The beginner’s guide to owning a home standby generator

Photo: Sergio Martin/Unsplash

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by Casey Cartwright
Contributing Writer

Illinois weather has a way of reminding homeowners how much daily life depends on reliable electricity. A summer thunderstorm can take down lines across a neighborhood. Heavy ice can make rural roads difficult to reach. Strong winds can interrupt power long enough to spoil food, shut down medical equipment, or leave a sump pump idle during the wrong hour.

For homeowners in Champaign County and across Illinois, a standby generator can offer more than convenience. It can support safety, comfort, and continuity when the grid goes quiet. Our guide for beginners will explain everything you need to know about owning a home standby generator, from what it does to how it differs from portable units and how to care for it.

What a Standby Generator Does

A standby generator connects directly to a home’s electrical system through a transfer switch. When utility power stops, the switch separates the home from the grid and allows the generator to supply electricity safely. Once utility power returns, the system transfers the home back to the grid and shuts the generator down.

Most standby generators run on natural gas or propane. That fuel source allows the unit to operate without a homeowner refilling a tank every few hours. For residents who travel, care for older relatives, work from home, or rely on powered health devices, that automatic response can make a major difference during an outage.

How Standby Generators Differ from Portable Units

Portable generators can serve an important purpose, especially for temporary or limited power needs. They also require hands-on setup, outdoor placement, fuel storage, extension cords, and careful attention to carbon monoxide risks. A portable unit may keep a refrigerator and a few devices running, but it typically will not support an entire household.

A standby generator becomes part of the home’s infrastructure. It needs professional installation, proper permits, a fuel connection, and routine maintenance. They cost more, but the system provides a more seamless response during power disruptions.

Start With the Power You Most Need

Homeowners should begin by deciding what they want to keep running during an outage. Some households only need essentials such as refrigeration, lighting, internet equipment, a furnace blower, a sump pump, and a few outlets. Others may want whole-home coverage, including central air conditioning, laundry appliances, kitchen circuits, and well pumps.

The size of the generator depends on electrical load, not square footage alone. Large appliances can draw significant power when they start, even if they use less electricity while running. An installer can calculate those starting loads and help determine whether the home needs a smaller essential-circuit setup or a larger whole-home system.

Consider Illinois Weather and Household Priorities

Central Illinois homeowners should think about the outages they are most likely to face. Spring and summer storms can interrupt service during hot, humid weather. Winter ice can challenge heating systems, especially in homes that need electricity to move warm air through the house. Heavy rain can make sump pump power especially important.

The household’s needs should guide the design. A family with a finished basement may prioritize the sump pump, while a rural homeowner may need well pump coverage. Someone working remotely may need power for internet service, office equipment, and climate control.

Fuel Choice Matters

Most standby generators use either natural gas or propane. Homes with natural gas service may find that option convenient because the generator connects to an existing utility supply. The installer still must confirm that the gas meter and line can support the generator alongside other appliances.

Propane can work well for homes without natural gas access, but it requires a suitable tank. The homeowner must also consider delivery access, fuel use during long outages, and local rules for tank placement.

Permits, Codes, and Placement

A standby generator is not a plug-in appliance. It requires electrical work, fuel connections, and placement that meets local code. Homeowners should expect permits, inspections, and coordination between electrical and fuel professionals. In some subdivisions, homeowners may also need to review association rules before installation.

Placement matters for safety and practicality. Generators must sit away from windows, doors, vents, and other openings because engines produce carbon monoxide. A level pad, proper drainage, and noise considerations all belong in the planning stage.

The Transfer Switch is a Safety Essential

The transfer switch may not look as impressive as the generator itself, but it performs one of the most important jobs. It prevents generator power from feeding back into utility lines, where it could endanger line workers. It also protects the home’s electrical system from improper connections.

Installation Should Be Professional

A homeowner may feel comfortable handling many home projects, but standby generator installation belongs with licensed professionals. The work combines electricity, fuel, exhaust safety, equipment sizing, code compliance, and manufacturer requirements. Mistakes can damage appliances, create fire risks, or expose people to carbon monoxide.

