April 24, 2025
Power When You Need It Most
In Florida, storms, hurricanes, and power outages aren’t just occasional disruptions—they’re a reality. That’s why having a reliable backup power source isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. A properly chosen and professionally installed generator can provide peace of mind, comfort, and safety when the unexpected happens.
At Reliable Power Systems and Reliable Electrical Services, we specialize in helping Florida homeowners and business owners select the right generator to keep the lights on, appliances running, and families protected—all with expert service and a commitment to long-term reliability.
If you’re exploring generator options, this guide will walk you through the most important considerations to make the right choice for your property.
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Power
The first step in choosing a generator is understanding your power needs. Are you looking to keep just the essentials running, or do you want to fully power your entire home or business during an outage?
Essential Needs Only
Smaller systems can power critical appliances like:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Wi-Fi routers and computers
- Lighting
- Medical equipment
- Sump pumps
This is a cost-effective option for those who want to maintain function and safety during an outage without the cost of a full-home system.
Full-Home Backup
For those who work from home, rely on electrically powered HVAC systems, or want zero disruption, a whole-home generator is ideal. These systems activate automatically and keep every outlet and appliance operational, so daily life continues uninterrupted—even during long outages.
Reliable’s customized solutions are built around your unique property needs, ensuring you’re only investing in the power you’ll actually use.
Step 2: Choose the Right Fuel Type
Generators operate using various fuel sources. The best option depends on your location, utility access, and power demand.
Natural Gas
These generators connect to your home’s natural gas line and offer the most hands-off, convenient experience.
- Ideal for: Homes connected to municipal gas
- Benefits: Continuous operation, no refueling, clean burning
Propane
For homes without gas access, propane offers a clean, efficient alternative with excellent shelf life.
- Ideal for: Rural or off-grid locations
- Benefits: Quiet operation, safe storage, longer shelf life than gasoline
Diesel
Diesel generators are known for durability and efficiency at higher power capacities. While less common in residential settings, they’re favored for large-scale or commercial backup systems.
- Ideal for: High-power applications or commercial properties
- Benefits: Fuel-efficient, rugged design, long lifespan
As part of our Power You Trust promise, we’ll help you select a system and fuel type that balances efficiency, convenience, and cost—no guesswork required.
Step 3: Get the Right Size Generator
Generator sizing is crucial. A unit that’s too small won’t support your electrical load, while one that’s too large can waste fuel and money.
Small Systems (5,000–7,500 watts)
Great for powering a handful of essential circuits.
Mid-Sized Units (8,000–12,000 watts)
Can support most common appliances and systems in moderate homes.
Large/Whole-Home Systems (12,000–22,000+ watts)
Power your entire home—including HVAC, kitchen, water heater, and more.
At Reliable, we provide free estimates and load assessments to ensure the system we recommend meets your exact needs. That’s part of our customer-first approach—clear recommendations, honest pricing, and no upselling.
Step 4: Work With Licensed Professionals
Installing a generator is not a DIY project. It requires licensed electricians, gas line expertise, and local permitting. Proper installation ensures safe operation, efficient performance, and full warranty coverage.
When you choose Reliable for your generator installation, you get:
- Code-compliant electrical and fuel hookups
- Secure mounting and weather protection
- System testing and inspection
- Personalized walkthroughs for usage and maintenance
- Support from a fast and responsive team available for future service
Our team brings electrical excellence to every job, giving you confidence that your system is installed correctly the first time.
Step 5: Keep It Maintained
Like your HVAC system or car, a generator needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. The last thing you want is to discover a failure during a storm.
Common maintenance tasks:
- Change oil and filters
- Inspect and test the battery
- Clean air filters and fuel systems
- Perform load testing
- Update software (for newer digital models)
Reliable offers ongoing maintenance plans to keep your generator ready, season after season. We’re here before the storm—and long after it’s passed.
The Benefits of Owning a Generator in Florida
Power outages aren’t just inconvenient—they can be dangerous. Here’s what a generator protects:
- Your family’s comfort: Air conditioning stays running in the Florida heat
- Food and medication: Refrigerators and freezers remain operational
- Technology and work tools: Internet, laptops, and home office equipment stay online
- Sump pumps and security systems: Protect against flooding and keep your home secure
- Medical equipment: Vital devices stay powered without interruption
When your home or business has a generator installed by Reliable, you’re getting more than just backup power—you’re getting peace of mind with a team that’s there when you need us most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home generator cost to install?
Costs vary depending on the size, brand, and installation complexity. On average, systems range from $6,000 to $15,000 installed. We provide free, transparent quotes with no pressure.
Can a generator power my entire home?
Yes. A properly sized whole-home generator paired with an automatic transfer switch can keep every light and appliance running, whether you’re home or away.
How long can a generator run continuously?
- Natural gas systems can operate as long as the gas supply continues.
- Propane or diesel models run for 24 to 72 hours, depending on tank size.
We’ll help you plan your system based on likely outage durations in your area.
Do I need to manually start my generator?
Not with a standby generator. These units detect an outage and start automatically—no manual action required.
How often should I service my generator?
Annual maintenance is recommended, or every 100–200 hours of use. Regular service helps prevent failure when you need your generator most.
Ready to Power Up?
Choosing the right generator doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you have a reliable partner guiding you every step of the way.
With Reliable Power Systems and Reliable Electrical Services, you get more than installation. You get expert support, custom solutions, and lasting peace of mind. From first call to final inspection, our team works with speed, precision, and professionalism to ensure your home or business stays powered—when you need it most.
Request your free estimate today and let’s keep the lights on—together.
