Have you ever tried searching “What size generator do I need?” and suddenly found yourself drowning in
Most homeowners don’t know where to begin. Should you size for essentials or for comfort? Does placement matter? Are noise ratings a big deal? And what if you’re planning a remodel?
After more than 17 years of working in homes across Oregon and Washington—from the Columbia River Gorge to the Portland/Gresham Metro area—we’ve helped homeowners make generator decisions that match their routines, their space, and their long-term plans.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what factors matter when choosing a generator for your home—capacity, noise, placement, future expansion, and how to plan with confidence.
Choosing a generator isn’t about bragging rights (“I picked the biggest one!”) or minimalist strategies (“We’ll survive with one lamp and a microwave!”). It’s about knowing what your home actually needs to feel functional.
Homeowners across the Gorge and the Portland Metro often ask for something “in the middle,” which sounds reasonable… until you're asked what that middle looks like.
The thing is, your “middle” may be totally different than your neighbor’s.
Common household priorities in Oregon & Washington include:
If you’re unsure which of these matter most to you, start by imagining what you reach for first during a power outage.
Let’s skip the engineering talk. Focus on how your home breathes and moves.
3 questions homeowners need to ask themselves:
Think HVAC, refrigeration, well pumps, sump pumps, and any medical equipment.
A working kitchen, warm water, reliable Wi-Fi, and the ability to run laundry or dishes when your schedule—not the grid—says so.
If you regularly cook while running laundry while someone else is showering, your generator needs to mirror that reality.
With these answers, it becomes easier to match capacity to lifestyle—something a generic sizing calculator online simply can’t personalize.
In the Gorge and Portland suburbs, property layout matters. Between wind exposure, setbacks,
Here’s what influences the “where”:
Generators need breathing room. They don’t want to be tucked behind a fence like a forgotten bicycle.
Closer = cleaner, faster, more cost-efficient installation.
Even quiet generators make noise. You want that sound floating into the open yard—not into the bedroom where someone is trying to sleep.
Areas like Hood River, The Dalles, and Gresham all have slight variations in what’s allowed and where.
Think of generator placement like choosing a guest room. You want it to be comfortable, out of the way, and not smack against the primary bedroom wall—everyone wins.
Decibels matter, but placement matters more.
The quietest modern generators run between 60–70 dB, which is similar to a normal conversation or a dishwasher running in the next room.
But the real-world experience varies depending on:
Noise matters more than most sizing guides admit. Your future self will thank you for choosing well.
This is the part most homeowners overlook and the part that prevents regret.
If you live anywhere along the Columbia River Gorge, home improvements are practically a lifestyle. Between remodels, additions, upgraded appliances, outdoor kitchens, or new HVAC systems, your home’s power needs can shift dramatically over time.
Future-proof your generator if you’re planning:
A generator that fits your life today and five years from now is one of the best long-term investments you can make.
Ease matters. Life is already full—your generator shouldn’t require a learning curve.
Homeowners typically prioritize:
If it doesn’t integrate smoothly into your rhythms, it will become one more home task—and nobody needs another one of those.
Generator pricing varies widely, and the internet rarely paints a clear picture. Homeowners across Oregon
Common factors that influence cost:
A transparent conversation with a professional will always give you a clearer picture than a general blog. And in many cases, financing opens the door for a generator that actually fits the home—not just the temporary budget.
When you began exploring this topic, you may have been unsure where to start—wondering which features
With more than 17 years of experience working in homes throughout Oregon and Washington, professionals in this field can help you understand the options without overcomplicating the process.
If you’re ready for the next step, consider reviewing a few generator models, comparing features, or exploring how each system pairs with your home’s layout and future plans so you can choose a generator that truly fits the way your household lives day to day. Our team is on standby if you want to go over your options with seasoned professionals.