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When the lights go out, your home shouldn’t grind to a halt. Whether it’s a severe storm, rolling blackout, or an unexpected power grid failure, having a reliable generator in place means your home stays safe, comfortable, and connected. Choosing the right generator is about more than watts and fuel types—it’s about ensuring your peace of mind in any emergency.

At Tiger, we take that responsibility seriously. For over 30 years, we’ve served homeowners across Collinsville, Springfield, Bloomington, and Peoria with dependable, expert solutions backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. As a veteran and family-operated business, we treat every home like our own—and every installation as a promise to deliver quality, transparency, and care.

Here’s what you need to know to confidently select the perfect standby generator for your home.

1. Sizing Your Generator: Start With the Essentials

One of the most important steps in the generator selection process is choosing the correct size. A generator that’s too small won’t support your power needs, while one that’s oversized can cost more to install and maintain than necessary.

Do you want to power just the essentials?
If you’re looking to keep the basics running—like the refrigerator, Wi-Fi, a few lights, and medical devices—a smaller generator might be all you need. These models are cost-effective, quick to install, and perfect for shorter outages.

Do you want whole-home backup power?
If your household relies on HVAC systems, sump pumps, electric water heaters, or a home office, you’ll likely benefit from a whole-home generator. These systems:

Power your entire home without compromise
Automatically kick on within seconds of an outage
Provide long-term performance during extended blackouts

Tiger Tip: Our team uses advanced load calculations during in-home evaluations to help you determine your exact power needs—now and in the future. We factor in startup surges, household habits, and even future renovations or appliance upgrades.

2. Choose the Right Fuel Type for Your Home

The fuel source for your standby generator will impact long-term maintenance, runtime, and operating costs. Here are the most common options:

Natural Gas

Ideal for homes already connected to natural gas lines.
Pros:

Continuous fuel supply during outages
Lower maintenance requirements
No need for fuel storage

Considerations:

Availability may vary depending on your location

Propane

Perfect for homes without access to natural gas.
Pros:

Clean-burning with fewer emissions
Long shelf life
Safe for residential storage

Considerations:

Requires regular tank refills and space for storage

Diesel

Often used in rural homes or where maximum durability is needed.
Pros:

High fuel efficiency
Strong performance for long-term outages
Easy to store safely

Considerations:

Larger upfront investment
Requires dedicated fuel storage space

Need help deciding? Our expert consultants walk you through the pros and cons of each option, taking into account your local utility access, typical outage length, and comfort goals.

3. What to Expect During Installation

Installing a standby generator is more than placing a unit near your home. At Tiger, we take a full-service approach—ensuring the process is smooth, safe, and up to code.

Step 1: In-Home Evaluation
One of our certified technicians will inspect your current electrical setup, discuss your backup power goals, and help select the best-fit generator model and placement.

Step 2: Permitting & Code Compliance
Every municipality has its own requirements. We handle all permits, inspections, and local regulations so you don’t have to worry about red tape.

Step 3: Installation & Final Testing
Once permits are approved, installation typically takes 1–2 days. We’ll test your system thoroughly and walk you through how it works—so you feel confident before we leave.

Bonus: All generator installations are backed by Tiger’s Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty—because we believe your comfort and safety should never come with a compromise.

4. Why Invest in a Standby Generator?

Standby generators aren’t just convenient—they’re transformative. Unlike portable generators, which require manual setup, refueling, and extension cords, standby units are fully automated and always ready.

Benefits of a Standby Generator:

Powers your home instantly during an outage—even when you’re not home
No refueling or manual intervention required
Supports HVAC systems, appliances, internet, and more
Increases property value and long-term home safety

When every second matters, standby power delivers uninterrupted peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a whole-home generator cost?
A: Costs vary by size, fuel type, and installation complexity. On average, you can expect to invest between $5,000 and $15,000. At Tiger, we offer transparent, upfront pricing—no hidden fees, ever.

Q: Can a generator really power my entire home?
A: Yes! With proper sizing and installation, your generator can support everything from appliances to your HVAC system—ensuring life continues as normal during outages.

Q: How long can a generator run during an outage?
A:

Natural Gas: Unlimited, provided your gas service isn’t interrupted
Propane/Diesel: Several hours to multiple days, depending on tank size and usage

Q: How often does my generator need maintenance?
A: We recommend at least one annual maintenance visit. This includes testing, battery checks, fuel system inspections, and performance validation to keep your system running smoothly.

Why Homeowners Trust Tiger

Choosing a generator is an investment in your home’s future—and in the people who live there. At Tiger, we combine trusted guidance with technical expertise to help you make the best decision for your home and family.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Veteran & Family Operated: We treat our customers like family—with honesty, integrity, and pride.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you’re not happy, we make it right.
Dedication to Excellence: Ongoing training and innovation ensure you always receive the latest and best solutions.
Convenient & Hassle-Free: From online booking to automated updates, we respect your time and peace of mind.
Community Commitment: Our signature pink-striped trucks raise awareness for cancer research, and we’ve donated over $30,000 to the American Cancer Society.

When you choose Tiger, you’re not just getting a generator—you’re getting a team that stands behind every wire, every connection, every time.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t wait for the next outage to discover how much easier life is with standby power. Schedule your free in-home generator consultation with Tiger today. Our experts will guide you through your options, explain everything clearly, and make sure you feel fully informed—never pressured. Call today or book online to get started.