Dependable Power. Trusted Service. Peace of Mind.
In the Pacific Northwest, unexpected weather and infrastructure issues can bring power outages that disrupt daily life—sometimes for hours, sometimes for days. When the lights go out, the last thing you want is to be scrambling for a solution.
That’s where a home generator comes in.
Whether you’re protecting your family, working from home, or safeguarding critical appliances, a reliable generator is a smart investment in comfort, safety, and peace of mind. At Mercurio’s, we’ve been serving homeowners across Tacoma and the Puget Sound area since 1992 with expert advice, competitive pricing, and high-quality solutions. This guide will help you understand what type of generator is right for your home and why choosing the right provider matters just as much as the product itself.
What Do You Need to Power?
Before choosing a generator, think about what you want to keep running when the grid goes down. Are you just trying to maintain the essentials? Or do you want full-home coverage that makes an outage feel like a non-event?
Essential Coverage
A smaller generator can keep your refrigerator, sump pump, internet, and a few lights running. This option is more budget-friendly and helps you avoid costly food spoilage or water damage.
Whole-Home Backup
If your household depends on HVAC systems, electric stoves, home office setups, or medical equipment, a whole-home generator is the way to go. These systems turn on automatically within seconds of an outage—no need to be home or flip a switch.
At Mercurio’s, we offer free, no-obligation estimates and walk you through every step to ensure the system we recommend truly matches your lifestyle, needs, and budget.
Understanding Fuel Options
Generators run on different types of fuel. Your choice should depend on local availability, your home setup, and your power requirements.
Natural Gas
Connected to your home's utility line, natural gas generators are convenient and virtually limitless in supply during outages.
- Best for: Homes already connected to natural gas
- Pros: No refueling required, cleaner emissions
Propane
For homes not on a gas line, propane is a clean and efficient alternative.
- Best for: Homes in rural or off-grid areas
- Pros: Long shelf life, low maintenance
Diesel
Diesel-powered systems are durable and efficient for higher power demands, though they’re less common in residential settings.
- Best for: Larger homes or critical power needs
- Pros: High output, reliable performance
Our licensed technicians will assess your home and location to recommend a fuel type that balances convenience, performance, and cost.
Sizing Your Generator Correctly
Generator size is measured in watts, and choosing the right capacity is key to maintaining power without overloading your system—or overspending on excess capacity.
Typical Power Needs:
- Basic systems: 5,000–7,500 watts
- Partial-home backup: 8,000–12,000 watts
- Whole-home coverage: 12,000–22,000+ watts
We provide free home assessments to determine the precise load requirements of your household. That means no guesswork—just accurate recommendations backed by years of experience and an average 4.9-star customer rating.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Generator installation involves electrical, gas, and permitting work—not something you want to DIY or trust to an inexperienced contractor. When you choose Mercurio’s, you’re working with a team that’s highly trained, licensed, and committed to safety and satisfaction.
With us, installation includes:
- Full code compliance and permitting
- Safe fuel and electrical integration
- Load testing and inspection
- Thorough explanation of system use and care
And we don’t leave you hanging after installation. We offer same-day service availability and 7-day support—because power emergencies don’t wait until Monday.
Maintaining Your Generator
Even the most advanced generator needs regular maintenance to stay reliable. Preventive care ensures your system is always ready, even if you haven’t used it in months.
Typical generator maintenance includes:
- Oil and filter changes
- Battery checks and load testing
- Inspection of fuel lines and connections
- Software or firmware updates
Thanks to ongoing education for our technicians, you can count on expert service from professionals trained in the latest technology, industry standards, and repair methods.
Why a Generator Is a Smart Investment
Aside from convenience, having a generator protects your home in multiple ways:
- Keeps sump pumps and dehumidifiers running—critical in a region prone to rain
- Prevents food spoilage by maintaining refrigeration
- Powers HVAC systems, ensuring comfort year-round
- Supports work-from-home setups with uninterrupted internet and power
- Keeps medical devices operational for at-risk family members
- Increases home value and resale appeal
It’s not just about staying online—it’s about staying safe, staying connected, and staying in control when the unexpected happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home generator cost to install?
Costs vary by system size, brand, and installation complexity, but typical installations range from $6,000 to $15,000. At Mercurio’s, we offer free estimates and upfront pricing so there are no surprises.
Can a generator power my entire house?
Yes! With a whole-home generator and automatic transfer switch, we can design a system that powers your entire electrical panel—or selectively back up just the most important circuits.
How long can a generator run continuously?
- Natural gas systems can run indefinitely, as long as the supply continues
- Propane or diesel generators typically run for 24 to 72 hours, depending on tank size
We’ll help size your fuel supply to match your expected outage duration.
Do I need to be home to turn the generator on?
Not with a standby generator! These systems detect an outage and automatically turn on within seconds—so your power stays on even if you’re away.
How often should a generator be serviced?
We recommend annual maintenance or every 100–200 hours of run time. Regular servicing helps prevent unexpected issues when you need it most.
Ready to Take Control of Power Outages?
Choosing a generator is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. When you partner with Mercurio’s Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, you’re not just buying equipment—you’re getting a reliable partner who’s been serving Tacoma and the Puget Sound area for over 30 years.
From your first estimate to long-term service support, we deliver dependable results, exceptional value, and expert care. Whether it’s storm season or just another day in the Pacific Northwest, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected.
Get your free estimate today—and be ready for anything tomorrow.
