Tornadoes occur when warm, moist air from the Gulf Coast combines with cooler air from the north. The harsh and damaging weather conditions associated with tornadoes can happen at various times of the year, leaving you vulnerable to power outages at inconvenient times. Let’s discuss why installing a whole-home generator for tornado season is crucial.

When Is Tornado Season?

April kicks off the most active and dangerous three-month period of the year for tornadoes in the United States. Intense tornadoes are more likely to occur during the spring. Many of the worst tornado outbreaks strike in April or May. According to weather.com, “The U.S. averaged 1,239 tornadoes annually during the 20 years from 1998 to 2017, 55 percent of which were sandwiched between April and June.”

Tornadoes Across the United States

It’s worth noting that tornado season can vary across the United States. While the Arkansas tornado season is from April to early May, the season in the Southern Plains usually runs from May to early June. May to June is also the season for tornadoes in Tornado Alley—which can sometimes include Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and other parts of the upper midwest.

Overall, 87% of power outages are a result of severe weather. Power outages cost American households $150 billion annually, with weather-related outages accounting for $25-$70 billion per year. Since many of these power outages can happen at unexpected times, it’s an excellent idea to consider installing a generator for tornado season.

How Can You Prepare?

When harsh weather conditions descend during the Arkansas tornado season, power outages can throw a wrench in your routine—but they can also threaten your family’s safety. You rely on your home’s electricity every day, and when it is taken away, it can be easy to panic. But, with a whole-home generator, there is no need to have the flashlights on standby!

While you can’t prepare for the number of tornadoes you encounter this upcoming tornado season, you can prepare with a whole-home generator. Standby generators are more reliable than portable generators—especially if you experience frequent power outages. Here are three reasons to consider a whole-home generator for tornado season.

1. Comfort & Peace of Mind

When a tornado warning is issued, your first thought is of your household’s safety. Fortunately, power outages trigger generators to switch on until local power is restored. Having a generator as a backup will keep you and your family comfortable in the wake of a storm. Additionally, investing in a battery-operated backup generator can provide further peace of mind if your primary generator fails during tornado season.

2. Access to Daily Essentials

You will also be able to power everything in your home when tornadoes hit and shut off your home’s power. For example, you will have access to heating, HVAC, lights, appliances, and sensitive electronics.

Also, it will keep the food in your refrigerator fresh! There’s no reason to worry about perishable food items spoiling during the unruly Arkansas tornado season. Plus, you can relax knowing that you won’t have to pay to replace any spoiled items. Staley Electric offers home generator services to ensure your fridge, electronics, and other household appliances remain useful.

3. Worry-Free Operation

Arkansas tornado season is inconvenient for all homeowners; fortunately, whole-home generators are a breeze to use. A whole-home generator is quiet and will turn on/off when needed. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about your generator shutting off when you need it most. Investing in a generator for tornado season is a reliable way to keep your family comfortable during all hours of the day.

Contact Us

Tornado season can produce upwards of 1,200 tornadoes. However, a whole-house generator installation in Little Rock, AR, can keep your family comfortable, safe, and enjoying electricity.

To prepare for Arkansas tornado season, we recommend installing a whole-home generator. Our team of electricians will take care of everything from installation to maintenance. We will ensure that your home generator works properly year-round.

Staley Electric is a KOHLER® Platinum Sales & Service Dealer. The Platinum dealer program rewards dealers for providing a high level of quality service for KOHLER® products and their customers. 

If you are in need of a whole-home generator for tornado season, a house rewire, outlet repair, or any other residential or commercial electric needs, give Staley Electric a call.

Authorized KOHLER® Dealer

At Staley Electric, we understand that the three most important things you want in your generator are affordability, reliability and quality service. Platinum Sales and Service dealers provide excellent service. They offer flexible financing options. Also, they have the certification to install and service KOHLER® generators and fulfill warranty requests. We are proud to be a part of this program. 

As a KOHLER® generator dealer, your satisfaction from start to finish is our priority. Our technicians are fully trained in all aspects of sizing, installing and maintaining your generator. We handle all the details so you don’t have to.

What to Expect Once You Contact Us

When you contact us, you can expect: a thorough assessment of your power needs, options, and installation requirements. Also, you will receive a complete, personalized project quote. You can then expect a convenient scheduling of your installation, and professional installation by Kohler-trained experts. Not to mention a thorough and hassle-free process from start to finish!

Supporting homeowners after the purchase of a KOHLER® generator is an important part of providing a gracious living experience for anyone who comes in contact with our products.

Staley Electric has factory-certified KOHLER® service technicians on staff. We follow Kohler’s recommended maintenance schedule and file and maintain all warranty claims with KOHLER®. We also recommend annual maintenance for peace of mind. In addition, maintenance plan customers receive priority service during outages.

If you’ve been considering a generator for your home or business, give us a call! We will take care of everything from the installation to the maintenance to ensure your generator works properly year-round.

