Whole house generator installation has become a priority for a lot of Houston homeowners, and we understand why. After going through hurricanes, severe storms, and long stretches without electricity, many people have decided they’ve had enough of waiting for the power to come back.
We’ve been working on electrical systems in Houston homes since 1985. Over the years, we’ve seen how much the electrical demands of a typical home have changed. Houses have more equipment, more technology, and often more than one air conditioning system. Losing electricity affects just about everything.
At Illuminations Lighting Design, we sell and install Generac, Kohler, and Cummins standby generators. We recommend permanent backup power systems for homeowners who want their electricity restored automatically during an outage.
The generator itself is only part of the job, though. There’s quite a bit that goes into choosing the right equipment and connecting it to a home’s electrical system. That’s where our experience as electrical contractors comes in.
The First Thing We Want to Know Is What You Need to Keep Running
When someone contacts us about installing a generator, we want to know a little about their home and what they’re expecting the generator to do.
For some folks, the main concern is keeping the air conditioning running. Anyone who’s spent several days in a Houston house without AC in the middle of summer understands that.
Other homeowners want everything working. The refrigerator, kitchen appliances, televisions, lights, internet, security equipment, and the air conditioning. They want to be able to go about their day without changing much of anything.
We can design a backup power system around those expectations, but we need to look at the home’s electrical requirements first.
Here’s a good example of why that matters.
A 3,000-square-foot house with one air conditioning system and gas appliances can have very different electrical needs than another house of the same size with two AC systems, an electric range, and a pool.
The square footage doesn’t tell us enough.
We’ll review the electrical panel, identify the larger electrical loads, and calculate how much power the generator will need to supply. We also account for the extra electricity certain equipment draws when it first starts up.
Sometimes a homeowner needs a larger generator than they originally expected. Other times, we can recommend a smaller system that will do exactly what they need.
We’re looking for the right fit. A generator that’s too small creates problems when the homeowner needs it most. Buying more capacity than the house needs can add unnecessary expense.
Why We Work With Generac, Kohler, and Cummins
We sell standby generators from Generac, Kohler, and Cummins. These are established manufacturers with residential models designed to provide automatic backup power when utility service goes down.
We like having options.
There are differences between the brands, and even between models made by the same manufacturer. Some offer different power capacities, control features, monitoring options, and installation requirements.
You may have heard good things about Generac and already have a particular model in mind. Someone else may be interested in Kohler or Cummins.
We’re happy to discuss those preferences. But we’ll still look at the house before making a recommendation.
Let’s say, for example, a homeowner wants to operate multiple air conditioning systems during an outage, we’ll account for those loads and compare generators that can handle them. We may also recommend equipment that manages when certain appliances run so the system isn’t overloaded.
The available fuel supply matters, too. So does the location of the electrical service and the space available for the generator.
We consider those details when recommending equipment.
As an authorized dealer for Generac, Kohler, and Cummins, we’re able to supply the generator and complete the installation. Our customers don’t have to shop for equipment separately and then find an electrician to connect it.
We can recommend the generator, plan the installation, and handle the electrical work as one job.
Generator Placement Is Something We Take Seriously
A standby generator is a permanent piece of equipment. It’s going to sit outside your home for years, so we want to get the location right.
In some cases, the best spot is fairly obvious. There’s enough room beside the house, the electrical service is nearby, and the fuel connection is accessible.
Other properties take more planning.
Houston has plenty of older homes with narrow side yards, established landscaping, and electrical panels that aren’t necessarily located where you’d want them for a generator installation.
We also work in larger homes that have been remodeled or expanded several times. It’s common for these properties to have additional electrical equipment that wasn’t part of the original construction.
We take all of that into account.
The generator needs proper clearance around it, a suitable foundation or mounting surface, and access for maintenance. We also have to follow the manufacturer’s placement requirements and applicable building and electrical codes.
Exhaust location is especially important. We don’t place a generator where exhaust could create a hazard around windows, doors, or other building openings.
We also consider how the unit will fit around existing landscaping and outdoor improvements. That’s a detail homeowners appreciate, particularly when they’ve invested a lot in their property.
We’d rather work through those issues during planning than have a crew arrive with equipment that won’t fit where everyone expected it to go.
We Make Sure the Generator Works With Your Existing Electrical System
This is the part of generator installation that deserves more attention than it usually gets.
A standby generator has to be properly connected to the home’s electrical system. It also needs a safe way to switch between utility power and generator power.
That’s the job of the automatic transfer switch.
When the utility power goes down, the transfer switch detects the interruption. The generator starts, and the switch transfers the selected electrical loads to the generator after it’s ready to supply power.
