Power Outage Proof: How to Choose the Right Backup Generator Setup

How to Prepare Your Home for a Backup Generator

Power outages in Brooklyn can last hours or days. Whether from summer storms, winter ice, or grid failures, losing power means losing:

• Refrigerated food
• Heating/cooling
• Security systems
• Medical equipment
• Work-from-home ability
• Basic comfort

A backup generator solves these problems. Here's how to choose and prepare.

Types of Backup Generators

Portable Generators

What they are: Gas-powered units you roll out during outages

Power output: 3,000-12,000 watts

Cost: $500-2,500

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Flexible use (camping, job sites)
• No installation required

Cons:

• Must be set up each time
• Requires manual start
• Fuel storage needed
• Can only power select circuits
• Must refuel during long outages
• Carbon monoxide risk if used improperly

Standby (Whole-House) Generators

What they are: Permanently installed units that start automatically

Power output: 10,000-48,000 watts

Cost: $3,000-15,000 + installation

Pros:

• Automatic operation
• Powers entire home
• Runs on natural gas or propane (no refueling)
• Seamless transition (10-30 seconds)
• Increases home value

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Professional installation required
• Requires permits
• Needs regular maintenance

Battery Backup Systems

What they are: Large batteries that store power for outages

Power output: Varies (Tesla Powerwall: 13.5 kWh)

Cost: $10,000-20,000 installed

Pros:

• Silent operation
• No fuel required
• Can charge from solar
• No emissions
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Limited runtime
• High upfront cost
• May not power whole home for long

Sizing Your Generator

Step 1: List Essential Circuits

Must-have during outage:

• Refrigerator: 600-800W running, 2,000W starting
• Sump pump: 800W running, 2,500W starting
• Furnace: 300-500W
• Well pump: 1,000W running, 3,000W starting

Nice to have:

• Lights: 100-500W (LED much less)
• TV/Internet: 200-400W
• Microwave: 1,000-1,500W
• Computer: 200-400W

High draw (may skip):

• Central AC: 3,000-5,000W
• Electric water heater: 4,500W
• Electric stove: 2,000-5,000W
• Space heaters: 1,500W each

Step 2: Calculate Total Load

Running watts: Add up everything you want to run simultaneously

Starting watts: Add highest starting wattage item

Example:

• Refrigerator: 800W running + 2,000W starting
• Lights: 300W
• Furnace: 400W
• TV/Internet: 300W

Running total: 1,800W

Starting needs: 1,800W + 2,000W = 3,800W

Generator needed: At least 4,000W (recommend 5,000-6,000W for headroom)

Step 3: Choose Generator Type

For essentials only: 5,000-7,500W portable

For most of home: 10,000-14,000W portable or small standby

For whole home: 16,000-24,000W standby

For whole home with AC: 24,000-48,000W standby

Preparing Your Home for Generator Installation

Electrical Preparation

For Portable Generators:

1. Install a transfer switch ($300-600 installed)

2. This prevents backfeeding into grid (dangerous and illegal)

3. Allows safe connection to home circuits

4. Creates simple switching between grid and generator

For Standby Generators:

1. Install automatic transfer switch (ATS)

2. May need panel upgrade

3. Dedicated circuits for generator

4. Proper grounding

Site Preparation

Location requirements:

• 5+ feet from windows, doors, vents
• On stable, level surface
• Protected from flooding
• Accessible for maintenance
• Compliant with local codes

For standby generators:

• Concrete pad (typically included in install)
• Gas line connection
• Electrical connection
• Sound considerations for neighbors

Permits and Approvals

NYC requirements:

• Electrical permit for transfer switch
• DOB approval for standby generator
• Gas permit if natural gas
• Some co-ops/HOAs require approval

Generator Installation Cost in Brooklyn

Portable Generator Setup

| Item | Cost |

|------|------|

| Generator (6,500W) | $800-1,500 |

| Transfer switch | $200-400 |

| Installation | $400-800 |

| Total | $1,400-2,700 |

Standby Generator Installation

| Item | Cost |

|------|------|

| Generator (16-22kW) | $4,000-7,000 |

| Automatic transfer switch | $500-1,000 |

| Concrete pad | $300-600 |

| Installation | $2,000-5,000 |

| Permits | $200-500 |

| Gas line (if needed) | $500-2,000 |

| Total | $7,500-16,100 |

Battery Backup (Tesla Powerwall)

| Item | Cost |

|------|------|

| Powerwall (2 units for whole home) | $14,000-18,000 |

| Installation | $3,000-5,000 |

| Gateway and panels | Included |

| Total | $17,000-23,000 |

Maintenance Requirements

Portable Generators

• Run monthly for 15-30 minutes
• Change oil annually
• Replace fuel or use stabilizer
• Clean air filter
• Inspect regularly

Standby Generators

• Weekly automatic self-test
• Annual professional service ($150-300)
• Oil and filter changes
• Battery replacement every 3-5 years
• Spark plug replacement

Battery Systems

• Virtually maintenance-free
• Software updates automatic
• 10-year warranty typical
• May need replacement at 10-15 years

Power Outage Tips for Brooklyn

Before outage:

• Know your essential circuits
• Have flashlights and batteries
• Maintain generator regularly
• Keep fuel fresh (if portable)

During outage:

• Never run generator indoors
• Don't backfeed without transfer switch
• Conserve generator fuel
• Unplug sensitive electronics until power stable

After outage:

• Let utility power stabilize before switching
• Check for damage
• Refuel generator for next time
• Document outage for insurance

Ready for Your Generator Installation?

Jetco Electrical installs transfer switches and coordinates standby generator installations throughout Brooklyn:

✓ Transfer switch installation

✓ Panel upgrades for generator

✓ Permit handling

✓ Generator connection

✓ Load calculation assistance

Never be left in the dark again.

Call: (667) 455-6368