Frequently Asked Questions

Typical residential installation takes 1–2 days. Commercial installations may take 3–5 days depending on complexity. The process includes concrete pad preparation, generator placement, gas line connection, electrical integration, and commissioning.

Yes, generator installations in Ontario require an electrical permit from the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and often a gas permit from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Ontario Generator Systems handles all permit applications as part of our installation service.

Generator sizing depends on your home’s electrical panel capacity, the appliances and systems you want to back up, and your fuel source. A typical Ontario home (2,000–3,000 sq ft) usually requires a 20–26kW generator for whole-home coverage. We provide a free load assessment during our site inspection.

Yes, generators can be installed year-round in Ontario. Our teams are experienced with winter installations and take appropriate precautions for cold-weather concrete pouring and electrical work. Many customers choose winter installation to be prepared for spring storm season.

Standby generators in Ontario typically run on natural gas or liquid propane (LP). Natural gas is most common in urban areas with existing gas service. Propane is ideal for rural properties without natural gas access. Both fuel types provide reliable, automatic operation during power outages.

We recommend professional maintenance at least once per year, or twice per year for generators that run frequently. Regular maintenance includes oil and filter changes, spark plug inspection, battery testing, coolant checks (for liquid-cooled units), and a full operational test.

A standard maintenance visit includes oil and filter change, air filter inspection, spark plug check, battery load test, coolant level check, belt inspection, fuel system check, transfer switch inspection, firmware updates, and a full load test to verify performance.

While basic tasks like visual inspections and keeping the area clear can be done by homeowners, professional maintenance is strongly recommended. Generators involve high-voltage electrical systems, natural gas connections, and complex controls that require certified technicians and specialized tools.

Skipping maintenance can lead to startup failures during actual power outages, voided manufacturer warranties, reduced generator lifespan, increased fuel consumption, and potentially hazardous conditions from gas leaks or electrical faults.

Yes. Most manufacturer warranties, including Generac’s, require adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule. Our maintenance plans are designed to keep your warranty valid while maximizing the lifespan of your generator.

A whole-home standby generator in Ontario typically costs between $12,000 and $30,000 installed, depending on the generator size, fuel type, installation complexity, and site conditions. This includes the generator unit, transfer switch, concrete pad, electrical work, gas connection, and all permits.

Yes, Ontario Generator Systems offers flexible financing options through our financing partners. Many customers choose monthly payment plans that make whole-home backup power affordable. Contact us for current rates and terms.

Yes, studies show that a whole-home standby generator can increase property value by 3–5%. In areas prone to power outages, it can be a significant selling point that helps your home stand out in the Ontario real estate market.

Annual maintenance plans typically range from $250 to $500 depending on your generator model and whether it’s air-cooled or liquid-cooled. Maintenance plans help prevent costly emergency repairs and keep your warranty intact.

While there are no direct tax credits specifically for residential generators in Ontario, some commercial and agricultural operations may be able to deduct generator costs as a business expense. We recommend consulting with your tax advisor for your specific situation.

First, check the generator’s display panel for error codes. Ensure the fuel supply is on and the battery disconnect switch is engaged. If the generator still won’t start, call our 24/7 emergency service line immediately. Do not attempt to manually repair electrical or gas components.

Yes, Ontario Generator Systems provides 24/7 emergency repair service across our service areas. Our technicians are on call around the clock to respond to generator failures, especially during severe weather events when backup power is most critical.

Our target response time for emergency calls is within 2–4 hours, depending on your location and current demand. During major weather events, we prioritize calls based on severity and safety considerations. Maintenance plan customers receive priority scheduling.

The most common causes of generator failure are dead batteries (most frequent), fuel supply issues, low coolant levels, control board failures, and transfer switch problems. Regular maintenance prevents the majority of these issues.

Standby generators with automatic transfer switches will start automatically regardless of whether the outage is planned or unplanned. There’s no harm in letting the generator run during a planned outage — it actually provides a good real-world test of the system.

We are an authorized Generac dealer and primarily install Generac standby generators, which are the number one selling brand in North America. We also service and repair generators from other manufacturers including Kohler, Cummins, Briggs & Stratton, and Eaton.

Modern standby generators like the Generac Guardian series operate at approximately 66 decibels at rated load, which is comparable to a normal conversation. They are designed to meet municipal noise bylaws in Ontario. Liquid-cooled commercial units may be slightly louder.

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) monitors your utility power 24/7. When it detects an outage, it signals the generator to start. Once the generator reaches stable operating speed, the ATS transfers your home’s electrical load from the utility to the generator. When utility power returns, the ATS transfers the load back and signals the generator to shut down.

Natural gas supply outages are extremely rare compared to electrical outages. However, if you’re concerned, a propane-fueled generator with an on-site tank provides completely independent fuel supply. Dual-fuel generators that can run on either natural gas or propane are also available.

A natural gas standby generator can run indefinitely as long as gas service is maintained. Propane generators can run for several days on a full tank. Generac recommends a maximum continuous run of 500 hours, after which an oil change and inspection should be performed.