One Call Does It All
When the power goes out, you need to be prepared. A generator ensures that your home stays comfortable, safe, and powered even during outages. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right generator can be overwhelming. Whether you're looking to power your entire home or just the essentials, it's important to make an informed decision.
At Roth Home, we are committed to providing eco-friendly, reliable solutions for Oregon homeowners. With more than 48 years of experience and a dedication to sustainability, we help you find the right generator that suits both your needs and your values. This guide will walk you through the process of selecting the best generator for your home, from understanding your power needs to choosing the right fuel source.
Step 1: Understand Your Power Needs
The first step in choosing a generator is determining what you want to power during an outage. Do you need to keep the essentials running, or do you want to maintain your whole home’s functionality? Knowing this will help you decide on the appropriate size and type of generator.
Essential Power Only
For some homeowners, keeping the basics running during an outage is enough. A small generator can power essential appliances such as:
- Refrigerator/freezer
- Lights and Wi-Fi
- Medical equipment
- Security systems
This is a more affordable solution for those who want peace of mind but don’t need to power the whole home during outages.
Full-Home Backup
If you want to maintain normal living conditions during an outage, a whole-house generator is the best option. This type of generator can power your entire home, including:
- HVAC systems
- Kitchen appliances
- Water heaters
- Electronics
Roth Home’s No Breakdown Guarantee gives you confidence in your choice. If something goes wrong with the generator, we’ll come back and fix it at no extra cost, ensuring your home stays powered when you need it most.
Step 2: Choose the Right Fuel Type
Generators come in several fuel types, and your choice depends on your location and preferences. Each fuel type has its pros and cons, and Roth Home’s eco-friendly practices ensure that the fuel options we recommend are both efficient and sustainable.
Natural Gas
Natural gas generators are connected to your home’s existing gas line. They offer the convenience of continuous power with no need to refuel manually.
- Ideal for: Homes connected to natural gas lines
- Benefits: Continuous supply, lower emissions, no need for refueling
Propane
If you don’t have access to natural gas, propane is an excellent alternative. Propane generators are reliable and can store fuel for long periods without degradation.
- Ideal for: Homes in rural areas or those without natural gas access
- Benefits: Longer shelf life than gasoline, cleaner-burning, easy to store
Diesel
Diesel generators are powerful and durable, making them ideal for large homes or commercial properties. Diesel tends to be less environmentally friendly but provides excellent performance.
- Ideal for: High-demand applications or large properties
- Benefits: High power output, fuel-efficient
At Roth Home, we strive to help you make an eco-conscious choice that balances your power needs with our commitment to sustainable practices, like using equipment that reduces waste by up to 98%.
Step 3: Select the Proper Size
Generator size is one of the most important factors to consider. A generator that’s too small won’t be able to handle your home’s power needs, and one that’s too large will waste energy and fuel. Choosing the right size ensures that you’re getting the most efficient solution without overspending.
Small Generators (5,000–7,500 watts)
These generators can power essential appliances and a few small devices but won’t run your entire home.
Mid-Sized Generators (8,000–12,000 watts)
These generators are ideal for homes that want to run several appliances and lights simultaneously. They can power most of the essentials with some room for flexibility.
Whole-House Generators (12,000–22,000 watts or more)
These units can handle everything in your home—HVAC, kitchen appliances, lights, electronics, and more. They are ideal for homeowners who want complete peace of mind during extended outages.
Roth Home’s technicians work with you to evaluate your needs and provide free, transparent estimates, so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden fees, no surprises. We take the guesswork out of choosing the right generator.
Step 4: Professional Installation
Proper installation is crucial for your generator’s performance and longevity. While it may be tempting to try and install a generator yourself, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. Installation involves working with natural gas or propane lines, electrical circuits, and local permits. You need a certified technician to ensure everything is done safely and in compliance with regulations.
At Roth Home, we only send certified, drug-tested technicians to handle your generator installation. We adhere to the highest safety standards and offer reliable, professional installation that you can count on. After installation, we test the system and provide detailed instructions on how to use it.
Step 5: Keep Your Generator Maintained
Generators need regular maintenance to ensure they work when you need them most. Neglecting maintenance can lead to unexpected failures during a power outage. At Roth Home, we offer comprehensive generator maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly.
Maintenance Checklist:
- Change oil and replace filters
- Test the battery and connections
- Inspect fuel systems for leaks or clogs
- Test the system with a load to ensure proper functionality
With our No Breakdown Guarantee, you can rest assured that your generator will perform when needed. If anything goes wrong, we’ll make it right at no extra charge.
The Advantages of Owning a Generator
Having a generator is more than just a convenience—it’s a safeguard for your home and family. Here’s what owning a generator can protect you from:
- Power outages: Keeps essential systems running during blackouts
- Comfort: Ensures your heating or cooling system stays operational
- Food and medication: Prevents food spoilage and keeps medical equipment running
- Security: Maintains lighting and security systems
Choosing a generator means choosing reliability and peace of mind, knowing that one call does it all when it comes to your home’s power needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a generator cost?
The cost of a generator depends on its size, fuel type, and installation complexity. On average, home generators range from $6,000 to $15,000. At Roth Home, we offer free estimates and transparent pricing, so you’ll always know what to expect.
Can a generator power my entire home?
Yes, with the right size, a whole-house generator can power everything in your home, including lights, HVAC, appliances, and more.
How often should I maintain my generator?
Regular maintenance is recommended at least once a year. Some manufacturers suggest maintenance every 100–200 hours of use. Regular service ensures your generator is ready when you need it.
Do I need to refuel my generator?
If you choose a propane or diesel generator, you will need to refuel it periodically. A natural gas generator will run continuously as long as the gas supply is available.
Will the installation process be disruptive?
Our installation team works efficiently and takes great care to minimize disruption. We’ll also handle all the necessary permits and inspections, making the process as seamless as possible.
Ready to Power Your Home?
Choosing the right generator is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. At Roth Home, we’re here to guide you through every step, from selecting the right unit to professional installation and ongoing maintenance. With 48 years of experience and over 9,000 5-star reviews, you can trust us to provide the best solutions for your home.
One call does it all—from consultation to installation to service, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to get your free estimate, and let’s make sure your home is powered—when you need it most.
