North Idaho winters bring heavy snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures — and with that comes the risk of power outages. Even short outages can be stressful when temperatures drop below freezing, and longer outages can interrupt heating, cooking, medical devices, and essential household systems. Having a reliable backup power plan isn’t just a convenience; it’s a winter necessity.
This guide walks Idaho homeowners through the main types of generators, how to choose the right one, safety considerations, fuel options, transfer switches, and trusted local resources to stay prepared.
Homes throughout Kootenai County, Bonner County, and Shoshone County experience winter outages every year. Snow-heavy winters, windstorms, falling branches, and ice buildup on power lines increase the likelihood of losing power for hours — or in rare cases, days.
Backup power protects:
• Heating systems (furnaces, heat pumps, boilers)
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Medical equipment
• Wi-Fi and communication devices
• Lights and security systems
• Sump pumps or well pumps
Local outage resources:
• Kootenai Electric Outage Map: https://www.kec.com/outage-center
• Avista Outage Updates: https://outagemap.myavista.com
• Idaho Power Outage Info: https://www.idahopower.com/outages-safety/
Portable generators are a great option for homeowners who need essential circuits powered during short outages.
• Lower upfront cost
• Can power refrigerators, lights, Wi-Fi, and small appliances
• Easy to store when not in use
• Great for cabins, RVs, or occasional use
• Must be manually started
• Typically noisy
• Require fuel on hand
• Limited wattage output
• Must NEVER be used indoors or in garages due to carbon monoxide
• Running a fridge, a few lights, a modem/router, and small essentials
• Occasional outages
• Temporary backup for rural homes
Inverter generators are a modern upgrade from traditional portables. They deliver stable, clean power that won’t damage electronics or sensitive equipment.
• Very quiet operation
• Fuel-efficient
• Safe for computers and electronics
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Parallel-ready (you can connect two to double output)
• Higher cost than standard portables
• Output is still limited compared to standby generators
• Homes needing quiet backup power
• Medical devices
• Smart home systems
• Smaller homes or apartments with limited needs
Standby generators are permanently installed and automatically kick on when the power goes out. These systems can run an entire home, including heat, appliances, and heavy-load circuits.
• Turns on automatically
• Powers the whole home
• Runs for long outages
• Connects to natural gas or propane
• Best long-term reliability
• Higher upfront cost
• Requires professional installation
• Needs annual maintenance
• Homes with frequent outages
• Rural properties
• Households with medical equipment
• Home businesses
• Anyone wanting a seamless, never-think-about-it solution
Generator sizing depends on how much of your home you want powered. Here’s a rough guide:
• 3,000–5,000 watts: Essentials (fridge, lights, router, small appliances)
• 7,000–10,000 watts: Larger appliances, furnace blower, multiple circuits
• 14,000–20,000+ watts: Whole-home coverage
• 25,000+ watts: Large properties or heavy-load homes
K.O. Electric can calculate your home’s load and recommend a generator that fits your panel, heating system, and lifestyle.
A generator must be connected through a transfer switch — never plugged into a wall outlet. A transfer switch:
• Prevents dangerous backfeeding into utility lines
• Allows safe switching between grid and generator power
• Lets you control which circuits the generator supports
• Is required by electrical code for standby systems
Types of transfer switches:
• Manual transfer switch: Used with portable generators
• Automatic transfer switch (ATS): Used with standby generators
Local safety guidance:
• Avista Electrical Safety: https://www.myavista.com/safety/electrical-safety
• Idaho Power Safety: https://www.idahopower.com/safety/electrical-safety/
Idaho homeowners generally choose from:
• Gasoline: Easiest to find, but degrades quickly
• Propane: Long shelf life, burns clean, great for standby systems
• Natural gas: Unlimited supply if you have gas service
• Diesel: Most efficient, typically used for large standby units
• Battery backup systems: Quiet and clean but limited in duration
For most households in North Idaho:
Propane or natural gas standby systems are the most reliable.
To ensure your generator is ready when you need it:
• Run and test it monthly
• Keep fuel stabilized (for portables)
• Clear snow from intake/exhaust areas
• Schedule annual service
• Keep extension cables and adapters dry and protected
• Check oil levels before long outages
• Store generators where they stay above freezing
You should have a licensed electrician handle:
• Transfer switch installation
• Standby generator setup
• Load calculations
• Panel upgrades
• Rewiring or circuit additions
• Connecting exterior generator inlets
• Any system powering a furnace, well pump, or medical equipment
K.O. Electric handles full generator installation, transfer switches, exterior inlets, and winter power-readiness for homes throughout North Idaho.
A reliable backup power plan gives Idaho homeowners peace of mind through winter storms, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable outages. Whether you need a simple portable setup or a whole-home standby system, choosing the right equipment — and installing it safely — makes all the difference.
If you’d like help selecting or installing a generator, wiring a transfer switch, or preparing your home for winter outages, the professionals at K.O. Electric are here to help.