Frequently asked questions.

It depends on what you want to power. A portable unit in the 3,500 to 7,500 watt range handles the essentials — refrigerator, sump pump, lights, and a few outlets. A whole-home standby system typically starts at 10,000 watts and goes up depending on square footage and whether you have central AC.

Not sure? Use our generator sizing guide or email us before you buy and we will help you figure it out.

A portable generator runs on gasoline or propane and starts manually. You connect it to your appliances directly or through a transfer switch. A standby generator is permanently installed, connects to your home's electrical panel, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts automatically when the power goes out.

Standby units cost more and require professional installation, but require no setup during an outage — they just come on. Portables are less expensive and more flexible, but need manual operation and fuel management.

Gasoline is the most common for portable units — easy to find, but requires fuel storage and rotation. Propane burns cleaner and stores indefinitely. Natural gas is the best option for standby generators if you have a gas line — no refueling ever needed. Dual-fuel units give you flexibility between gasoline and propane.

See our full fuel types guide for a side-by-side comparison.

Generators ship by freight carrier on a pallet — not standard parcel delivery. Delivery is curbside by default, meaning the carrier brings it to the edge of your driveway. Someone must be present to sign for the shipment. The carrier will call ahead to schedule a delivery window.

See our shipping info page for full details on what to expect on delivery day.

Yes. Free standard freight shipping on all generator orders to the lower 48 states. Alaska and Hawaii are not currently eligible for free shipping.

Most in-stock orders ship within 2 business days. Freight delivery takes 5 to 10 business days after that depending on your location. Larger or built-to-order standby units may require 3 to 6 weeks total. We confirm your specific lead time before the order is placed.

Do not sign a clean receipt. Inspect the unit before the driver leaves. If you see damage, note it specifically on the bill of lading before you sign, and photograph everything. Then contact us within 48 hours at info@americanpowerdirect.com — we will handle the freight claim on your behalf.

Signing a clean receipt for a damaged unit forfeits your ability to file a claim with the carrier.

For standby generators, yes — they require a transfer switch connected to your electrical panel, and that work must be done by a licensed electrician. For portable generators, installation is simpler, but you still need a transfer switch if you want to safely connect to your home's wiring.

We can connect you with a licensed installer in your area. Contact us and we will get you a quote.

Most units we carry include a manufacturer's limited warranty of 2 to 3 years covering parts and labor. Specific warranty terms vary by brand and model — check the individual product page for details. Warranty claims are handled directly with the manufacturer; we are happy to help connect you with the right contact if needed.

Yes, within 30 days of delivery, as long as the unit is unused and in its original undamaged packaging. We cannot accept returns on generators that have been started, fueled, or used in any way. To initiate a return, email info@americanpowerdirect.com before shipping anything back. Return freight costs are the buyer's responsibility unless the unit arrived damaged.