Automatic, permanently installed backup power that starts itself when the grid fails — and shuts itself off when power returns.
A standby generator sits outside on a pad, wired into your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch and fueled by your home's natural gas line or a propane tank. When the switch senses a grid outage, it starts the generator and shifts the house over — typically within 10 to 30 seconds. When utility power returns and stabilizes, it shifts back and shuts the unit down. No extension cords, no refueling in a storm, no going outside at 2 a.m.
Most homes up to about 26 kW use air-cooled units — simpler, quieter than their reputation, and the standard for residential installs. Liquid-cooled units (30 kW and up) run quieter under sustained load and last longer in heavy-duty service, but cost significantly more and suit larger or all-electric homes. For a typical Hartford County home, air-cooled is the right answer; an installer pushing liquid-cooled for a 2,000 square foot gas-heated home is upselling.
A properly sized standby system keeps the furnace or heat pump, refrigerator, well pump, sump pump, lights, and internet running. Whether it also covers central air, an electric range, and a clothes dryer depends on size and on whether you choose whole-house or managed-load coverage — the load calculation at the walkthrough settles it, not a brochure.
Modern standby units run around 60–70 decibels at full load — roughly a normal conversation at the property line when sited sensibly. Code clearances from windows, doors, and lot lines, plus neighbor considerations on tight lots, shape placement; a good installer walks the yard with you before the pad goes in.
Two minutes. Matched with a local installer. Free written estimate, no obligation.