What Is a Whole-Home Generator and How Does It Work?

A whole-home generator automatically powers your home during a utility outage. It connects directly to your home’s electrical panel and typically runs on natural gas or propane. Within seconds of losing power, it kicks on to keep lights, appliances, and HVAC systems running.

How Is a Whole-Home Generator Different From a Portable One?

Whole-home generators are permanently installed and can power your entire home automatically. Portable generators require manual setup, limited fuel, and only support select appliances. The convenience, safety, and capacity of whole-home systems make them ideal for long-term reliability.

What Size Generator Do I Need for My Home?

The right size depends on your home’s square footage and the appliances or systems you want to power. Most homes need a generator between 14–22 kilowatts for full coverage. A licensed electrician can calculate your exact power needs and recommend the appropriate model.

Does a Whole-Home Generator Turn On Automatically?

Yes, whole-home generators have automatic transfer switches that detect outages and start the generator within seconds. This ensures continuous power without you needing to lift a finger. When utility power returns, the system shuts off and switches back seamlessly.

Can a Whole-Home Generator Power My HVAC System?

Absolutely—one of the major benefits of a whole-home generator is its ability to support high-demand systems like air conditioning and heating. This keeps your home comfortable even during extended outages. Make sure the unit is sized correctly to handle your HVAC load.

How Often Does a Whole-Home Generator Need Maintenance?

Most generators should be serviced at least once a year, or after every 100–200 hours of use. Regular maintenance includes oil changes, filter replacements, and system checks. Many systems also perform self-tests weekly to ensure they’re ready when needed.

Is a Whole-Home Generator a Good Investment?

Yes, especially in areas with frequent storms or unreliable power. It protects your food, electronics, and comfort while also increasing your home’s value. Many homeowners find peace of mind alone makes it worth the investment.

What Fuel Types Can Be Used for Whole-Home Generators?

Whole-home generators typically run on natural gas or propane, with some models also supporting diesel. Natural gas is convenient if your home already has a line, while propane is great for rural areas with large storage tanks. The fuel choice affects installation and operating costs.

Whole-Home Generator Installation & Repair in Durham, NC : Ted’s HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical

Justin M. Performed our HVAC preventative maintenance today! Ted’s delivers excellence again! Well Done, Justin!

Dave Cline

4 days ago

We love working with Ted’s. They are reliable, trustworthy, and professional. Paul and Jose were the most recent technician to perform our maintenance visits and they were excellent. We highly recommend Ted’s!

The Robertsons

4 days ago

As a homeowner, I really depend on honest, dependable service and Ted's is and has always been very responsive to any and all repairs for my home. So nice to work with those you trust! LJ and Sam came out to move my water filter from the crawlspace to the garage! So much easier for me to change it now!!

Kim Mitchell

5 days ago

It was a pleasure to have Justin McCowan work on our HVAC thermostat issues. He explained issues in terms we were able to understand. He ordered a new thermostat to replace the faulty one. He replaced as soon as new thermostat became available. Justin explained that parts and labor were covered by the warranty. He also encouraged us to call with any additional questions or concerns. Justin is very thorough and professional.

Sharon Beaver

5 days ago

Justin did a fantastic job servicing my system! He was knowledgeable and skilled, and also personable and kind! He carefully explained what he was doing every step of the way. He appropriately set my expectations for when I could expect the part to be received and the final repair to be done. He was respectful of my home, and while he was very entertaining to talk to, his conversation did not interfere with the work he was there to do. He was very efficient And professional. His brother Christian also works for Ted’s and has done a service call for me, and his level of service is just as good as his brothers. In fact, in the years since Ted’s installed my system, every technician they have sent out has been exceptional. In the five years since they have installed my 3-zone Variable-speed Trane heat pump, their level of support has been incredible.

James Ladd

6 days ago

Kail was excellent very polite and informative ...Also I tried send a message about the nice Guys that did the install they were really nice and helpful did an excellent job please let them know thanks so much!!😄😄😄😄😄

Aundrea Riggs

6 days ago

I met the technician at my home for my yearly HVAC inspection. I felt he understood the system. There was one item that need to be cleaned and he did so. I would use Teds HVAC again.