We know how to take care of electrical repairs, new indoor and outdoor lighting installations and commercial electrical projects. Give us a call today! 501-214-7534

Contact us today for a FREE on-site assessment.

Where do I start?

One thing to keep in mind – this is not a DIY project. It all begins with a home visit from us. We will help you choose the perfect size generator, the right fuel source and the best installation locations for your generator and transfer switch.

What is Involved?

Most installations will take a day or two. And we will take care of it all. We will coordinate a team of licensed electricians and also plumbers because we want to make sure the job is done right. Here’s how it works:

1. The electrician will install your transfer switch first.
2. Then, the team will move your generator in place.
3. The electrician will then connect electric lines from your transfer switch to your generator.
4. Once they hook the electric up, your pipefitter will make the proper connections from the fuel source to the generator.
5. After that, your generator is ready to start and protect your home or business.

How much will it cost?

Installation costs vary significantly from home to home due to the ease/difficulty of installing your fuel source (propane or natural gas). We recommend a professional site survey for a more accurate quote.

What about permits?

Kick your feet up and rest easy. We will handle local permits and ordinances so you don’t have to.

As a platinum KOHLER® generator dealer, we are committed to your satisfaction from start to finish. Our technicians are fully trained in all aspects of sizing, installing and maintaining your generator. We will handle all the details so you don’t have to. When you contact us, you can expect:

• A thorough assessment of your power needs, options, and installation requirements
• A complete, personalized project quote
• Convenient scheduling of your installation
• Professional installation by Kohler-trained experts
• A thorough and hassle-free process from start to finish

Contact us today for a FREE on-site assessment! 501-565-3006

A whole-home generator can restore your home’s power whether you’re home or away! Whole-home generators work by storing energy that is used when the system detects a problem with your home’s power. Within seconds after a power outage, the generator will turn on and generate electricity until your utility power is restored.

Our team at Staley Electric understands the importance of keeping your home running smoothly, no matter the weather. Our team of electricians will take care of everything from the installation of your whole home generator, to the maintenance. We will ensure that your home generator works properly year-round. Staley Electric is a KOHLER® Platinum Sales & Service Dealer. The Platinum dealer program rewards dealers for providing a high level of quality service for KOHLER® products and their customers. If you’re ready to weather any storm, give us a call at 501-214-7534 or fill out our form on our homepage to contact us. Need more information about whole-home generators? Download our Why You Need A Generator guide!

Staley Electric offers residential electrical services for any and every job. Whatever your needs may be – electrical repairs, new indoor and outdoor lighting installations, or commercial electrical projects – we can handle it!

For more than six decades, Staley Electric has been building relationships by providing solutions that exceed customer expectations. We deliver expert electrical service to residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout the state of Arkansas.

It’s time to start planning in advance as storm weather begins to slowly approach us.

Without an emergency backup generator, you may experience the following when the power goes out:

• Uncomfortable temperatures, especially in the middle of winter or summer months
• No lights, which means no one can do homework, read, etc.
• No charging outlets for electronics like computers or phones
• TVs won’t come on
• Garage won’t open

Investing in a generator means you’ll never have to experience a blackout again. We understand when it comes to generators, you want one that’s affordable and reliable. There’s a lot of options out there to choose from. That’s why we created our Why You Need a Generator downloadable guide to help you learn how to protect your home and family when the weather takes a turn for the worst.

If you have any industrial or commercial electric needs, give us a call today at (501) 565-3006 or contact us online!

Check the Oil Level Regularly

Before starting your generator, always inspect the oil level. Much like our vehicles, generators need sufficient oil to operate efficiently. A low oil level can cause significant damage or complete generator failure in the worst cases.

Are you unsure how to maintain a generator because you’re new to owning one? The rule of thumb is to change the generator’s oil and oil filter every 100 hours of operation or at least once a year, whichever comes first. If you’re using synthetic oil, it might last a bit longer, but always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Inspect the Spark Plugs and Replace as Needed

Over time, spark plugs can become dirty or corroded. If you’re looking for easy whole-home generator maintenance tips that can make a huge difference, it’s essential to inspect and replace them regularly. A worn-out spark plug can cause your generator to run unevenly or even prevent it from starting.

Keep the Air Filter Clean

When discussing easy whole-home generator maintenance tips, we have to mention keeping up with your generator’s air filter. A clean air filter ensures that your generator runs efficiently. This means that a clogged or dirty filter can strain the machine and reduce its lifespan. Regularly inspect the air filter and clean it if it appears dusty or dirty. If it’s worn out or damaged, consider replacing it.

Test Your Generator Every 15 Minutes Monthly

If your backup generator runs on natural gas, there’s not much to worry about in terms of the fuel system. However, for those with gasoline or diesel generators, stale fuel can be a big problem. It’s advisable to run your generator for at least 15 minutes every month. This ensures that all components remain lubricated and any moisture in the system gets burned off.

Check Transfer Switches and Backup Generator Functionality

Transfer switches are crucial for a home standby generator. They detect when there’s a power outage and automatically turn on the generator. Regularly inspect and test your transfer switches to ensure they function correctly during an emergency.

