Whole-House Standby Generators

Most Eastern CT whole-house installs run $12,000-$18,000 fully installed for a 22-24kW Generac or Kohler unit. The variation depends on gas line length, whether the existing panel needs an upgrade to support the transfer switch, generator pad placement, and propane tank work. We quote the all-in installed price up front — no surprise add-ons.

On-site installation is typically 1-2 days. The longer wait is equipment lead time: most Generac and Kohler units in the 22-24kW range have 2-4 weeks lead time from order to delivery, longer in active storm seasons. Total timeline from contract to operational generator: 4-8 weeks.

Yes — that's typically a top priority on every rural Eastern CT install. We size the transfer switch to include the well pump circuit, run startup-load testing during commissioning, and label the well-pump breaker clearly so you know exactly which circuit it's on. Same applies to septic pumps in finished-basement homes.

A transfer switch is the device that isolates your home from the utility when the generator is running and reconnects when utility power returns. It's mandatory by code — you can't backfeed generator power into the utility lines (would electrocute lineworkers fixing the outage). Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are the standard for whole-house installs. Manual transfer switches exist for smaller portable-generator setups but aren't used for whole-house standby.

Modern units run around 65-70 dB at 7 feet during full-load operation — roughly the same as a window air conditioner or a dishwasher. We coordinate generator pad placement around bedroom-side windows and neighbor lot lines during the walk-through. Kohler tends to run slightly quieter than equivalent Generac models, but the difference is small and not the primary reason most customers pick one brand over the other.

Generac and Kohler both offer 5-year factory limited warranties on whole-house units (some models extended to 10 years on the engine). TJF Electric backs the installation with our 10-year written workmanship guarantee. Combined: 5-year factory + 10-year installation labor.

Yes. Standby generators need annual maintenance: oil change, filter change, battery check, exercise cycle review, transfer switch test. Most Generac and Kohler units self-exercise weekly (you'll hear a brief startup test). We offer annual maintenance contracts; one visit per year keeps the unit ready and the warranty intact.