Maintenance Keeps the System Ready

A standby generator can sit quietly for weeks or months before a major outage arrives. That makes maintenance essential. Many units run a brief automatic exercise cycle to keep the engine active and confirm basic operation. The homeowner should still schedule service based on run time, calendar intervals, and manufacturer guidance.

Know What to Check When Trouble Starts

Even a well-maintained generator can fail to start without proper care. Homeowners do not need to become mechanics, but they should understand the basic signs that the system needs attention. When troubleshooting a generator that won’t start, check the most common issues first: the battery, the fuel, or a tripped breaker.

Safety Should Stay Front and Center

Standby generators are safer than portable units, but they still require respect. The generator must remain outdoors, properly ventilated, and unobstructed. Homeowners should never try to modify exhaust routes, bypass safety controls, or connect equipment in a way the installer did not approve.

Noise and Neighbor Considerations

Standby generators produce sound during exercise cycles and outages. Modern units use enclosures and mufflers to reduce noise, but they do not run silently. Placement can affect how much sound reaches bedrooms, patios, neighboring homes, and public spaces.

Costs Go Beyond the Unit

The generator itself represents only part of the total investment. Installation can include a concrete or composite pad, trenching, wiring, gas line work, transfer switch equipment, permits, inspections, and possible fuel system upgrades. Whole-home systems generally cost more than essential-circuit systems because they require larger equipment and more electrical planning.

Resale Value and Long-Term Practicality

A standby generator may appeal to future buyers, especially in areas where outages occur during storms or winter weather. It signals the preparation of the home for interruptions, and it may reassure buyers who worry about basements, remote work, medical needs, or food storage.

A Prepared Home is Easier to Manage

Now that you’ve read our beginner’s guide to owning a standby generator, you’re ready to start planning one for your home. Standby generators do not eliminate every inconvenience during an outage, but what they can do is reduce uncertainty. For Illinois homeowners weighing the decision, the best first step is not choosing the biggest unit. It is understanding the home, the people inside it, and the power needs that matter most when the weather turns.

Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

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Co-ops still heavily depend on coal and other fossil fuels for the majority of their power. Twenty-five of them in Illinois still have an ownership share in the Prairie State Coal Plant.

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Illinois has about 25 rural electric cooperatives that provide power to more than 300,000 rural homes, farms, and businesses in the state.

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by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

CHICAGO - A new scorecard shows rural electric cooperatives in Illinois are making improvements but experts said the majority of them are still helping to power the Prairie State Coal Plant, one of the top greenhouse gas polluters in the country.

The 2025 Illinois Rural Electric Scorecard from nonprofit Prairie Rivers Network grades eight Midwest state power cooperatives on 16 performance metrics.

Anthony Henson, rural energy organizer for the network, said there have been significant improvements since last year’s inaugural scorecard, with 20 cooperatives increasing their overall score. Henson explained co-ops originally formed to bring electricity to rural areas and are owned by the people they serve. He stressed the goal of the scorecard is to empower people with information about their co-ops.

"In the spirit of democratic participation in which these institutions were first created, we find that if member owners become more active inside their co-ops, the co-ops become responsive when making changes, whether it's transparency or operations," Henson outlined.

Hensen noted co-ops still heavily depend on coal and other fossil fuels for the majority of their power, adding the hope is the co-op scorecard, along with energy planning provisions and other legislation, will empower member-owners to help push their co-op toward a clean energy future.

However, nearly all the 25 co-ops in Illinois still have an ownership share in the Prairie State Coal Plant. Henson pointed out the first scorecard helped build momentum for the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act passed this fall, which created new standards for municipal and rural electric cooperatives.

"That is important because municipal and rural electric cooperatives have always been left out of the standards of these laws, and that has changed this year," Henson underscored. "We are now requiring co-ops in Illinois to do strategic resource planning."

It includes posting agenda minutes and election procedures online starting in 2026, conducting transparent long-term energy planning with public participation and making rooftop solar more accessible to ensure compliance with Illinois' goal of 40% renewable energy by 2030.

"Rural electric cooperatives are tasked with keeping the lights on in rural communities," Henson emphasized. "They do a very good job in being responsive to the needs of their member owners. And we expect them to continue providing clean and reliable electricity over the course of the next century."

