Definitely! Many people think a standby generator is only useful if you rely on electricity for your heating and cooling, but this is incorrect! All utilities require some amount of power to run! This includes not only blower motors and circulator pumps, but also your smart thermostats and glow bars for gas ranges.

Yes! Standby generators can be configured to be as flexible as you'd like for your home's emergency power needs. You can divide the things in your home which require power into generally three categories:

Your Essentials

What comes to mind when you hear the word "essential"? These are the things in your home which keep you safe and help you survive during a power outage, even if you're not quite as comfortable as you'd like. This typically includes things like:

• Basic Heating systems
• Wells and sump pumps
• Security systems
• Medical devices
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Basic cooking appliances
• "Small" electronics (Smartphones, Laptops)

Your "Must Haves"

These are the appliances in your home which you would rarely go without, and definitely want during a power outage to ensure you are relatively comfortable. These can often include:

• HVAC or Ductless heating/cooling
• Dishwashers and other kitchen equipment
• Washers & Dryers
• "Big" electronics (Computers and TVs)

Your "Nice to Haves"

This includes everything else in your home you'd expect on a typical day, but still want access to even during extended outages or brownouts. This might include:

• All of your home's electronics and appliances
• Workshop tools and equipment
• Specialized heating and cooling equipment
• Pool or Hot Tub pumps and heating systems
• Your other creature comfort

We're happy to configure a standby generator solution to meet all of your needs. Let us know how we can help!

Depending on where you live, different rules apply for the permitting needed to begin a generator installation.

Utility Requirements

Typically, your electrical service is handled by either a major utility (such as PSEG LI or NYC ConEd) or a local village utility (such as Rockville Centre or Freeport Electric). In addition, natural gas is handled by National Grid or another local utility. During a generator installation, your utility needs to disconnect power from the home until the installation is complete. In addition, you'll need a gas line prepared for your standby generator system or a propane system installed if you don't have access to natural gas.

We're very familiar with the process with all of the major and local utilities on Long Island and will be happy to help you through the process. 

Town/Village Requirements

On Long Island, permitting requirements vary depending on where you live and the amount of work you're looking to complete during your generator installation.

All electrical work must be done to code, and these codes are handled at the town (such as Hempstead or Babylon) or village (such as Freeport) level. We are a licensed and insured electrician across all of the towns and villages on Long Island, and during our consultation process we can walk you through the process and any permits you may need before beginning work on your home.

Yes, all generators require some amount of maintenance. In our opinion, standby generators provide the most flexible and convenient options for maintenance for several reasons:

• Gasoline generators must be stored away when not in use, meaning you must take them out of storage for regular maintenance. However, a standby generator is in a fixed location and typically located outdoors near your home. This means it's readily accessible by our technicians with minimal homeowner disruption.
• Gasoline goes bad after only a few months! This means you must remove the fuel from your generator when not in use. Propane and natural gas is always ready to use, meaning your generator is always read for a potential outage.
• Gasoline generators must be turned off and allowed to cool after several hours, while standby generators can run continuously for long periods of time with access to large propane tanks or nearly unlimited fuel from your neighborhood gas line.