QUESTIONS?
WE’VE GOT WATTS.
The essentials before you borrow the power.
What size do I need?
It depends on what you want to run, including the extra power appliances need when they start. Our wattage calculator recommends a size with 20% headroom. Check your appliance labels and confirm the individual generator’s capacity before renting.
Can I run it in my garage?
No — outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, with exhaust pointed away from windows and doors. Never run a generator in a garage, porch or shed, even with the doors open. Carbon monoxide kills.
Can I plug it into my house?
Only through a transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician — never backfeed. Otherwise, use suitable outdoor-rated extension cords directly to your appliances. Read our safety guidelines.
How does delivery work?
Pickup from the owner is always free. Many owners also deliver — each owner sets their own delivery area and price, shown on their listing before you book. Enter your ZIP on Find a Generator to see who delivers to you.
What fuel?
Every generator rental starts with a full tank. The fuel charge is shown when you book: the current regional weekly EIA gasoline price plus $1 per gallon, multiplied by your unit’s tank size and rounded up to the nearest $0.50. For advance deposit bookings, this is an estimate finalized at the 9am balance charge the day before pickup. For bookings paid in full within 48 hours of pickup, fuel is final when you book. Return it at any fuel level — no refill fees. Use the fuel specified for your unit; dual-fuel units can also run on propane at a lower wattage. Let it cool before refueling. Battery power stations come fully charged with no fuel charge.
What if it won’t start?
Message your owner from your booking page (fastest), or email reservations@sparewatts.com — we'll help you troubleshoot. Don't attempt repairs or run it indoors while testing.
What if my rental problem cannot be fixed?
If a reported rental problem is not resolved within 2 hours of the report (marked Fixed or Swapped unit by the owner and not disputed by the renter), the renter is eligible for a full refund of all booking amounts paid, and the owner earns nothing on that booking. Spare Watts reviews and issues the refund; refunds are not automatic. Open “Having trouble?” on your booking page to watch the unit’s how-to video, contact the owner, or submit a timestamped report.