Debunking 6 common misconceptions about heat pumps

Photo provided

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BRANDPOINT - Heating and cooling often make up the bulk of utility bills - and the right HVAC system can make a world of difference in both energy bills and home comfort. Recently, heat pumps have become a trending topic in the news for their ability to address both of these needs by providing sustainable home comfort while simultaneously lowering utility bills. But can they really do both?

To answer that question, it's important to first understand how a heat pump works. When the thermostat temperature is raised and heat is needed, the system pulls heat energy from the ambient air outside the home to heat the home. When air conditioning is desired, it does the opposite, removing heat from inside the home and expelling it to make the home cooler.

Because heat energy is moved around rather than being produced directly, heat pumps can provide more sustainable - and more efficient fuel source alternatives. In addition, recent advancements have made heat pumps far more efficient and more reliable than ever before - even in colder climates. As a result, both federal and local agencies are offering money-saving incentives to help more homeowners switch to heat pumps making it an ideal time to invest in a new heat pump.

But even with these benefits, there are still a lot of myths about how heat pumps work. We're debunking some of the top heat pump misconceptions.

Myth 1: Heat pumps won't work in cold climates

Fact: Today's heat pumps can provide efficient heating in colder climates than ever before

In the past, some older heat pumps could struggle to heat a space efficiently when outdoor temperatures were especially cold. However, today's heat pumps are engineered to function as the primary heating source in almost all geographic regions, even when temperatures drop below freezing.

The key to providing sufficient heat capacity in especially cold climates is the compressor - the part of a heat pump that moves heat through the system. In the past, heat pumps typically relied on single-speed compressors that functioned like an on/off switch, making it harder for the system to cope with extreme swings in temperature. Today's more advanced heat pumps leverage variable-speed compressor technology to make incremental adjustments that keep pace with changing temperature more efficiently and more accurately. In addition, many heat pumps rated for cold-climate use now feature vapor injection technology, which further boosts cold-weather heating performance.

Myth 2: Heat pumps don't really save money

Fact: 90% of homeowners can reduce their utility bills with a heat pump

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that almost all homeowners can expect to see cost savings by switching to an energy-efficient electric heat pump. Today's heat pump offerings are wide-ranging and can meet the unique needs of almost any home, comfort level, or budget. Innovations in energy efficiency mean less electricity is used to cut costs in most homes. For example, the newly launched YORK® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump can precisely match a home's changing comfort needs while reducing homeowners' energy bills by up to 50% compared to less efficient HVAC systems.

Myth 3: Heat pumps are noisy

Fact: Many heat pumps are as quiet as a dishwasher

No one wants to hear excessive noise coming from their HVAC system. Premium heat pumps combine insulated cabinets and low-sound fan designs to deliver whisper-quiet performance when operating in both heating and AC modes.

Myth 4: Temperatures will be inconsistent

Fact: Heat pumps seamlessly move between heating and cooling for consistent comfort

We all want to feel comfortable in our homes. Variable-speed heat pumps automatically move between heating and cooling modes throughout operation to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels. These seamless adjustments provide unmatched home comfort while helping to maximize energy efficiency, especially when compared to single-phase heat pumps that simply turn on and off and provide inconsistent inside temperatures.

Myth 5: Heat pumps require a lot of space

Fact: New compact designs are 30% smaller than traditional equipment

Innovative, new heat pump designs like the YORK® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump offer top-tier efficiency and variable-speed performance in a compact size. The side-discharge design allows the heat pump to be stacked, placed under raised decks, or installed in zero-lot-line neighborhoods.

Myth 6: Installing a new heat pump is expensive

Fact: A wide range of rebates and incentives are available now

A historic number of savings programs are available to help offset the cost of installing a high-efficiency home heat pump. Through a combination of immediate discounts, tax rebates, and utility and manufacturers' offers, some qualifying homeowners can offset 100% of the cost of installing a heat pump. Additionally, some manufacturers offer simplified financing options with fixed monthly payments to make the investment more manageable.

