StayLit .pro
Automatic Standby Generator Installation

Automatic Backup Power. Zero Effort.

A permanently installed standby generator sits outside your home and takes over the moment the grid goes down. No fueling, no cords, no extension runs through the window. Just power that comes back on by itself.

How a Standby Generator Works

A standby generator is not a portable unit you wheel out and crank by hand. It is a permanent fixture, hardwired into your home's electrical system.

1

Permanently Installed

The unit is mounted on a concrete pad outside your home, similar to an AC condenser. It is connected directly to your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch.

2

Natural Gas or Propane

Standby generators run on your home's natural gas line or a propane tank. No gasoline to store, no fuel to pour, no stale fuel issues. The supply is continuous.

3

Automatic Transfer Switch

When the utility power drops, the transfer switch senses it within seconds, starts the generator, and switches your home over to backup power. All automatic. No one has to be home.

The entire transition happens in under 30 seconds. You might see the lights blink. Then everything runs as normal until the grid comes back. When utility power is restored, the switch transfers back and the generator shuts itself down.

Brands We Install

We are not locked into a single manufacturer. We size your system based on your home's actual load, then recommend the unit that fits your budget and power requirements.

Generac

The industry leader in residential standby power. Guardian series offers reliable air-cooled units from 10KW to 26KW with Wi-Fi monitoring and Mobile Link remote alerts.

Kohler

Premium standby units known for commercial-grade engines and fast response times. Kohler generators can restore power in as little as 10 seconds with clean, stable voltage.

Briggs & Stratton

A trusted name in standby power with solid value options. The Fortress line offers durable, weatherproof enclosures and straightforward installation at a competitive price point.

Why a Standby Generator Pays Off

Houston hurricanes, grid instability, and summer storm season make backup power more of a necessity than a luxury. Here is what you get with a properly installed standby unit.

Fully Automatic

The transfer switch handles everything. Whether you are asleep, at work, or out of town, your home powers itself without you lifting a finger.

Hands-Free Operation

No gas cans, no pull cords, no extension cords running through doors. The unit self-tests weekly and runs on a fuel line you never have to think about.

Quiet Operation

Modern standby units run at neighborhood-friendly sound levels, far quieter than portable generators. Many are enclosed in sound-attenuating weatherproof housings.

Increases Home Value

A standby generator is a permanent, permitted improvement that adds resale value. Buyers in hurricane-prone Houston specifically look for homes with backup power installed.

Runs as Long as Fuel Lasts

Connected to natural gas, your standby generator can run for days or weeks uninterrupted. No refueling runs in the middle of a storm.

Whole-Home Coverage

Unlike portables that only cover selected circuits, a properly sized standby generator can run your entire home including AC, refrigerators, well pumps, and medical equipment.

Our Installation Process

From first call to first test run, here is exactly what happens when you hire us for a standby generator installation.

01

Load Assessment

We walk your home, inventory your major loads (AC tonnage, appliances, pumps, medical equipment), and determine what you need to keep running during an outage. No guessing.

02

System Sizing & Selection

Based on your load assessment, we size the generator correctly for your home. We show you options across brands and price points so you can make an informed decision, not a pressured one.

03

Installation

We handle the pad placement, gas line connection, transfer switch wiring, and electrical tie-in. All work is done by a Master Electrician, not a subcontractor. Permits pulled, inspections scheduled.

04

Load Testing

Once installed, we run the generator under load and simulate an outage to verify the transfer switch operates correctly and your critical loads come online. We confirm it works before we leave.

05

Maintenance Plans

Standby generators need periodic service just like any engine. We offer ongoing maintenance plans covering oil changes, filter replacements, battery checks, and system exercise cycles.

Standby Generator Sizing Guide

Sizing is the most important part of a standby generator install. Too small and it trips under load. Too big and you overpay for capacity you do not use. Here is a general reference.

22KW

Most Houston Homes

  • + 2,000 to 3,500 sq ft
  • + Central AC (3 to 4 ton)
  • + Standard appliances
  • + Whole-home coverage with load management
26KW

Larger Homes

  • + 3,500 to 5,000 sq ft
  • + Larger or multiple AC units
  • + Two refrigerators, electric oven
  • + Pool equipment, well pump
30KW+

Estates & Multiple ACs

  • + 5,000+ sq ft estates
  • + Multiple central AC systems
  • + Guest houses, detached structures
  • + May require liquid-cooled unit

These are guidelines only. Your actual sizing depends on your specific loads, starting surge requirements, and whether you want true whole-home coverage or managed essential loads. We calculate this precisely during your assessment.

The StayLit Difference

There is a big difference between a big-box generator dealer and a Master Electrician who installs generators.

Big-Box Installers

  • -- Salesperson quotes the job, then a subcontractor you have never met does the install
  • -- Cookie-cutter sizing based on square footage, not actual load
  • -- Locked into one brand regardless of fit
  • -- You become a ticket number in a call center after install

StayLit.pro

  • + The Master Electrician who quotes your job is the same one who installs it
  • + Load assessment based on your actual appliances and surge requirements
  • + We install Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton, whichever fits best
  • + You deal with Rick directly before, during, and after the install

Standby vs. Portable

Both have their place. Here is an honest comparison so you can choose the right backup solution for your home and budget.

Standby Generator

The premium, set-it-and-forget-it option.

+ Fully automatic, kicks on within seconds
+ Permanent installation, no setup during storm
+ Runs on natural gas, unlimited runtime
+ Quiet, enclosed operation
-- Higher upfront cost (typically $8,000 to $15,000+)
-- Requires permanent installation and permitting

Portable Generator

The affordable, flexible option.

+ Much lower cost (from $2,500 installed)
+ Portable, can take it with you if you move
+ Dual-fuel capability (gasoline and propane)
-- Manual setup, you wheel it out and start it
-- Requires storing and rotating fuel
-- Louder, limited runtime per tank

Not sure which is right for you? That is exactly what the free assessment is for. We will look at your home, your budget, and your outage risk and give you an honest recommendation. Learn more about our portable generator packages or request a quote.

Ready for Automatic Backup Power?

Get a free assessment and honest sizing recommendation from a Master Electrician. No pressure, no commission salespeople. Just expert advice and clean installation.