When thunderstorms roll through Nashville and the power goes out, your home can quickly become uncomfortable and unsafe. Without electricity, you could lose cooling, refrigeration and even the ability to power essential medical devices. That’s why more and more Nashville homeowners use a standby generator for backup power. But with so many types of generators and sizes available, choosing a standby generator can be confusing.

Feel confident in your investment with this comprehensive standby generator buying guide from Temp Control. In it, we’ll break down the key factors you need to evaluate, including:

• Proper generator size for your home’s electrical demands.
• Fuel type options and availability.
• Warranty coverage and manufacturer reliability.
• Professional installation requirements.
• The right type of generator for your needs.
• Maintenance costs and ongoing operating expenses.

Our goal is to give you clear, practical advice about how to choose a standby generator so you can protect your home and know you have a trusted expert to call when you’re ready to move forward.

Why You Might Need a Standby Generator

Power outages are common during severe storms, and losing electricity can affect your safety, comfort and even your ability to run a home business. Most homeowners choose between two types of generators:

• Portable generators: Manually operated, power a few select appliances, lower upfront cost.
• Standby generators: Permanently installed in your home, automatic operation, seamlessly power your entire home.

1. Choosing the Right Generator Capacity

The first step in choosing the right standby generator begins with understanding how much power your home actually needs during an outage. Start by listing the appliances and systems you want to operate, then total their wattage requirements.

It’s important to distinguish between running watts, which keep equipment operating continuously, and starting watts, which account for the brief surge of electricity used when motors power on. You’ll also need to decide between whole-home generators that power everything and more limited emergency power systems that supply only essential circuits.

Benefits of Professional Generator Sizing

• Measure actual amperage draw using testing equipment.
• Account for motor starting surge.
• Apply National Electrical Code (NEC) demand factors.
• Convert amps and voltage into accurate kilowatt (kW) requirements.
• Build in proper safety margins without oversizing.

An online calculator or DIY generator sizing guide can miss starting loads or underestimate other factors, which can lead to shutdowns or premature generator wear.

Fuel Type: Propane, Natural Gas or Diesel?

Fuel type is one of the major standby generator considerations homeowners need to decide. A generator uses fuel to produce electricity that powers your home during an outage. The three most common generator fuel types are propane, natural gas and diesel. Each offers distinct advantages and limitations. Choosing the right fuel depends on availability in your area, on-site storage requirements, operating costs and compatibility with your local utility infrastructure.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the main standby generator fuel types:

Propane Generators: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Long shelf life; propane does not degrade over time.
• Clean-burning fuel with lower emissions.
• Can be stored on-site in above- or below-ground tanks.
• Ideal for rural areas without natural gas service.
• Works well for whole-home standby systems.

Cons:

• Requires on-site storage tank installation.
• Tank refills may need to be scheduled.
• Fuel costs can fluctuate seasonally.
• Ideal for rural areas without natural gas service.
• Large tanks may require additional yard space.

Natural Gas Generators: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Continuous fuel supply from utility line.
• No on-site fuel storage.
• Generally lower fuel cost compared to propane or diesel.
• Low maintenance fuel system.
• Often available in urban and suburban areas.

Cons:

• Dependent on gas utility infrastructure.
• May not be available in more rural locations.
• Installation may require gas meter or line upgrades.
• Slightly lower energy density than diesel.

Diesel Generators: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High energy density and strong performance under heavy loads.
• Durable and long-lasting engine design.
• Often more fuel-efficient under full load.
• Well-suited for large homes or high-demand applications.

Cons:

• Requires on-site fuel storage tank.
• May result in louder operation compared to propane or natural gas.
• Higher emissions.

3. Transfer Switch Options

Another thing to consider when choosing a standby generator is the type of transfer switch you prefer. A transfer switch safely connects your generator to your home’s electrical system, allowing you to switch from utility power to your generator during an outage.

Manual transfer switches require you to physically change the power source, while automatic switches detect outages and connect to your generator automatically. Transfer switches prevent dangerous electrical backfeeding, protect equipment and ensure code compliance—making them essential components of safe, reliable emergency power systems.

4. Noise Levels and Placement

Standby generators typically operate between 60–75 decibels, which is similar to the sound level of an outdoor air conditioner. While modern generators are designed to run as quietly as possible, it’s important to know how much noise a generator makes and whether there are any local noise ordinances you need to consider.

Temp Control’s experienced technicians can reduce noise by strategically installing generators on your property. Installing generators away from neighboring property lines or using your landscaping features to muffle sound can make a big difference.

5. Installation Requirements and Permits

Having a professional install your generator is the best way to ensure safe and reliable operation. To start, installing a whole-home generator involves connecting high-voltage equipment. In addition, generator installation may be regulated by local electrical and building codes. Depending on the rules where you live, generator installation may require obtaining permits and passing inspections.

Temp Control will handle all these permits and code requirements, ensuring your generator is installed correctly, safely and in compliance. As an added bonus, you avoid the stress or risk of DIY generator installation!

Benefits of Professional Standby Generator Installation

• Safety: Protects you, your family and utility workers from electrical hazards.
• Code compliance: Ensures you meet local, state and national electrical and building regulations.
• Proper sizing and placement: Provides optimal performance and minimal noise or disruption.
• Reliable long-term performance: Proper generator installation reduces maintenance issues and can help your generator last longer, which helps you maximize your investment.

6. Warranty Coverage and Service Plans

Standby generator warranties and service plans are another important factor to consider. Most units include a basic manufacturer’s warranty with optional extended plans for extra protection. Warranties often cover parts, labor or repairs. However, it’s important to read the warranties to find out exactly what they cover.

Service and maintenance plans are equally important. Regular inspections and tune-ups help keep your generator running reliably and can even help make it last longer. The result is a reliable home backup power solution that’s always ready when you need it.

7. Cost Considerations

Investing in a high-quality standby generator ensures your home stays powered during outages and protects your family and property. While quality systems require a higher upfront budget, they offer reliability, efficiency and peace of mind.

Factors that impact backup generator installation cost:

• Equipment cost: The price of the generator itself, which varies by size and brand.
• Installation cost: Labor, permits and site preparation.
• Upgrades and modifications: Automatic transfer switches, panel upgrades or additional wiring.
• Fuel type and efficiency: Your choice of fuel can impact long-term operation costs.
• Maintenance and warranty: Ongoing service, inspections and extended coverage options can save you money on repairs.

8. Reliability and Brand Reputation

Not all generator brands are created equal. Researching brands by reading online reviews is a good start. For more first-hand knowledge, talk with a local installer like Temp Control to find out which generator brands perform best in the Nashville, TN, area.

9. Local Support and Service Availability

When it comes to reliable backup power, having a knowledgeable local partner makes all the difference. If you’re unsure how to choose a standby generator in Nashville, TN, Temp Control makes generator installation smooth and easy. We provide consultations to help you select the ideal system, install it properly and offer ongoing generator maintenance for lasting performance. Plus, you can count on our local technicians arriving quickly during outages.

Make sure your home is protected during a power outage. Schedule a consultation for generator services by calling 615-827-5310 today.