, lighting, appliances, and more—without interruptions. Our team ensures your generator meets your exact power needs.

Do generators need maintenance?

Yes, just like any mechanical system, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure peak performance when you need it most. Corley recommends annual inspections and service to keep your generator in top condition and ready to go at all times.

Why Trust Corley Plumbing Air Electric?

When you choose Corley, you're choosing a partner you can rely on for more than just a generator installation. Our team is committed to ensuring your home remains comfortable, safe, and fully powered when you need it most. We offer total home comfort through expert solutions, fast and reliable service, and a customer-first approach. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Expert Solutions: Our highly trained professionals deliver the best results, whether it’s a generator installation or maintenance.
• Fast & Reliable: We know that time is valuable, which is why we prioritize fast response times and efficient service.
• Customer First: At Corley, we make sure you’re fully informed and satisfied throughout every step of the process.
• Trusted Partnership: We’re not just here for the one-time fix—we aim to be your go-to for all your home’s needs, providing lasting support.

Get Ready for the Next Power Outage

Power outages can happen unexpectedly, but with Corley, you can rest assured that your home will stay comfortable, safe, and fully powered. As a trusted local expert, we are dedicated to providing solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs.

Don’t wait for the next outage to cause disruptions—contact Corley Plumbing Air Electric today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you find the ideal backup power solution, and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

With Corley, you’re more than a customer—you’re a valued partner. Let us help you keep your home running smoothly and comfortably, no matter what comes your way. You can TRUST Corley.