Generator FAQs

If you’re thinking about installing a generator in your Northeast Ohio home, Blind & Sons is here to help. We have over 80 years of experience serving our customers in Akron and the surrounding areas. Our technicians can recommend the right generator to meet your needs.

Have questions about standby generators? Find the answers here! Then, contact us at (330) 753-7711 to request an on-site evaluation.

What’s the difference between a portable generator and a whole-house generator?

A portable gas-powered generator is a temporary unit designed to provide electricity in emergencies. During a blackout, you must haul the unit out of storage, power it up, and plug in extension cords from your most essential appliances. Improper setup could increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

On the other hand, a whole-house generator is a permanent solution installed outside your home. It automatically turns on during an outage, using your home’s regular power source (such as natural gas or propane) to keep the lights on and appliances running. It’s the most convenient backup power option available.

Why should I install a whole-house generator?

When it comes to ensuring your peace of mind during a storm, nothing does the job better than a whole-house standby generator. Here are the benefits:

  • Home comfort in any season, with the ability to run the furnace, air conditioner, and water heater during a blackout
  • Less food waste with continuous power for the refrigerator and freezer
  • Lower risk of flood damage with power for the sump pump
  • Less interruption to your daily routine or home business with power for the lights and electronics
  • Safer operation than a portable generator, with no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
  • More efficient performance than a portable generator for lower operating costs and cleaner energy for your appliances
  • Longer runtime than a portable generator for hours upon hours of backup power when you need it
  • Automatic operation, with just a brief interruption in power after a blackout begins
  • Protection against harmful voltage fluctuations when the power returns

How long can a whole-house generator run?

As long as the fuel doesn’t run out, a well-maintained whole-house generator can run nonstop. If you have a finite fuel supply, such as a 500-gallon propane tank, an efficient generator should be able to run 24 hours a day for over a week. Depending on your maintenance habits and generator usage, the system should last at least a decade before needing to be replaced.

How do I size my whole-house generator?

When you call Blind & Sons for a generator installation estimate, we’ll come to your home and evaluate your power needs. We can offer multiple size options to fulfill your expectations.

For instance, if your goal is to prevent flood damage and food spoilage, we can recommend a small unit to power your refrigerator, freezer, and sump pump. A larger system may also facilitate space heating and cooling, water heating, and lights in a few key areas. The largest whole-house generators let you enjoy all the usual conveniences, even during a blackout.

How can I tell if it’s time for generator repair service?

Since backup generators may go months or longer between uses, it can be tricky to spot a problem until it’s too late. To avoid this, we recommend maintaining your backup generator twice a year. This is your chance to identify and repair hidden problems—such as low coolant levels, faulty wiring, or a blocked fuel line—well before the next storm or other incident causes a blackout. In this way, routine maintenance gives you confidence that the system will run properly the next time you need it.

No generator question is off-limits for the expert electricians at Blind & Sons. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, please contact us at (330) 753-7711. We’ll offer fast, reliable information to help you choose the right backup power source for your Northeast Ohio home.

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