How to Choose the Best Generator for Winter Power Outages in New England

Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes

Winter in New England can be unpredictable, with snowstorms often leading to power outages. For homeowners, having a reliable home generator isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. Choosing the right generator can be daunting with so many options available, but understanding your specific needs and how a generator fits into your home environment will make the process easier.

Understanding Your Power Needs

Before choosing a generator, it's essential to determine what appliances and systems you need to run during an outage. Think about which devices are critical to your family's comfort and safety. Do you need to power heaters, refrigerators, or medical equipment? Generators range in capacity from small units that run a few essentials to large standby generators that can power everything in your home.

Calculating Total Power Requirements

Start by listing all the appliances and systems you want to keep running and note their wattage. Be sure to account for any initial start-up surge the appliances require, as this often doubles the running wattage for a brief period.

If you're unsure, experts like Paul The Plumber are available to help calculate your home's power requirements and recommend the best generator to meet those needs[2].

Types of Generators Suitable for New England Winters

Understanding the types of generators available will assist in making a more informed purchase:

Portable Generators

These are versatile and can be used wherever needed. They range from 1,000 to 10,000 watts and are ideal for temporary power. However, you need to connect appliances manually and keep them fueled.

Standby Generators

These are permanently installed outside your home and connect directly to your electrical system. They automatically kick in during an outage, providing a seamless supply of power. They’re a better option for homes where essential needs must be continuously met without the hassle of manual setup[2].

Key Features to Consider

When selecting a generator, consider the following features to ensure it meets your home's demands efficiently:

Fuel Source

Generators can run on gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. In New England, where fuel accessibility can be affected by severe weather, dual-fuel capability may prove advantageous.

Automatic Start

This feature allows the generator to activate automatically during a power outage, providing you peace of mind without the need for manual intervention.

Smart Load Management

Advanced load management systems optimize power distribution to essential devices. Look for generators with this feature if managing a large number of high-wattage devices.

Paul The Plumber’s Expertise in Generator Services

Paul the Plumber offers comprehensive generator services, ensuring your system is installed correctly and maintained to operate efficiently during critical times. Whether you're installing a new generator or need service on an existing one, our licensed and highly trained technicians are ready to assist.

Why Choose Paul The Plumber?

As a family-owned, BBB-accredited business with over 22 years of experience, we are committed to providing the best service possible. We offer a 2-year parts and labor warranty, with a 3-year warranty available for our club members. This dedication makes us a trusted choice in New Hampshire, particularly during those challenging winter months[2].

Our customer testimonials back this up, with many noting our professionalism and quick response time. For instance, Margarita A. praised our scheduling efficiency and friendly service during a recent boiler replacement[0].

Your Next Steps

Start by assessing your home’s power needs and considering what type of generator fits best. Reach out to Paul The Plumber for expert guidance on selecting a generator that will keep your family comfortable and safe all winter long.

Contact us at (603) 541-7986 to schedule an assessment or service appointment—don't wait until the power goes out to act! Let us help ensure you and your family are protected this winter.