When you call about a standby generator, the first question we ask is: what do you actually want running during an outage?
The honest options are:
Essential circuits only (8 to 12 kW)
Furnace, fridge, sump pump, a few outlets, the modem and router, some lights. Maybe the well pump if you are on a well.
This covers the actual outage hazards: frozen pipes, flooded basement, spoiled food, no internet. It does not run your AC, electric range, dryer, or hot tub.
For most homes, this is the right call. An 8-12 kW unit is around $5,500 to $8,500 installed including a manual or automatic transfer switch and gas/propane coordination.
Selected major loads (14 to 18 kW)
Adds the AC, the range or the dryer, and a couple more circuits. Useful if you work from home or have someone in the household who is medically dependent on temperature control.
Installed cost: $8,000 to $12,000.
Whole-home (20 to 26 kW)
Runs everything except maybe the hot tub. The "we will not even notice the power went out" tier.
Installed cost: $12,000 to $18,000.
Gas vs. propane
Most homes in Kitchener-Waterloo are on natural gas. If you have gas, run the generator on gas. The fuel never runs out. Propane is the right answer for rural properties without gas service, but you need a 250+ gallon tank and refills.
Transfer switches
The transfer switch is what disconnects you from the grid when the generator runs. Two flavours:
- **Automatic** (ATS). Senses outage, starts generator, transfers load. You do nothing. Adds $1,500 to $2,500.
- **Manual** (MTS). You go outside, flip the switch, start the generator. Cheaper. Fine if you are home most of the time.
Maintenance
Standby generators want an annual service. Oil change, plug check, battery test, load-bank test. We offer maintenance contracts for $250 to $400 per year per unit.