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Don't have a standby generator yet? Here are 6 things you will want to know before you buy

Brandpoint - Every day on the news, it seems, there's a report about another extreme weather event. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 was a record year for extreme weather. The U.S. experienced 28 separate, billion-dollar weather disasters last year, the highest number ever. That averages out to more than one every two weeks.

Last week, the NWS Storm Prediction Center issued a warning that severe storms capable of damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes are on tap for tomorrow. The affected area stretches from the Ozarks into the Lower Great Lakes.

Widespread power outages, like this one expected to roll through central Illinois on Tuesday evening, are one of the byproducts of these mega-storms, but it doesn't take a once-in-a-century flood to cause them. Blackouts happen regularly due to more "mundane" causes, like power grid glitches, ice storms or high winds, even lightning in a garden-variety thunderstorm taking out a power pole. And you're left in the dark. Depending on the severity of the outage, that darkness could last awhile.

Remember that storm that produced nearly 80mph windspeeds passed through the area last June? In its wake, the storm left over 28,000 homes without power in Champaign County and more 170,000 homes in Ameren's service area.

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A branch from a large tree was peeled away from the trunk by strong winds last June near a condo at the corner Broadway and Vermont in Urbana.

Sentinel photo

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When the power goes out in your home, so does the heat. And the internet. And the electricity needed to keep food at a safe temperature in the refrigerator. All of your "smart" electronics and appliances that talk to each other (and to you) go silent.

Owning a standby generator is the best way to keep your household humming during a power outage. Because of all of the extreme weather we've been experiencing, it's moving from the nice-to-have category into a necessity. Here's what you need to know before buying one.

A standby generator is different than a portable generator. Most people are familiar with the type of bulky generators their fathers kept in the garage, noisy contraptions that needed to be hooked up to cough to life when the power went out. You could run the refrigerator or a space heater, but not both. We've come a long way since then. A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that kicks in automatically when the power goes out. These sleek, permanently installed units are a bit like having a power plant on reserve. Some models are able to power the electricity to your entire home. The switchover from the power grid to your generator is completely automatic and usually so seamless, homeowners don't even notice a disruption.

You must own your home to install a standby generator. Standby generators are permanently installed outside of your home — just like an AC unit or solar panel system — and routed to your home’s electrical and gas systems. For this reason, you must own the property your generator will power.

The type of home matters. A condo or apartment, even if you own it, isn't conducive to having a generator. If you live in a townhome complex, consult your community’s by-laws before purchasing a generator. Typically, single-family and fixed mobile homes are qualified for generator installation.

Research any necessary permits before you install. Typically, your generator will be installed alongside your home’s exterior in a discrete area, but it is still considered a modification to your home’s appearance. This means you’ll likely require approval, and perhaps permits, prior to installation if you live in a community regulated by an HOA or other governing board.

Consider your home's power needs ... and your own. Do you want to power your entire home during an outage, or can you get by with only select appliances or systems running? Analyze your home’s electrical load and your power priorities. This will help you determine potential generator models to choose from. Some are equipped to power your entire home, while others are better for powering the necessities.

Not all generators are created equal. You can find any number of generators on the market today with just a few mouse clicks online. But this is your family's safety and well-being in a potential disaster we're talking about. It's not the time to take chances on an untested product or company. Go with a trusted name in the industry you can count on to keep your household running. KOHLER generators have been on the market for over 100 years and each model has endured hundreds of performance tests to ensure total reliability. They're built with commercial-grade engines designed to outlast the outage. And they use state-of-the-art technology so you can monitor it on your mobile device or computer.

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In addition to providing dependable electrical service in an emergency, standby generators increase the intrinsic value of the home and property on the real estate market.

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When a power outage strikes, a standby generator ensures that your family won't miss a beat. Want to learn more? Visit KOHLERhomeenergy.com for more information.

Are you ready for when your power goes out?

With people still working, learning and shopping from home, everyone must prepare earlier for outages that accompany severe weather.

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(NAPSI) -- More Americans suffered extended power outages in 2020 than any year since Superstorm Sandy struck the New York area in 2012, according to Generac, owners of Power Outage Central, a real-time outage tracking service that monitors outages throughout the United States.

Earlier this month, there were three areas in Champaign-Urbana without electrical service thanks to a set of Mylar birthday balloons that came in contact with power lines.

