Guides
Generator and outage guides
Plain explanations of generator sizing, fuel, safety, and hookups, written without pushing a brand. Each guide lists its sources.
Sizing basics
Starting watts vs running watts, explained
Why motors need a surge to start, how to add starting watts correctly, and why you only count the biggest one.
Read the guide →What size generator do I need for my house?
A step-by-step way to size a generator for essentials, most of the house, or the whole house, with typical size classes explained.
Read the guide →What size generator runs a refrigerator?
Refrigerator running and starting watts, how to read your fridge's label, and the smallest generator that can keep food cold.
Read the guide →Load management: run more on a smaller generator
How to take turns with big loads so a mid-size generator covers the essentials, with a sample outage schedule.
Read the guide →Sizing a generator for a well pump
Well pump running and starting watts by horsepower, 120 V vs 240 V pumps, and how to find your pump's specs.
Read the guide →What size generator runs a sump pump? Wattage, surge, and keeping the basement dry
How much power sump pumps draw, how to size a generator for the starting surge, battery-backup and water-powered alternatives, and a storm-night plan that keeps the basement dry without wasting fuel.
Read the guide →Can a generator run central air? Sizing for AC compressors, soft starters and smarter cooling
How much generator you need for central air conditioning, why compressor starting current is the problem, how soft-start kits help, and practical ways to stay cool in a summer outage with less generator.
Read the guide →Powering a home office on a generator: computers, internet, UPS units and clean power
How to keep working through an outage: what a home office actually draws, why clean power and a UPS matter, how to keep the internet up, and sizing a generator or battery for a laptop, monitors, and router.
Read the guide →Safety
Generator carbon monoxide safety: where to put it and why
How far a generator must be from your house, why garages are never safe, CO alarm placement, and the symptoms to act on.
Read the guide →Using a generator in winter: cold starts, furnace power, snow and carbon monoxide
How to keep a gas furnace, boiler or heat pump running on a generator during a winter outage, how to start a generator in the cold, where to place it in snow, and how to avoid the winter carbon monoxide spike.
Read the guide →Hookups
Transfer switch vs interlock kit: how to connect a generator to your house
The safe ways to power household circuits from a portable generator, how manual transfer switches and interlocks differ, and why backfeeding is dangerous.
Read the guide →Choosing extension cords for a generator
Wire gauge, length, and ratings for generator cords, plus when a cord is the wrong answer and you need a transfer switch.
Read the guide →Choosing a generator
Inverter vs conventional generator: which do you need?
How inverter and open-frame generators differ in power quality, noise, fuel use, and size, and which fits home backup or RV use.
Read the guide →Portable vs home standby generator: the real trade-offs
Compare portable and permanently installed standby generators on power, fuel, convenience, installation, and maintenance.
Read the guide →How to read a generator spec sheet
What running watts, starting watts, THD, run time, outlets, decibels and EPA/CARB labels actually mean on a generator listing.
Read the guide →Portable power station vs. gas generator: watt-hours, runtime, cost and when each makes sense
How battery power stations compare with gasoline and propane generators for outages and camping: capacity in watt-hours, surge limits, recharge time, solar, safety and cost, with runtime math you can do yourself.
Read the guide →Generator noise: decibels explained, quiet-hour rules, and how to be a good neighbor
What generator decibel ratings mean, how distance and load change noise, local noise ordinances and HOA rules, safe ways to reduce noise without risking carbon monoxide, and etiquette during outages.
Read the guide →RV and camping
Fuel and running
Storing generator fuel safely
How to store gasoline and propane for a generator, how much to keep, how to keep it fresh, and refueling safety.
Read the guide →How long can a generator run continuously?
What limits run time: fuel, oil, heat, and load. How to plan multi-day operation and the maintenance to do between runs.
Read the guide →Propane vs. gasoline for a generator: power loss, runtime and storage
Why dual-fuel generators make less power on propane, how long a 20-pound tank really lasts, how fuel energy compares, and when propane is the better outage fuel.
Read the guide →Portable generator maintenance: a schedule that keeps it ready for the next outage
Oil changes, air filter and spark plug intervals from a real owner's manual, how to exercise a generator between outages, storage steps, and a pre-storm checklist.
Read the guide →Backup power for medical devices: generators, batteries and a plan for CPAP, oxygen and more
How to plan backup power for home medical equipment: calculating watts and battery runtime, generators vs. battery backups, power quality, utility priority programs, and when to go elsewhere.
Read the guide →Generator won't start? A step-by-step troubleshooting guide
The most common reasons a portable generator won't start or won't stay running, from stale fuel and low oil to a fouled spark plug or tripped breaker, with safe checks you can do yourself and when to call a repair shop.
Read the guide →Hurricane generator checklist: what to do before, during and after the storm
A practical generator checklist for hurricane season: preseason testing, fuel planning, placement for wind and flooding, safe operation during the storm and the long outage after, and post-storm hazards.
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