Terri Reynolds

1 week ago

Jose was great! Kept me informed as to what he was doing/suggesting and why. I appreciated how he used photos to show me what needed changing and why. Above and beyond.

Argie Burnette

1 week ago

Grant was absolutely fabulous. Took care of our issue quickly and professionally! Very courteous and explained every step of the process. Will definitely rely on them again! Jose came to assist and was just as courteous and knowledgeable.

Terry Donnenwirth

1 week ago

The guys at Ted's were able to get us a new system installed before the summer heat started kicking in. They had requoted a system that we were looking at last year and once we decided to move forward we they were at our house in a few days. The installation crew was at the house for two days and they were very friendly and knowledgeable. They replaced our old system and added zoning for the upstairs and downstairs. They made sure to clean up and were quick to answer questions if we had any. If you're looking for a new system or just annual maintenance I highly recommend using Ted's.

Tyler Whitmore

1 week ago

Corey and Kael did an excellent job, teds always has the friendliest and nicest technicians!!

Robert Giacomelli

1 week ago

So happy to have worked with Chris and Seth. Chris was so helpful and was done with creating an order in no time. Great service! Seth installed our new HVAC unit while being so friendly and courteous. Equipment runs well.

Anette Wade

1 week ago

Justin M. Performed our HVAC preventative maintenance today! Ted’s delivers excellence again! Well Done, Justin!

Dave Cline

4 days ago

We love working with Ted’s. They are reliable, trustworthy, and professional. Paul and Jose were the most recent technician to perform our maintenance visits and they were excellent. We highly recommend Ted’s!

The Robertsons

4 days ago

As a homeowner, I really depend on honest, dependable service and Ted's is and has always been very responsive to any and all repairs for my home. So nice to work with those you trust! LJ and Sam came out to move my water filter from the crawlspace to the garage! So much easier for me to change it now!!

Kim Mitchell

5 days ago

It was a pleasure to have Justin McCowan work on our HVAC thermostat issues. He explained issues in terms we were able to understand. He ordered a new thermostat to replace the faulty one. He replaced as soon as new thermostat became available. Justin explained that parts and labor were covered by the warranty. He also encouraged us to call with any additional questions or concerns. Justin is very thorough and professional.

Sharon Beaver

5 days ago

Justin did a fantastic job servicing my system! He was knowledgeable and skilled, and also personable and kind! He carefully explained what he was doing every step of the way. He appropriately set my expectations for when I could expect the part to be received and the final repair to be done. He was respectful of my home, and while he was very entertaining to talk to, his conversation did not interfere with the work he was there to do. He was very efficient And professional. His brother Christian also works for Ted’s and has done a service call for me, and his level of service is just as good as his brothers. In fact, in the years since Ted’s installed my system, every technician they have sent out has been exceptional. In the five years since they have installed my 3-zone Variable-speed Trane heat pump, their level of support has been incredible.

James Ladd

6 days ago

Kail was excellent very polite and informative ...Also I tried send a message about the nice Guys that did the install they were really nice and helpful did an excellent job please let them know thanks so much!!😄😄😄😄😄

Aundrea Riggs

6 days ago

I met the technician at my home for my yearly HVAC inspection. I felt he understood the system. There was one item that need to be cleaned and he did so. I would use Teds HVAC again.

Terri Reynolds

1 week ago

Jose was great! Kept me informed as to what he was doing/suggesting and why. I appreciated how he used photos to show me what needed changing and why. Above and beyond.

Argie Burnette

1 week ago

Grant was absolutely fabulous. Took care of our issue quickly and professionally! Very courteous and explained every step of the process. Will definitely rely on them again! Jose came to assist and was just as courteous and knowledgeable.

