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.

Durham Whole-Home Generators

Power Your Home With Confidence

Whether it’s storm season or an unexpected outage, a whole-home generator gives your family the comfort and safety you deserve. In Durham, having backup power is more than a luxury—it’s peace of mind. Ted’s HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical installs dependable whole-home generators that integrate with your electrical system to automatically turn on when the power goes out. No more spoiled food, dead devices, or freezing nights. Along with seamless power restoration, many of our generator systems include built-in electrical/surge-protection/”>surge protection—offering an added layer of security for your home’s electrical system. Keep life running smoothly in Durham with a professionally installed generator.

Our Whole-Home Generator Services

We provide a full range of services to ensure your whole-home generator is ready when you need it most. From installation to maintenance and repairs, we are dedicated to delivering reliable solutions. Keep your home powered during outages with our expert services tailored to your needs.

Whole-Home Generator Installation — Installing a whole-home generator ensures your entire house stays powered during an outage. We assess your electrical needs to recommend the perfect unit for your home and provide seamless installation.
Generator Maintenance — Regular maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns and ensures your generator works efficiently. Our team performs thorough inspections and necessary tune-ups to extend the life of your system.
Generator Repair — If your generator isn’t working correctly, we’re here to diagnose and fix the issue quickly. We handle all types of repairs, from minor adjustments to more complex fixes, so your generator runs smoothly.
Transfer Switch Installation — A transfer switch automatically switches the power to your generator during an outage. We install and set up these systems to ensure an immediate response and hassle-free power restoration.
Generator Load Testing — Testing your generator’s load capacity ensures it will run effectively when needed. We perform comprehensive load tests to confirm your generator is ready for any situation.

To see what Ted's can do for you, call us and schedule today!

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919-823-7344

Why Choose Ted’s For Whole-Home Generators?

Ted’s HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical offers more than just high-quality generator services; we provide peace of mind. Our skilled technicians are dedicated to ensuring that your home stays powered during unexpected outages. We offer personalized service tailored to your home’s specific needs and always prioritize your safety. With our trusted team, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting reliable and efficient generator solutions.

Tailored Solutions for Your Home — We take the time to assess your home’s power needs and recommend the best whole-home generator. Our personalized approach ensures that your generator installation fits your home perfectly.
Full Range of Services — From installation to maintenance and repair, we provide complete generator services. No matter what your generator needs, our team has the expertise to get the job done right.
Attention to Detail — Every job we take on is handled with precision and care. Our technicians go above and beyond to make sure everything from the generator installation to the transfer switch is correctly set up.
Trustworthy Advice — We offer clear, honest advice about the best generator options for your home. Our team helps you make informed decisions so you can invest in the right generator for your needs.
Thorough Workmanship — Our technicians ensure that all aspects of your generator installation or repair are completed with the utmost attention to detail. We follow industry best practices and guarantee that your system will operate efficiently.

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What Our Customers Say About Us

4.9 Google Rating

Kendall was excellent and detailed with explaining my furnace situation and providing me with an honest assessment. I also appreciate Wes coming and sharing his knowledge and insights on the options I'm facing to resolve my heating issues. Thanks for great customer service!

Sauda Zahra

1 day ago

Tom was very thorough and took his time in reviewing and explaining our options for an HVAC replacement system. No pressure, just pleasant conversation as we identified the right system for us. We’re new to Ted’s for service and so far we’ve had nothing but positive experiences. Thank you.

Elaine Graham

1 day ago

Nathan came out to complete my plumbing maintenance, and the experience was excellent from start to finish. He was kind, polite, and extremely informative, taking the time to explain everything clearly. He even went the extra mile by offering to bring me lunch or coffee on his way over, such a thoughtful touch! I truly appreciate the outstanding customer service Nathan provided, and I’m excited to be a part of Ted’s Club. I was initially a bit concerned about the transition from Carolina Air to this company, but those concerns were quickly put to rest. The level of customer service I’ve received has been absolutely top-notch. Highly recommend!

Jakara Heyward

2 days ago

My Tech Kendall was great because I am a safety professional he is very concerned for my health and safety thank you for a job well done

Fred Snider

1 week ago

Consultation on mini split unit cleaning and maintenance

machetemanf13 _ (machetemanf13)

1 week ago

Effective, Professional, Clear and Reasonably priced,

Temar Martinelli

1 week ago

Kail did a great job quickly detecting what was with our system. He came up with a plan to get it back running again. Kail kept me up to date on the progress the he and Omar were making. I definitely recommend Ted 's! There service is of exceptional quality and the men are always courteous and respectful. James did an awesome job inspecting our heater. He is also very pleasant, personable and explained things to us in layman's terms. Very much enjoyed his visit.

Jill

1 week ago

Ted’s HVAC responded quickly to my call, made the diagnosis of problem and completed the repair. Very pleased with this company and employee Sam Hall. Repair was for hot water heater.

Jean Waldo

1 week ago

Great ac me mechanics. Good work

roger watkins

2 weeks ago

Great communication before the appointment, through the visit and then afterwards. The transparency while onsite was something I’ve never seen before from an HVAC company.

Bobby Autry

2 weeks ago

Grant was courteous and expedient. He has a great working knowledge about plumbing that enabled him to quote different choices about each problem area. So I could choose what I needed today and I can plan what is important to repair, but not urgent. He really took his time to evaluate problems in 3 bathrooms and on three levels. He actually completed 3 tasks, and made recommendations for another 3, we can consider next time. Maybe after Christmas next year. I would recommend him to anyone with drainage problems or flushing issues or leaks. He responded quickly- came out the very next day! His charges for today was very reasonable. Thank you Grant! Great job!

robin keene

2 weeks ago

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Your home deserves top-quality care from experts who prioritize your comfort and safety. Whether you need a fast repair, a system upgrade, or routine maintenance, our skilled team is here to deliver reliable solutions with unmatched professionalism. We take the time to understand your needs and provide services that enhance efficiency, performance, and long-term savings. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, we ensure every job is done right the first time. Experience the difference of expert service—contact us today to schedule your appointment!

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