Power outages are inconvenient at best—and dangerous at worst. Whether it’s a storm that knocks out the grid or an overloaded system during extreme weather, having a backup generator can be the difference between staying safe and scrambling for solutions. But how do you choose the right generator for your home?

For homeowners in the Omaha area, where weather conditions can be unpredictable, investing in a backup generator isn’t just smart—it’s essential. And at Getzschman Heating, we understand the importance of preparing your home for anything. With over 60 years of experience serving Nebraska families, we’re here to help you find a solution you can count on.

Let’s walk through the key factors in selecting the ideal generator for your needs.

Step 1: Decide What You Need to Power

The first step in choosing a generator is determining what you want it to do. Not every generator powers the entire home—and not every homeowner needs that level of coverage.

Essential Items

A smaller backup generator may be enough if you just want to keep the essentials going:

Refrigerator and freezer
A few lights
Internet and phone charging
Sump pump or medical devices

This setup helps you stay safe and connected during short outages without the cost of whole-home backup.

Whole-Home Systems

If your goal is uninterrupted comfort—air conditioning, heat, full kitchen use, home office productivity, or security system reliability—a whole-home standby generator is the better option.

Pro Tip from the G-Force Team: Our technicians perform personalized assessments to help you decide exactly what needs coverage and which generator model can handle the load.

Step 2: Choose the Right Fuel Type

Not all generators run on the same fuel, and your home’s setup can influence which type makes the most sense.

Natural Gas

If you already have a gas line, a natural gas-powered generator is often the most convenient. It connects directly to your home’s supply, offering an uninterrupted fuel source.

Benefits:

No need for refueling
Cleaner burning than diesel
Low maintenance

Propane

Propane is great for homes without natural gas access. It stores well and offers flexibility in installation.

Benefits:

Burns clean
Long shelf life
Less maintenance than diesel

Diesel

Typically used for higher power demands, diesel generators are efficient but better suited to rural homes or properties with on-site fuel storage.

Benefits:

Reliable for long-term outages
Fuel-efficient
High power output

Not sure what’s best for your situation? Our comprehensive system evaluations help identify what will work best based on your home’s current infrastructure and your backup power goals.

Step 3: Get the Right Size Generator

Sizing a generator properly is crucial. A unit that’s too small won’t meet your needs, and one that’s too large will waste energy and cost more than necessary.

Estimate Your Load

Start by listing the appliances you want to power and their wattage:

Refrigerator: ~700 watts
Sump pump: ~750–1500 watts
Furnace fan: ~1000 watts
Central AC: ~2000–4000 watts

Factor in both running and starting (surge) wattage. Total these numbers to estimate the capacity your generator needs to deliver.

Sizing Categories

3,000–5,000 watts: Essential circuits only
5,000–8,000 watts: Medium coverage, including HVAC
8,000+ watts: Whole-house systems

At Getzschman, our two-year test drive guarantee gives you the peace of mind that your system will meet your expectations—or we’ll make it right.

Step 4: Plan for Professional Installation

A generator is a serious investment—and not a DIY project. Professional installation ensures everything is connected safely and up to code. It also optimizes performance and protects your warranty.

What You Can Expect:

Site inspection to determine placement and fuel access
Permitting handled by licensed professionals
Seamless electrical integration with automatic transfer switches
Testing and training to make sure you’re confident using your new generator

And with our G-Force Rapid Response Team, you can trust that installation is done efficiently and backed by decades of experience.

Why Choose a Standby Generator?

While portable generators can provide temporary relief, they require manual setup, regular refueling, and careful monitoring. Standby generators are permanently installed, automatically activated, and designed for long-term reliability.

Standby Generator Advantages:

Hands-free operation: Powers up automatically within seconds
More power: Supports HVAC, appliances, and electronics simultaneously
Longer runtime: Can operate continuously during extended outages
Safety: No risk of carbon monoxide exposure indoors

For Nebraska homeowners, a standby generator offers confidence that your family and home are protected—rain, snow, or shine.

Generator FAQs

How much does a whole-home generator cost?

The cost varies depending on generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. On average, a professionally installed system ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. A personalized quote will give you the most accurate pricing.

How long will my generator run?

Natural gas units can run as long as the utility supply is active.
Propane and diesel units are limited by tank size, typically running 24 to 72 hours per fill.

Can a generator power my whole house?

Yes, if you choose a system with sufficient capacity and the proper transfer switch. Getzschman’s team can help design a solution that meets your full-home needs.

What kind of maintenance is required?

Regular maintenance keeps your generator reliable when you need it. This includes oil changes, fuel level checks, and system testing. We offer scheduled maintenance services, so you’re never caught off guard.

Why Homeowners Trust Getzschman Heating

For more than 60 years, families throughout Omaha and surrounding communities have relied on Getzschman Heating for honest, expert service. Whether it’s HVAC, air quality, or generator installation, we’re proud to be the team you can count on when it matters most.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Technicians You Can Trust With Your Housekeys – Respectful, background-checked professionals who treat your home like their own
G-Force Rapid Response Team – Fast, efficient service when you need it most
Two-Year Test Drive Guarantee – Try your system for two full years with confidence
Custom Efficiency Checks – We don’t just install—we optimize and verify
Trusted Since 1960 – A legacy of service and integrity in every job

When it comes to power, peace of mind, and personalized support, Getzschman Heating delivers. Let us help you choose and install the perfect generator—because your home deserves more than just backup. It deserves reliability, safety, and the team that’s been trusted for generations.