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Whole-Home Generators in Ontario: Sizing, Transfer Switches & Install Timeline

Oct 7, 2025Power Generators & Backup Solutions

Power Generators & Backup Solutions

Keep the lights on during Ontario outages with professional standby generator installation, proper transfer switches, and ESA-compliant wiring.

Best For
Whole-home coverage, sump pumps, medical devices, home offices, fridges & freezers.
Generator Types
Portable (manual), Standby (automatic), Propane/Natural Gas.
Key Hardware
Automatic transfer switch (ATS), load management module, cold-weather kit.
Compliance
ESA permits/inspection, gas line sizing, clearances, Ontario Electrical Code.

If you’re comparing portable vs. standby generators or planning a whole-home install, this guide shows the sizing basics, timelines, and what to expect during a professional installation.

How to Size a Standby Generator (Quick Method)

  1. List critical loads: furnace/air handler, sump pump, fridge/freezer, well pump, home office, medical devices.
  2. Note starting (surge) watts: motors like pumps and compressors can draw 2–3× on startup.
  3. Add continuous + surge headroom: many Ontario homes land in the 14–24 kW standby range.
  4. Plan for future loads: EV charger, hot tub, or heat pump → consider load management or a smart panel.

Our 6-Step Install Timeline

1) Site visit & load review
Assess panel, gas meter/propane, setbacks & routing.
2) Formal quote & options
Standby vs portable, kW size, ATS type, cold-weather kit.
3) ESA permit & scheduling
We handle paperwork and coordinate trades.
4) Install day
Pad placement, wiring, gas line connection, ATS integration.
5) Commissioning
Start-up checks, load tests, auto-transfer simulation.
6) ESA inspection & hand-off
Homeowner walkthrough, maintenance schedule.

Typical Costs (Ballpark)

Configuration What’s Included Ballpark Installed
Portable + Manual Transfer (30–50A) Inlet, manual switch/interlock, limited circuits $1,800–$3,500 + generator
Standby 14–18 kW + ATS Pad, wiring, gas, ATS, commissioning $8,500–$13,500 turnkey
Standby 20–24 kW + Load Mgmt As above + load shedding/smart panel $12,500–$17,500 turnkey

Note: Pricing varies by site conditions, trenching, gas line length, and panel upgrades. Get a firm quote after a site assessment.

⚠️
Safety first: Backfeeding without a transfer device is dangerous and illegal. Always use a properly sized automatic or manual transfer switch and obtain ESA permits.

Generator FAQs

How loud is a standby generator?

Most units are 55–65 dB at 7 m — similar to a central AC. Placement and enclosures help reduce noise.

Natural gas or propane?

Both work. Natural gas is convenient if available; propane offers flexibility and on-site storage.

Will it power my AC or heat pump?

Often yes, with proper sizing or load management. We’ll review locked-rotor amps (LRA) and startup demand.


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Serving Hamilton, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Niagara & surrounding areas.

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