Whole-House Standby Generators
Generac · Kohler · 22-24kW · Auto-Transfer · Well-Pump & HVAC Sized
Eastern CT storms knock out grid power 2-5 times a year. A whole-house standby generator pays for itself in 2-3 outages of avoided freezer-load loss, frozen pipes, and lost work-from-home days.
What's Specific About Whole-House Generators in Eastern CT
Whole-house standby vs portable — the real difference
A whole-house standby generator is a permanently installed unit (typically natural gas or propane) connected to your panel via an automatic transfer switch (ATS). When utility power fails, the ATS senses the outage, starts the generator, and seamlessly transfers your home's load to the generator — typically within 10-30 seconds. No extension cords, no manual switching, no fueling during the storm. Portable generators require manual hookup (interlock kit or generator inlet box), routine refueling, and don't auto-start.
Sizing — what your generator actually needs to cover
Most Eastern CT whole-house generators are sized between 18kW and 24kW. The right size depends on your simultaneous load: well pump (3-7 kW inrush), septic pump (1-2 kW), HVAC compressor (4-7 kW with soft starter), refrigerator/freezer (1-2 kW), and the rest of the house lighting and outlets (3-5 kW). Adding it up: most rural Eastern CT homes need 22-24kW to cover everything at once. We do a load calc as part of every quote.
Natural gas vs propane
If your home has natural gas service (Eversource gas in parts of Hartford County, Yankee Gas in others), use natural gas — unlimited runtime, no tank-fill schedule, lowest fuel cost. If you're on propane (most rural Eastern CT — Tolland, Stafford, Willington, Ashford, Hebron), the generator runs on the same propane tank that feeds your hot water or HVAC. Sizing the tank or installing a second tank matters — a 24kW generator under full load burns ~3 gallons of propane per hour.
Permits, inspections, and Eversource coordination
Whole-house generator installs require a building permit, electrical permit, and (in most cases) a separate gas permit through your town. The propane or gas company also coordinates the fuel-side connection. We pull all permits, schedule both the electrical and gas inspectors, and handle the Eversource interconnection paperwork. Typical end-to-end timeline from contract to operational generator: 4-8 weeks, mostly waiting on equipment delivery.
The Eastern CT Electrical Protection Package
Everything you get when you call TJF Electric — zero hidden fees
- ✅Free same-day estimate — we come to you$150FREE
- ✅Full safety inspection of your electrical system$200FREE
- ✅Written scope of work before we start$75FREE
- ✅Owner Tyler on every single job — no subsPriceless
- ✅10-year workmanship guarantee in writingFREE
- ✅CT licensed & fully insured — 100% protectedFREE
Generac vs Kohler — which one?
Both are excellent. We're authorized for both and install both monthly. Quick comparison:
Generac
Market leader, larger parts/service network nationwide. Slightly lower price point. Mobile Link cellular monitoring standard on most models. 5-year limited warranty.
→ Generac installation detailsKohler
Quieter operation (a few dB lower at full load), premium build quality. Marginally higher price point. 5-year limited warranty, 10-year extended option.
→ Kohler installation detailsWhole-House Generator Installs
Real Eastern CT installs — generator pads, transfer switches, gas line work.
Whole-House Install
Annual Service
Generator Pad Placement
Service Work
Transfer Switch Panel
Panel + Transfer
Residential Generator
Emergency Response
Post-Install
Whole-House Generator FAQ
How much does a whole-house generator install cost in Eastern CT?+
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.
How long is the installation?+
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.
Will the generator keep my well pump running?+
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.
Do I need a transfer switch? What is it?+
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.
How loud is a Generac or Kohler whole-house generator?+
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.
What kind of warranty comes with the generator?+
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.
Do I need to maintain it after install?+
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.
Generator Installs Across Eastern CT
Storm-corridor and rural well-served towns where generator demand is highest:
What Customers Say
"TJF Electric upgraded our panel and installed a whole-home generator before last winter. Fast, professional, and fairly priced. Tyler was at our house within 2 hours of calling."
Mike R.
Willington, CT • Panel Upgrade + Generator
"Called at 9pm with a tripping breaker and burning smell. Tyler was at our house within an hour. Fixed the issue safely and explained everything. You can't put a price on that peace of mind."
Sarah K.
Coventry, CT • Emergency Electrician
"We needed a licensed CT electrician to wire our new office in Manchester. TJF Electric came in on time, passed inspection first try, and was incredibly professional throughout the whole project."
James T.
Manchester, CT • Commercial Wiring
"Had TJF Electric install a Level 2 EV charger in my garage. Tyler handled the permits, did the install in one day, and it's been working perfectly. Highly recommend for any EV work in CT."
Lisa M.
Vernon, CT • EV Charger Installation
"We've used TJF Electric for multiple projects now — panel upgrade, new circuits for a hot tub, and outdoor lighting. Tyler is always on time, always cleans up, and always does it right the first time."
Dave & Kim P.
Tolland, CT • Multiple Projects
"After the ice storm last February, our generator wasn't starting. Called TJF Electric and Tyler diagnosed a faulty transfer switch and had us back up within 3 hours. Absolute lifesaver."
Carol B.
Storrs, CT • Generator Service
Ready for the Next Storm?
Generac & Kohler authorized. Free walk-through, written quote, permit and inspection coordination, 10-year workmanship guarantee.