Power outages disrupt people’s daily lives, spoil food, and pose safety risks, and many homeowners are turning to emergency backup generators for peace of mind. Installing a home standby generator ensures your house keeps running even when the power grid fails.
Energy.gov reports that about 83% of major U.S. power outages from 2000–2021 were weather-related, and the average annual number of weather-related outages has risen by nearly 80% since 2011, evidence that reliability planning (including standby power) matters for households.
Setting up a residential standby generator with the correct planning and help can be smooth. A properly installed system will automatically detect power loss and start-up within seconds. This means your lights, appliances, and crucial systems like heating and cooling stay on without you lifting a finger.
Choosing the right generator size and fuel type is key. Most home standby models run on natural gas or propane and can power essential circuits or your whole house. Professional installation is also vital to ensure safety and proper function. While the upfront cost may be significant, many homeowners find the long-term benefits worth the investment.
This guide walks you through the entire installation process: how to size your generator, where to place it, which models to consider, and how to comply with building codes and utility requirements.
Here's what you'll find below:
- How to evaluate power needs and choose the right generator
- How to prepare your home for generator installation
- Step-by-step emergency generator installation process
- Why Nevada homeowners trust Mountain West for generator installation
- What to do after installing your backup generator
Whether you're just starting your research or ready to install, you'll learn the critical steps to protect your home with a standby power solution.
How to evaluate power needs and choose the right generator
Picking the right backup generator starts with figuring out how much power you need. This means calculating your power needs and choosing a suitable generator.
Determining power requirements
List essential items you want to run during an outage to determine your power needs. Then, add up the wattage of each item. Don't forget about starting watts - some appliances need extra power to start up. Add a 20% buffer to your total for safety, giving you the minimum wattage your generator should provide.
Appliances to consider:
- Refrigerator: 600-800 watts
- Sump pump: 750-1500 watts
- Furnace fan: 300-600 watts
- Lights: 60-600 watts
- TV: 100-400 watts
How to choose the best residential generator model
Once you know your power needs, it's time to pick a generator. Standby generators are popular for homes because they start automatically when the power goes out.
Key features to look for:
- Enough wattage to meet your needs
- Fuel type (natural gas, propane, or diesel)
- Noise level
- Brand reputation and warranty
We recommend getting a generator with an automatic transfer switch, as this safely connects the generator to your home's electrical system. Look for models from trusted brands like Generac, Kohler, or Briggs & Stratton. These often offer good reliability and support.
How to prepare your home for generator installation
Getting the site ready is a key step for a smooth generator installation. Before starting, consider where to place your generator and who to talk to.
Site assessment and placement
Generac advises not installing a home standby generator under decks and maintaining clearance of ~5 ft from combustible materials and ~3 ft from non-combustibles, to reduce carbon monoxide and fire risks and allow safe service access.
You need to pick the right spot for your generator. Look for a flat, dry area near your home's electrical panel, keeping it away from windows and doors to avoid noise and fumes. Also, ensure there's room for airflow around the unit.
The ground must be stable, and you should pour a concrete pad. This keeps the generator level and secure. Check local rules about how far it needs to be from buildings.
Think about access for fuel delivery and maintenance. The closer to gas lines, the better. However, safety comes first, so always follow the maker's guidelines on placement.
Permits and utility coordination for generator installation
Talk to the utility company before installing; they'll guide you on safely connecting to the power grid. Ask about any special switches or meters needed, and get building permits from your local office. They'll check if our plans meet safety codes. You might need electrical, mechanical, or zoning permits.
The fire department may have rules, too, especially about fuel storage and safety distances. Follow all their guidelines to keep the installation legal and safe. It's best to have all permits before you start any work.
Step-by-step emergency generator installation process
Installing an emergency backup generator involves careful planning and several key steps. Safety measures and proper electrical connections are crucial for a successful installation.
Meeting safety codes for generator installation
Carbon monoxide safety is a top priority, so ensure the generator is at least 5 feet from windows and doors to prevent fumes from entering the home. Proper ventilation is essential. Choose a spot that allows exhaust to flow away from the house. It's also important to install carbon monoxide detectors inside.
Electrical and mechanical installation
Install a transfer switch next to the main electrical panel. This switch automatically changes power sources when an outage occurs. Next, set up the generator on a level concrete pad and connect it to the natural gas or propane supply.
Run wiring between the generator, transfer switch, and central panel, then install the generator's electronic controller. This smart device monitors power and starts the generator when needed. Finally, test everything to ensure it works perfectly.
Common mistakes to avoid during generator installation
Undersizing (or oversizing) the system. Choosing a generator on nameplate kW alone can lead to nuisance trips or wasted spend. Always account for starting (surge) watts on motor loads (A/C compressors, well pumps, refrigerators) and leave headroom for seasonal peaks. A professional load calculation prevents surprises when the system transfers under real load.
