Shop Portable Generators for Sale
Durango CO

The size you need depends on how many appliances you want to power and whether you’re running essential circuits or the entire home. Most houses require anywhere from 5,000 to 12,500 watts for basic backup needs, but every home has unique electrical loads—especially in Colorado and rural areas where wells, furnaces, and septic systems vary widely.


If you’re unsure which size is right for your home, our team can review your specific loads and recommend a safe, reliable solution before you spend money on equipment that may be undersized or incompatible.

Item run time depends on the generator’s efficiency, age, and load. On average, a mid-sized portable generator may run 3–7 hours on 2 gallons of fuel at 50% load. Heavy loads shorten run time significantly.


Because fuel consumption varies so widely between models, we encourage customers to consult with us before purchasing—we can help you estimate realistic run times and avoid overworking a unit that isn’t built for your home’s needs.

A 6,500-watt portable generator can power a handful of essential circuits—such as a refrigerator, a small heater or furnace blower, lights, and maybe a well pump—but it is not designed to power an entire home. Attempting to do so can overload the generator or damage appliances.
Whole-home backup typically requires a larger standby system with an automatic transfer switch. If you’d like to know whether a 6,500-watt unit is appropriate for your home, we’re happy to review your electrical loads and recommend the right solution.

A 3,000-watt portable generator is best suited for light to moderate loads, such as:

• A refrigerator

• Select lights

• A TV or electronics

• A fan or small space heater

• Small power tools

It will not run high-demand appliances like electric water heaters, central AC, large well pumps, or electric ranges.
If you’re determining whether 3,000 watts is enough for your household needs, we can help map out a safe load plan before you purchase anything.

Most portable generators start using either a pull-start mechanism or an electric start button. While each model is a little different, the basic steps include:

1. Move the generator outdoors (never operate indoors).

2. Check the oil and fuel levels.

3. Turn the fuel valve to “On.”

4. Set the choke to “Start.”

5. Pull the recoil handle or press the electric start button.

6. Allow the generator to warm up before connecting appliances.

If you’re new to portable generators or want to ensure safe operation, our technicians can walk you through setup and proper connection methods.

Portable generators are ideal for short-term or mobile power needs, including:

• Temporary home backup during outages

• Camping and RV use

• Jobsite tools

• Outdoor events

• Limited emergency circuits

If you’re looking for long-term, seamless home backup—or if you rely on wells, medical devices, or refrigerated storage—a professionally installed standby generator may be a better fit. We can help you compare options to determine what best suits your home or property.

Best-selling models typically fall in the 3,500- to 7,500-watt range because they strike a balance between portability, run time, and the ability to handle essential household circuits. Popular brands include Generac, Honda, and Yamaha, but the “best” generator really depends on your home’s electrical needs and budget.

Before purchasing, we recommend a quick consultation so we can match you with a reliable model that won’t fall short when you need it most.