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Mylar balloons are metallic and conduct electricity, resulting in surges and shorts that can create power outages, start fires, and cause significant damage to the electric grid. Approximately 1,200 Ameren customers were without power for three hours.

Back in November of last year, power was out for about three hours in the south part of Champaign and another area covering Campustown. In eastern Urbana, about 180 customers were without power at the same time. Over 1,500 customers were without power during the incident.

"In 2020, more than one out of three Americans experienced a power outage, and the U.S. power grid suffered more outage hours than it has in years," said Russ Minick, chief marketing officer for Wisconsin-based Generac. "With people still working, learning and shopping from home, everyone must prepare earlier for outages that accompany severe weather."

Outages are statistically much more common than many other threats to the home, according to Generac’s data. In fact, while about 12% of homes are at risk of flooding according to the First Street Foundation’s flood database1, every home is at risk of losing power. Unlike with floods, however, there are multiple ways to safeguard against loss of electrical power.

"There are three key paths to protecting power supply, said Simon Allen, president of Allied Energy, a backup power solution provider in San Diego, Calif. "These include portable generators, which are a short-term solution; home standby generators; and solar energy storage systems. Solar energy storage systems and home standby generators are permanently installed and can provide secure sources of power for longer periods."

Each system requires advance planning, including local permitting and installation, said Allen, but secure power is worth it.

"Life gets very primitive and dangerous when the power is out. With outages lasting longer and occurring more often, all against the backdrop of people working and learning from home, our customers are turning to Generac home standby generators and PWRcell battery storage systems. Effectively, they’re making their homes a sanctuary against Mother Nature’s threats."

Picking the correct solution varies for every homeowner, said Stephen Cruise of Generator Supercenter, a Texas-based provider of power solutions. "A generator will run nearly indefinitely on propane or natural gas," he said. "With correct power management, a solar energy storage system can also power the whole home for extended periods. It comes down to preference, local codes and budget. The best place to start is finding a great local installer who can help make the decision easy."

"Authorized dealers and installers know local codes and are factory trained," said Minick. "They’re experts in local needs and can provide a one-stop solution for every homeowner."

All the resources needed to acquire and install backup power are available at www.generac.com. Prices fit most budgets and vary depending on factors such as the size of home, the electricity needed for backup and preference for solar or generator-based options.

Ameren announces lower utility rate for St. Joseph

St. Joseph residents can knock a few dollars off their power bill for the next 12 months.

Recently Ameren Illinois announced lower residential electric rates to the tune of 4.6 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh) starting with this month's meter readings. With the transmission fees, the rate is estimated to be about 4.7 cent per kwh.

According to a press release from the village's electric aggregation consultant Simec, the low bidder for supplying electrical services to residents, the new rate is approximately three-tenths of one cent less than their rate of 5.031 cents.

The average consumer in St. Joseph would save roughly $36 a year switching to Ameren.

Customers that choose to opt out of the aggregation program offered by the village are subject to a lockout period of 12-months with Constellation, the default provider for village. Regulations require consumers who opt out to remain a total of 12 months with Ameren or a supplier of their choice if they do not switch to a new provider within the first two months of the initial change in service.

Once a customer opts out they will be returned automatically to Ameren or to the specified retail electric supplier.

One thing to keep in mind, Ameren, who cites decreased costs in delivering electrical service at this time, may raise their rates at any time if they file with the ICC and demonstrate that their operational expenses have changed. The sole benefit of municipal aggregation is it does offer some measure of price stability since the rates are locked in for a specific period of time.

While Constellation negotiated rate with St. Joseph is among the lowest in the state, Ameren's new rate is appreciably lower in many communities. Quincy's provider bills 5.09/kwh. Effingham residents pay 6.285 with their aggregator. Godfrey’s current municipal electrical aggregation contract with Homefield Energy is at 5.496 until December 2020.

According to the release issued by Simec, residents currently with Constellation can opt out at any time and at no cost. To opt out, they will need to contact Constellation’s customer care center toll free number at (844) 312-9122 and will need only their account number. Customer account numbers can be found at the top of their bill.