The right generator size depends on what you want to power during an outage — essentials like heating/cooling, refrigeration, lights, Wi-Fi, and medical devices. Our team performs a professional load calculation so your generator is sized correctly (without overspending). Many homes typically fall in the 10–22 kW range, but the best fit comes from your home’s specific electrical load and goals.

A standby generator is permanently installed outside your home and paired with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). When utility power goes out, the ATS detects the outage and starts the generator automatically — typically within seconds — powering your selected circuits (or your whole home, depending on the design).

For many homeowners, yes — especially if you’ve experienced repeated outages or want peace of mind for heating/cooling, food protection, remote work, sump pumps, security systems, and medical equipment. A standby generator can keep your household comfortable and safe while preventing costly disruption.

Runtime depends on fuel type and how much power you’re using. Natural gas systems can run as long as the gas supply remains available. Propane systems run based on tank size and household load — often for multiple days with proper sizing and usage. We’ll help you plan for realistic outage scenarios.

Most residential standby generators run on natural gas or propane. Natural gas is convenient for homes with gas service and provides continuous fuel. Propane is a reliable stored option where natural gas isn’t available. We’ll recommend the best fit based on your home, site, and local fuel access.

Generator installation cost varies by generator size (kW), fuel type, ATS requirements, electrical upgrades, permits, and site conditions. We provide clear, upfront estimates and walk you through options so you can choose the right setup for your budget. If you’d like monthly payment options, see our Financing page.

Most standby generators should be professionally serviced at least once per year (and sometimes more often depending on runtime and manufacturer guidance). Preventive maintenance helps ensure reliable starts, clean power output, and longer equipment life. If you want a set-it-and-forget-it option, check out our Comfort Club.

Yes — when installed with an automatic transfer switch (ATS), a standby generator detects an outage and turns on automatically. That means you don’t need to be home, and you don’t need to manually connect anything.

It can. Some installations are designed for whole-home backup, while others prioritize critical circuits like heating, refrigeration, outlets, and lighting. The best choice depends on your electrical load, budget, and priorities — and we’ll help you make the right call during your estimate.

Incentives vary by program and year. In some cases, financing promotions or local offers may apply. For current options, review our Rebates and Financing pages, and we’ll help you understand what may apply to your installation.