For many Florence, SC homes, a whole-home generator is worth it. It starts by itself in an outage and can keep the fridge, well pump and AC running, depending on its size. Quality Service Company, LLC installs and services these standby generators across the Pee Dee.
Whether one fits your home depends on a few things. Below we cover how long outages last here, who needs power most, and how these units are sized.
How long does the power stay out in the Pee Dee?
A few storms have left homes here dark for days.
- January 2004 ice storm. The National Weather Service reported power out across Florence County. Darlington, Dillon and Marlboro counties had outages too. Nearly 300,000 people lost power statewide.
- February 2014, Winter Storm Pax. About 144,000 electric co-op members lost power, most in the Midlands and Pee Dee. Most had power back in about eight days.
- October 2016, Hurricane Matthew. South Carolina had about 866,000 household power outages.
- September 2018, Hurricane Florence. Outages were concentrated in Dillon, Horry and Marion counties.
- December 2022 cold snap. More than 75,000 South Carolina customers lost power on December 23. Over 50,000 were still out the next morning.
When the power goes out matters too. A normal Florence July has a high of 92 and a low of 72. Florence Regional Airport averages about 70 days a year at 90 degrees or higher. It hit 103 there on July 27, 2025, and 100 twice in July 2026.
Winter has its own risks. Florence dropped to 14 degrees in December 2022 and to 8 degrees on February 2, 2026.
How does a whole-home generator work?
A standby generator sits outside your home on a pad. It runs on natural gas or propane, so there’s no gas can to fill.
An automatic transfer switch connects it to your electrical panel. Here’s what happens in an outage:
- The transfer switch senses that utility power is gone.
- The generator starts and comes up to speed.
- The switch moves your house from the utility line to the generator.
- When utility power returns, the switch moves back and the generator shuts down.
Is a standby generator safer than a portable one?
Portable generators help, but they carry real risks. Carbon monoxide in the exhaust can’t be seen or smelled. Here’s what safety agencies advise:
- The CDC says to run a generator outdoors only, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.
- Never run one in your home or garage. Keep battery-powered CO alarms in the house.
- FEMA says to never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring.
- Generac warns that backfeeding without a transfer switch can electrocute utility workers.
- Duke Energy says a transfer switch should be installed by a licensed electrician.
A standby unit stays in one fixed spot outside, with its own transfer switch. You won’t run cords or carry fuel in the rain. Keep your CO alarms anyway.
Should I choose natural gas or propane?
Both work well. The right one depends on what fuel reaches your address.
- Natural gas. Dominion Energy South Carolina has gas service in parts of Florence County and in Hartsville. A gas unit runs from the utility line, so you never refill it.
- Propane. Regional suppliers sell propane widely across the rural Pee Dee. Your supplier sets and fills the tank.
Not sure what you have? Look for a gas meter or a Dominion bill. Your tech will also check which fuel fits your address.
What size generator does my home need?
Size comes from what you want running during an outage. Too small, and it can’t start your AC. Too big, and it costs more to buy and run.
Most homeowners pick one of two goals:
- Essentials: fridge, freezer, lights, well pump, some outlets and maybe one AC.
- Whole house: everything, including central AC or heat pump, water heater and range.
Load management can close the gap between the two. Generac’s Smart Management Module can manage large loads, like an AC or dryer. Generac says this can lower the minimum generator size a home needs. You can read more on our Generac standby generators page.
Your tech will look at your panel and the loads you care about most. You’ll see your options and a quote before any work starts.
Who needs a whole-home generator most?
Some households have more at stake when the power drops:
- A parent or grandparent who uses oxygen or other powered medical equipment.
- Older family members or a new baby in a house that heats up fast in July.
- Homes on a private well, where no power means no water.
- Homes that depend on a sump pump to stay dry.
- People who work from home.
If none of these fit, a smaller essentials setup may be enough. Your tech can lay out both options.
What does installation involve?
A standby install touches several parts of your home. It usually includes:
- A level pad in a spot with safe clearance from the house.
- A gas or propane line to the unit.
- The transfer switch and wiring to your panel.
Permits are part of it. The City of Florence’s trade permit form lists generators under electrical work. Florence County requires a permit to alter or repair a building.
We’re an authorized Generac and Cummins dealer. See how the process works on our standby generator installation page.
How do I keep a standby generator ready?
A generator can sit for months between outages. A little care helps it start when it counts.
- Keep leaves, grass and shrubs clear of the unit.
- Watch for warning lights on the control panel.
- If you use propane, check the tank level before storm season.
- Have the oil, filters, battery and transfer switch checked on a regular schedule.
Read more about standby generator maintenance.
Common questions
How long can a whole-home generator run in an outage?
A whole-home generator runs as long as it has fuel and stays in good working order. A natural gas unit draws from the utility line, so it never needs refilling. A propane unit runs until the tank gets low. Check your tank level before storm season and keep your supplier’s number handy.
Can I plug a portable generator into my house?
Never plug a portable generator straight into your home’s wiring or a wall outlet. FEMA warns against it, and Generac says backfeeding without a transfer switch can electrocute utility workers. Run a portable unit outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents. For home circuits, use a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
Do I need natural gas for a standby generator?
A standby generator doesn’t need natural gas; it can run on propane instead. Regional suppliers sell propane widely across the rural Pee Dee, and they set and fill the tank. Where Dominion Energy South Carolina gas reaches your street, a natural gas unit runs from the line. Your tech will check which fuel fits your address.
Quality Service Company has served Florence and the Pee Dee since 2003. We’re independently owned by Chris McDonald and Chuck Polk, and our people live where we work. To talk about a generator for your home, call (843) 920-2004 or book online.