Skipping permits and utility coordination. Standby systems interface with the grid and, often, a gas utility. Skipping permits or meter upgrades can cause failed inspections, delays, or unsafe conditions. Your installer should file electrical/gas permits, coordinate any meter or service-panel changes, and program the ATS to prevent backfeed.
Poor placement and airflow. Squeezing a generator into a tight alcove or near openings can create exhaust and service hazards. Follow manufacturer clearances for intake/exhaust, snow/wind exposure, and service access, and keep vegetation/debris clear year-round. Install carbon monoxide detectors inside the home as an extra safeguard.
Neglecting maintenance. Batteries, oil, filters, and firmware all require periodic attention. Exercising the unit monthly and following the service schedule preserve reliability and warranty coverage. Partner with a qualified service provider so your generator starts and runs under load during prolonged outages.
Why Nevada homeowners trust Mountain West for generator installation
A standby generator is only as reliable as the team that designs, installs, and maintains it. Mountain West brings licensed electricians, Generac-focused training, and local code expertise to every job, so your system is safe, compliant, and ready when an outage hits. From desert heat to winter cold snaps, we tailor equipment selection, placement, and controls to Nevada’s climate and housing stock.
We begin with a whole-home load assessment to right-size the generator and transfer switch for your real demand (HVAC, refrigeration, well pumps, medical devices, networking). Then we plan placement for airflow, service access, and noise mitigation, coordinate fuel (natural gas or propane), and handle permits with your local jurisdiction. Electrical tie-in is completed at the main service equipment with ATS programming and on-site startup verification.
Our support doesn’t stop at commissioning. Mountain West offers seasonal maintenance, firmware updates, battery and starter system checks, and emergency diagnostics, so your investment performs over the long term.
Financing options available through Mountain West
Backup power shouldn’t be out of reach. Mountain West offers flexible financing through Synchrony, including promotional 18-month, no-interest plans on qualifying system installs. That means you can move forward with whole-home coverage now and spread payments over time, ideal when outages and extreme temperatures can’t wait.
Financing can include the complete scope of work: generator, ATS, electrical upgrades, concrete pad, and permitted gas work (as applicable). We’ll help you match terms to your budget and timeline, explain promotional details clearly, and coordinate paperwork so installation can proceed without delays.
Approval is fast and digital. Start on our Financing page to review options and submit a secure application in minutes. Once approved, we finalize equipment and scheduling so your project stays on track.
Get a personalized quote with our Estimate Builder
Want transparent pricing before a site visit? Use Mountain West’s Estimate Builder to get an instant, tailored quote based on your home size, power priorities, and fuel preference. The tool also shows the least-expensive per-month option available through our financing, so you can compare scenarios quickly.
Answer a few guided questions (essential circuits vs. whole-home, HVAC tonnage, fuel availability), and the Estimate Builder calculates a configuration that fits your goals. You’ll see a clear scope (generator + ATS + typical install) and a monthly payment preview tied to current promotional terms.
This saves you time, sets realistic expectations, and helps you make apples-to-apples comparisons with confidence. If you like what you see, submit your info and our team will confirm details, finalize permits, and lock your install date.
What to do after installing your backup generator
After installing an emergency backup generator, we must address key matters. These include insurance, warranties, maintenance, and safety practices.
Insurance and warranty
Check your homeowner's insurance policy after installing a generator, as many policies don't cover damage from generator malfunctions. Therefore, you may need to add extra coverage. General liability insurance is also essential, as it protects you if someone gets hurt by your generator. For DIY installs, you need special insurance.
Most generators come with a warranty, and you should read this carefully. There are often rules you must follow to keep it valid, and some warranties only cover parts, not labor. A guarantee statement from the installer can give you extra peace of mind. It should spell out what they'll fix if something goes wrong.
How to maintain your generator and keep it safe to use
Regular upkeep keeps your generator ready for power outages; you should run it monthly for about 30 minutes. This keeps parts lubricated and batteries charged. Change the oil and filters as the manual says. Keeping fuel fresh is also crucial because old gas can damage the engine.
Safety is key, and you should never run a generator indoors. The fumes are deadly, so keep it at least 20 feet from the house and away from windows. Remember, carbon monoxide detectors are a must-have safety item with a generator.
Proper use of the transfer switch is vital, too, as it keeps your generator from feeding power back into the grid. This protects utility workers during outages.
Conclusion
Installing an emergency backup generator isn’t just about convenience, it’s about protecting your home, family, and daily life when power outages strike. From choosing the right size and fuel type to following proper safety codes and securing permits, each step in the process ensures your generator works reliably when you need it most.
With professional installation, ongoing maintenance, and smart planning, a residential standby generator provides long-term peace of mind and resilience. If you're ready to make your home more prepared for outages, Mountain West offers expert guidance every step of the way.
Get in touch to discuss installing an emergency backup generator in your home to protect against power outages.