Backup Generator Test Run

Your backup generator isn’t just a showpiece; it’s an emergency power lifeline. Regularly test it to ensure it will kick into action when required. This not only helps in recognizing any operational issues but also ensures that the system is always ready for unexpected power outages.

Don’t Forget About Professional Inspections

While the above generator maintenance tips are essential and easy to follow, nothing beats a professional’s expertise. Especially if you’ve recently had your generator installed, it’s recommended to have a professional assess it periodically.

Looking for Expert Maintenance? We’ve Got You Covered!

Now that you’re armed with these easy whole-home generator maintenance tips, you might wonder where to turn to for professional support. At Staley Electric, we’re more than just authorized Kohler generator dealers. We know how to maintain a generator with professionalism and close attention to detail.

Our team is proud to specialize in whole-home generator care, ensuring your unit is always in peak condition. If you reside in Little Rock, AR, and seek expert generator repair in Little Rock, AR, or just some routine generator maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Now that you know how to maintain a generator, you probably want to ensure your system’s longevity and efficiency. Schedule an appointment with the generator experts at Staley Electric today! Don’t wait until the next power outage to discover an issue. Regular maintenance now can save a world of hassle later.

At Staley Electric, our commercial and residential electricians have helped countless property owners navigate power outages with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for unpredictable weather or simply want peace of mind, we’ll help you understand what generator size is best for your home without overcomplicating things.

Why Generator Size Matters

Generators aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing the wrong size can lead to a range of issues. If the generator is too small, it may struggle to power your essentials, overheat, or trip your circuit breakers. On the other hand, a generator that’s too large may waste fuel and cost more than necessary.

So, what wattage generator do I need? It all comes down to the total electrical load you plan to support. Think about the appliances and systems you want running during a power outage: refrigerator, air conditioning, heat pump, sump pump, clothes dryer, lights, microwave oven, medical devices, and maybe even your home office setup with a laptop and Wi-Fi router. It all adds up.

Understanding Your Power Needs

To figure out what is a good size generator for a house, you need to calculate your home’s wattage requirements. 

Here’s a simple rule of thumb: Start by listing the must-have appliances and devices. For example:

• Refrigerator: 600–800 watts
• Sump pump: 750–1,500 watts
• Furnace fan: 500–1,200 watts
• Microwave: 800–1,200 watts
• Electric stove/oven: 2,000–5,000 watts
• Air conditioner: 1,000–4,000 watts
• Lights and outlets: varies by home
• Medical devices: varies by type
• Washing machine: 500–1,000 watts

Add up the running watts and include a cushion for starting watts. Some appliances, like refrigerators and sump pumps, require more power to start than to run. That might be the reason your circuit breaker keeps tripping randomly!

You can also use a generator size calculator, mobile app, or speak directly with a licensed electrician from Staley Electric to get an accurate number based on your specific electrical load.

Types of Generators and Fuel Options

There are several types of electric generators, and choosing the right one also depends on your fuel preference, space, and budget:

• Portable Generators: Good for powering a few key appliances. They run on gasoline, diesel fuel, or propane, and are best used for short-term emergency needs or camping. However, they produce carbon monoxide, so they must be used outdoors with proper safety precautions.

• Standby Generators: These automatically turn on during a power outage and can run your entire home. They’re fueled by natural gas or propane and are connected directly to your home’s electrical grid using a transfer switch. These are ideal for homeowners with medical devices, home businesses, or a need for uninterrupted comfort.

• Inverter Generators: Quiet and fuel-efficient, these are great for powering sensitive electronics like computers and televisions. They adjust the engine speed to match the demand, making them environmentally friendly and good for light-duty use.

Important Features to Consider

Are you asking yourself, “What type of generator do I need?” Think beyond just wattage. Here are other factors that play a role:

• Transfer Switch: Automatically or manually shifts your home to the generator power supply during an outage.
• Noise Level: Larger engines tend to be louder. Inverter models are often the quietest.
• Fuel Efficiency: Consider gasoline, natural gas, diesel, or propane availability and storage.
• Space Requirements: Make sure there’s adequate ventilation around your generator to prevent carbon monoxide risks.
• Maintenance and Warranty: Look for models that are easy to maintain and come with a strong warranty.
• Budget and Installation Costs: Factor in the cost of the generator, fuel tank, installation, and any necessary plumbing or electrical work.

Let Staley Electric Help You Make the Right Investment

Choosing a generator might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to make the decision alone. At Staley Electric, our generator installation experts take the time to understand your needs, walk through your power priorities, and recommend the right size and type for your home. From evaluating your electrical load to installing your transfer switch and ensuring your system is National Electrical Code-compliant, we handle it all.

Whether you’re installing a standby generator for the first time or upgrading your current backup system, you can trust our team to deliver reliable, safe, and lasting power solutions.

Don’t wait for the next power outage to leave you in the dark. Call Staley Electric today and let us help you choose the perfect generator for your home’s comfort and security.