Electricians in Brookings, SD, discuss standby generators and the benefits of installing one.

Brookings, United States – May 29, 2026 / Perrys /

Why Install a Standby Generator?

The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is an extended power outage that leaves the household without power for their lights and essential appliances. Whether it’s a localized grid failure or a massive storm, losing electricity is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a disruption to home comfort and daily routines.

Investing in a whole-home generator installation ensures daily life can continue, even when power is lost. This post explains how standby generators work, when they are needed for a household, and the benefits of installing one.

How Standby Generators Work

A standby generator is permanently installed outside the home, like a central air conditioning unit. Unlike a portable generator that requires homeowners to haul it out of the garage and fumble with fuel and extension cords to manually power devices, a whole-home standby generator operates automatically and can power the entire house.

Once a standby generator installation is complete, the system continuously monitors utility power. The moment the automatic transfer switch detects an outage, it starts the backup generator, typically within seconds. The whole-house generator takes over, supplying the home with electricity. Homeowners don’t have to lift a finger. Then, once utility power returns, the automatic transfer switch shifts the house’s electrical load back to the grid and shuts down the generator.

When Is a Generator Installation Needed?

storm Determining whether a household needs a whole-house generator installation often comes down to the local environment and a family’s specific needs. Households located in regions prone to extreme weather, such as heavy seasonal rains, intense storms, or brutal heatwaves that strain the electrical grid, are prime candidates for a standby generator. If the neighborhood experiences more than a few power interruptions a year, a whole-home generator installation will be beneficial.

Beyond environmental factors, a whole-house generator may be a medical necessity. For families with someone who relies on electric medical devices, such as oxygen concentrators or home dialysis machines, a continuous power supply is a matter of health and safety.

Additionally, a generator installation is important for people who work from home to continue working during an outage, and for homes with finished basements or that are prone to flooding, as keeping a sump pump running during an outage is crucial to prevent catastrophic flooding.

Benefits of a Whole House Generator Installation

fridge The advantages of a whole home generator installation extend far beyond just keeping the lights on during a power outage. Benefits of installing a standby generator can include:

Seamless Continuity: Because it automatically turns on and takes over supplying power to the household, no manual intervention is needed.
Powers Important Devices and Appliances: A whole-home generator can keep essential medical equipment and home appliances running, such as the air conditioning system to maintain a comfortable temperature and the refrigerator to prevent food from spoiling.
Quiet Operation: Modern standby units are significantly quieter than portable generators.
Increased Property Value: A professionally installed backup power system is a highly attractive feature for potential buyers, often increasing the home value.
Exceptional Longevity: Whole home generators are built to last. A well-maintained system can last for about 20 to 40 years, or between 1,500 and 3,000 hours of active run time.

About Perrys

Perrys is a heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving Brookings and the surrounding areas since 1963. They provide same-day service, the latest technology, and straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Call for standby generator installation in Brookings, SD.