When electricity is restored, the switch transfers the house back to utility service.
The homeowner doesn’t have to go outside to start the generator or manually change the power source.
Our electricians install the transfer equipment and make the necessary electrical connections. Before we do that, we look at the existing panel and the condition of the electrical system.
We’ve worked in plenty of older Houston homes, and we know that electrical systems don’t always look the same as they did when the houses were built. Panels may have been replaced, circuits added, or new equipment connected during a renovation.
Those changes need to be considered.
If the existing electrical system needs improvements before the generator can be installed properly, we’ll discuss that with the homeowner.
We also coordinate the fuel connection requirements. Most residential standby generators run on natural gas or propane, and the fuel supply has to support the generator’s operating requirements.
After installation, we test the system. That includes checking how the generator starts and how the transfer switch responds when utility power is interrupted and restored.
We want to see the equipment operate correctly before we consider the job complete.
What Working With Our Team Is Like
A generator installation involves people working around your home, electrical service, and outdoor equipment. We know that homeowners want to understand what’s being done and how it may affect their property.
We’ve built our electrical business by paying attention to those details.
If you read through our customer reviews, you’ll see people mention the professionalism of our electricians, the care our crews take during installations, and the attention given to the finished work. Customers have also commented on our estimates and how we approach complicated electrical projects.
We bring that same approach to standby generator installations.
We’ll talk with you about the generator you’re considering and what you expect it to power. We’ll look at the electrical system, explain our equipment recommendation, and discuss the work needed to install it.
Some jobs are fairly straightforward. Others require additional planning because of the home’s electrical equipment, property layout, or fuel connections.
We take the time to work through those details before moving ahead.
Our team handles the electrical installation and coordinates the other work required for the system. We also address the applicable permits and inspections.
When the installation is finished, we’ll explain how the generator operates, what the transfer switch does, and what you should expect when the system starts during an outage.
We want you to be comfortable with the equipment you’ve purchased and understand how it works.
We Also Take Care of Generators After Installation
A standby generator can sit unused for weeks and then suddenly be needed for an extended outage. That’s one reason regular service is so important.
We provide generator maintenance and repair services in addition to sales and installation.
Maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer and model, but they generally involve checking the equipment’s operating condition and servicing components at the recommended intervals.
Oil, filters, batteries, and other parts all need attention as specified by the manufacturer.
A generator that starts and runs during a short exercise cycle still needs its scheduled maintenance.
We recommend keeping up with that service instead of waiting until the next hurricane is approaching. Houston’s storm season isn’t the time to discover that a generator has a problem.
We can discuss maintenance requirements when you purchase your system and help with service after the installation.
Installing Standby Generators in Houston and Nearby Communities
We work with homeowners throughout Houston, including River Oaks, Memorial, Bellaire, West University Place, the Memorial Villages, and surrounding communities.
Every property is a little different. We’ve worked on older homes with established electrical systems, newer construction, and houses that have been updated over the years.
Those differences matter when installing a generator.
A house with a large electrical load may need a different generator than one where the owner only wants essential circuits protected. Properties with limited outdoor space may require more thought when choosing an installation location.
We look at the actual conditions before deciding what to recommend.
If you’re considering a standby generator, we’ll help you understand which equipment makes sense for your home and what will be involved in getting it installed.
Questions We Hear About Standby Generators
Can you install a generator that will power our whole house?
Yes. We install standby generators designed to provide backup power for an entire home. The generator’s capacity must match the home’s electrical demands, so we’ll calculate the loads before recommending equipment. Some installations also benefit from load management.
Do we need to replace our electrical panel to install a generator?
Not necessarily. We’ll inspect the electrical setup and determine whether the existing panel can accommodate the installation. If changes are needed, we’ll explain what work is required and why.
Do your generators start automatically when the power goes out?
Yes. We install automatic standby generator systems with transfer switches that detect utility outages and start the backup power process. Once the generator is ready, the system transfers the designated electrical loads.
Can you help us choose between Generac, Kohler, and Cummins?
Absolutely. We sell all three brands and can recommend suitable models based on your home’s electrical requirements, installation conditions, and the equipment features you’re looking for.
Let’s Talk About Backup Power for Your Home
If you’re ready to install a whole house generator, give us a call.
We’ll discuss what you need to keep running, take a look at your electrical system, and recommend a Generac, Kohler, or Cummins generator that makes sense for your property.
Our team has been handling electrical projects in Houston since 1985. We have the experience to plan your installation, complete the electrical work, and service the equipment afterward.
Call Illuminations Lighting Design at 713-863-1133 to schedule a standby generator consultation.
