Electronics

[shoesnbags]

What Professional would be the best to call that could tell me the appropriate watts needed to run the furnace and AC, a few things in two bedrooms; tv's, chargers, ipads, etc., and the least amount of kitchen appliances- a microwave, fridge.

@skittles2 That would be an electrician.  Ideally you would call a few electricians in your area that install generators.  Have them come out and look at your house and answer your questions and then give you an estimate.  I understand that you're trying to save money, but you might do better with a package deal buying from the electrician.  At the very least, it will all be coordinated, without you trying to figure it all out yourself.  And you want someone well established, who is not going to take your money, install your generator and then not be there a year later if you need him. 

As far as Generac or any other brand, "conking out," it's very very important that whole house generators receive regular maintenance.  If someone is mechanically inclined they can do it themselves, or as is more common, you have a maintenance contract with the electrical company.  In my case, they come out twice a year and do maintenance.  Also the generator automatically sends info to the electricians and to me that shows everything is working right - or not.  It's internet connected.  It also kicks on once a week and runs for a few minutes to keep everything lubricated, etc. 

People sometimes have a whole house generator installed and don't take care of the maintenance, which shortens its life.  As another poster mentioned upthread, there are continued expenses that you have to account for unless you are good with motors, etc. Hope some of this helps.