Terry Donnenwirth

1 week ago

The guys at Ted's were able to get us a new system installed before the summer heat started kicking in. They had requoted a system that we were looking at last year and once we decided to move forward we they were at our house in a few days. The installation crew was at the house for two days and they were very friendly and knowledgeable. They replaced our old system and added zoning for the upstairs and downstairs. They made sure to clean up and were quick to answer questions if we had any. If you're looking for a new system or just annual maintenance I highly recommend using Ted's.

Tyler Whitmore

1 week ago

Corey and Kael did an excellent job, teds always has the friendliest and nicest technicians!!

Robert Giacomelli

1 week ago

So happy to have worked with Chris and Seth. Chris was so helpful and was done with creating an order in no time. Great service! Seth installed our new HVAC unit while being so friendly and courteous. Equipment runs well.

Anette Wade

1 week ago

Justin M. Performed our HVAC preventative maintenance today! Ted’s delivers excellence again! Well Done, Justin!

Dave Cline

4 days ago

We love working with Ted’s. They are reliable, trustworthy, and professional. Paul and Jose were the most recent technician to perform our maintenance visits and they were excellent. We highly recommend Ted’s!

The Robertsons

4 days ago

As a homeowner, I really depend on honest, dependable service and Ted's is and has always been very responsive to any and all repairs for my home. So nice to work with those you trust! LJ and Sam came out to move my water filter from the crawlspace to the garage! So much easier for me to change it now!!

Kim Mitchell

5 days ago

It was a pleasure to have Justin McCowan work on our HVAC thermostat issues. He explained issues in terms we were able to understand. He ordered a new thermostat to replace the faulty one. He replaced as soon as new thermostat became available. Justin explained that parts and labor were covered by the warranty. He also encouraged us to call with any additional questions or concerns. Justin is very thorough and professional.

Sharon Beaver

5 days ago

Justin did a fantastic job servicing my system! He was knowledgeable and skilled, and also personable and kind! He carefully explained what he was doing every step of the way. He appropriately set my expectations for when I could expect the part to be received and the final repair to be done. He was respectful of my home, and while he was very entertaining to talk to, his conversation did not interfere with the work he was there to do. He was very efficient And professional. His brother Christian also works for Ted’s and has done a service call for me, and his level of service is just as good as his brothers. In fact, in the years since Ted’s installed my system, every technician they have sent out has been exceptional. In the five years since they have installed my 3-zone Variable-speed Trane heat pump, their level of support has been incredible.

James Ladd

6 days ago

Kail was excellent very polite and informative ...Also I tried send a message about the nice Guys that did the install they were really nice and helpful did an excellent job please let them know thanks so much!!😄😄😄😄😄

Aundrea Riggs

6 days ago

I met the technician at my home for my yearly HVAC inspection. I felt he understood the system. There was one item that need to be cleaned and he did so. I would use Teds HVAC again.

Terri Reynolds

1 week ago

Jose was great! Kept me informed as to what he was doing/suggesting and why. I appreciated how he used photos to show me what needed changing and why. Above and beyond.

Argie Burnette

1 week ago

Grant was absolutely fabulous. Took care of our issue quickly and professionally! Very courteous and explained every step of the process. Will definitely rely on them again! Jose came to assist and was just as courteous and knowledgeable.

Terry Donnenwirth

1 week ago

The guys at Ted's were able to get us a new system installed before the summer heat started kicking in. They had requoted a system that we were looking at last year and once we decided to move forward we they were at our house in a few days. The installation crew was at the house for two days and they were very friendly and knowledgeable. They replaced our old system and added zoning for the upstairs and downstairs. They made sure to clean up and were quick to answer questions if we had any. If you're looking for a new system or just annual maintenance I highly recommend using Ted's.

Tyler Whitmore

1 week ago

Corey and Kael did an excellent job, teds always has the friendliest and nicest technicians!!

Robert Giacomelli

1 week ago

So happy to have worked with Chris and Seth. Chris was so helpful and was done with creating an order in no time. Great service! Seth installed our new HVAC unit while being so friendly and courteous. Equipment runs well.

Anette Wade

1 week ago