Sizing a whole-house system
Sizing begins with a load calculation. Central air conditioning and heat pumps have high starting currents, and electric ranges, dryers and water heaters draw heavily. Load management modules let a smaller generator cover the whole house by shedding big loads temporarily when needed.
Placement matters too: the unit needs clearances from windows, doors and vents, a stable pad, and a fuel supply sized for extended run times. Your service size and panel layout determine the transfer switch configuration.
What the work typically involves
Site and load assessment
Calculate loads, pick a location and confirm fuel availability.
Size and select
Choose generator capacity, transfer switch and load management.
Install
Set the pad and unit, connect fuel and wiring, install the transfer switch.
Commission
Test automatic transfer and walk through operation and maintenance.
Common reasons homeowners call
- Long outages after severe storms
- Rural homes with well pumps
- Family members relying on medical equipment
- Home offices
- Protecting homes from freezing pipes or flooding sump pits
A standby generator may fit if
- Outages lasting more than a few hours are common where you live
- Portable generators are becoming a hassle
- You travel and want automatic protection
- Home relies on a well or sump pump
- Someone at home needs powered medical devices
Safety considerations
Clearances and fuel: Standby generators must be installed with required clearances and a listed automatic transfer switch. Fuel connections should be handled by qualified gas professionals where required.
What an electrician will check
- Service size and transfer switch type
- Load calculation including HVAC starting loads
- Fuel type and supply capacity
- Placement clearances
- Surge protection
Related electrical problems
Local pages for this service
Related residential services
Generator Installation
Standby and portable generator hookups with transfer switches or interlocks for safe backup power.
Generator Repair
Electrical troubleshooting for generators that won't transfer, won't start in an outage, or trip breakers under load.
Electrical Panel Upgrade
Increasing your home's electrical capacity — typically 100A to 200A — for EV chargers, heat pumps, additions and modern loads.
Surge Protection
Whole-house surge protectors at the panel plus point-of-use protection for electronics and appliances.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your home's loads — especially HVAC. A load calculation, with load management where appropriate, determines the right size.
Most start within seconds of an outage, and the transfer switch moves your home to generator power shortly after.
It depends on what's available at your property. Rural homes without gas service commonly use propane tanks.
Yes. Routine maintenance, periodic exercise and battery checks help ensure it runs when needed.