Don't Wait for the Next Storm
Here in Winston-Salem and across the Triad, we know bad weather. Ice storms knock out power for days in January. Summer thunderstorms roll through Forsyth and Guilford counties fast and hard. Hurricanes and tropical remnants push up from the coast with little warning. Every year, thousands of homeowners in our area are left sitting in the dark — sometimes for hours, sometimes for a week.
There's an old saying in emergency preparedness: the best time to prepare for bad weather is good weather. Right now, when the skies are clear and the power is on, is the perfect time to make sure it stays that way — no matter what comes next.
Two Types of Generators — Both Have Real Value
Before we talk about which generator is right for you, let's be honest about something: that portable generator sitting in your garage is not useless. In fact, used correctly, it can save your food, keep a few lights on, run a space heater, and charge your phones during an outage. If you already own one, good — it's worth keeping.
The key phrase is used correctly. Portable generators must be run outside, at least 20 feet from windows and doors, never in a garage or carport. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of generator-related deaths every year — and it happens to careful people, not just careless ones. A proper transfer switch or interlock kit is also essential if you want to connect a portable generator to your home's wiring rather than running extension cords to individual appliances.
If you're thinking about getting more out of your portable generator — or making it safer — Dausman Electric can install a generator inlet box and interlock kit so you can plug directly into your panel during an outage. It's a much safer setup than extension cords, and it lets you power whole circuits rather than individual devices.
That said, portable generators have real limitations: they require gasoline, they need to be started manually (often in the middle of a storm, at 2 a.m.), they run out of fuel, and they don't run your HVAC. For homeowners who want a step up from the garage generator — or who want something that works automatically with no action required — a standby generator is the answer.
A standby generator is a permanently installed backup power system connected directly to your home's electrical panel. It sits outside your home — much like a central air conditioning unit — and turns on automatically within seconds of a power outage. It runs on natural gas or propane, so there's no gasoline to store, no refueling in the rain, and no fumes. When grid power is restored, it shuts off automatically. You might sleep right through an outage without ever knowing the power was out.
Why Winston-Salem Homeowners Are Installing Generators
Power outages in our area aren't just inconvenient — they can be dangerous and costly. Consider what's at risk every time the power goes out:
Food spoilage — The USDA estimates the average household loses $200–$400 worth of food in a single extended outage. After a few storms, that adds up to the cost of a generator.
Sump pump failure — Storms bring rain. When your sump pump stops working because the power is out, that's exactly when your basement is most at risk of flooding. Water damage from a flooded basement routinely runs $5,000–$25,000.
Medical equipment — If anyone in your household relies on oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, refrigerated medications, or other powered medical devices, a power outage is a genuine health emergency.
Home security systems — Most security cameras and alarm panels have limited battery backup. An extended outage can leave your home vulnerable.
Comfort and safety in extreme temperatures — NC winters may be mild on average, but ice storms can leave temperatures in the teens. Without power for heat, pipes can freeze and burst — another $5,000–$15,000 repair. Summer outages in high humidity and 95-degree heat can be dangerous for children and elderly family members.
Choosing the Right Level of Backup Power
Not everyone needs — or can budget for — a whole-home standby system, and that's completely fine. There's a real spectrum of options, and the best choice depends on your priorities and budget.
Portable generator + interlock kit (~$500–$1,500 total) — If you already own a portable generator, having Dausman Electric install a generator inlet box and interlock kit is the most affordable way to significantly improve how you use it. You can power whole circuits — refrigerator, furnace, well pump — safely through your panel instead of running extension cords. You still need to start it manually and keep it fueled, but it's a major upgrade in safety and convenience.
Essential-circuit standby generators (7–12 kW) — Starting around $3,000–$5,000 installed — These power a selected list of circuits: your refrigerator, a few lights, the HVAC, and outlets in key rooms. They start automatically and run on natural gas or propane. This is the most popular upgrade for homeowners moving beyond a portable generator.
Whole-home standby generators (14–20+ kW) — Starting around $5,500–$10,000+ installed — These power everything in your home exactly as if the grid were on. No compromises, no manual transfer of loads. Ideal for larger homes, home offices, and homeowners who want complete peace of mind.
Dausman Electric will assess your home's electrical load, discuss your priorities, and recommend the right solution for your needs and budget — whether that's a $500 interlock kit or a full standby system.
What Standby Generator Installation Involves
A proper whole-home generator installation is not a DIY project — it requires a licensed electrician and in most cases a licensed plumber or gas fitter to connect the fuel supply. Here's what the process looks like:
Site evaluation — We assess your panel, determine the right generator size and location, and confirm utility requirements. Generators must be placed per local code, typically at least 18 inches from the home and away from windows and doors.
Permitting — Generator installations require permits in Forsyth County and most surrounding jurisdictions. Dausman Electric handles all permitting on your behalf.
Panel work and transfer switch installation — The heart of a standby generator installation is the automatic transfer switch (ATS). This device monitors the utility power and automatically disconnects your home from the grid and connects the generator the moment an outage is detected — all in seconds. It also reconnects you to utility power and shuts the generator down when power is restored.
Generator placement and connection — The generator is set on a concrete pad, connected to the transfer switch, and connected to your natural gas line (or a propane tank).
Testing and commissioning — We run the system through a complete test cycle to confirm everything operates correctly, then walk you through how it works.
Brands We Install
Dausman Electric installs and services Generac, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Champion standby generators. Generac is the most popular brand in the region and offers excellent warranty support. We'll help you compare options and choose the right fit.
Electrical Safety Checklist Before Storm Season
Whether or not you install a generator, here's a quick electrical safety checklist for Winston-Salem homeowners heading into storm season:
✔ Test your GFCI outlets — press the test and reset buttons in bathrooms, kitchen, and garage.
✔ Check your electrical panel for any breakers that seem warm, smell odd, or trip frequently.
✔ Make sure outdoor outlets have weatherproof covers and GFCI protection.
✔ Have a licensed electrician inspect any outlets or switches that feel warm or spark.
✔ Consider a whole-home surge protector — a single lightning strike can destroy thousands of dollars in appliances and electronics in an instant.
Don't Wait for the Next Outage — Call Us Now
The generator dealers and electricians across the Triad get slammed the week after every major storm. Lead times can stretch to weeks or months. The homeowners who already have a standby generator installed are the ones who never had to worry.
If you've been thinking about a standby generator, there's no better time than right now. Dausman Electric is a licensed electrician serving Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Clemmons, High Point, Greensboro, and surrounding Triad communities. We offer free consultations and a free home safety inspection for new customers.
Call us at (336) 978-7844 or request an appointment online. Let's make sure the next storm is just rain — not a disaster.
