When the Power Goes Out, What Do You Lose?
Common Outage Problems
No heat or AC — Extreme temperatures become dangerous
Food spoilage — Hundreds of dollars lost in fridge/freezer
No water — If you have a well pump
Security systems down — Home vulnerable
Medical devices offline — Critical for some families
Basement flooding — Sump pump stops working
How Long Can You Afford to Be Without Power?
| OUTAGE DURATION |
IMPACT |
|---|---|
| 4 hours | Inconvenient |
| 24 hours | Food spoilage, discomfort |
| 3+ days | Serious problems, potential relocation |
Backup Generators: Automatic Protection
Timeline: The whole process takes just 10-30 seconds.
Power Goes Out
Your generator detects the outage within seconds.
Generator Starts Automatically
No need to go outside in a storm. No pulling cords. The generator starts itself.
Transfer Switch Activates
Power is safely transferred from grid to generator.
Your Home Has Power
Essential circuits (or whole house) stay powered.
Power Returns
When grid power returns, the generator shuts off and transfers back to utility power automatically.
Backup Generator Options
Essential Circuits Generator
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners who need basics covered
Powers:
Furnace/AC
Fridge and freezer
Some lights and outlets
Sump pump
Security system
Size: 7-12 kW
Fuel:
Natural gas or propane
Cost: $5,000 - $8,000
"Great for keeping the essentials running during an outage." — Paul
Whole House Generator
Best For: Homeowners who want everything to work normally
Powers:
Everything in your home
All appliances
HVAC system
Hot water heater
All lights and outlets
Size: 15-24 kW
Fuel: Natural gas or propane
Cost: $8000 - $15,000
"You won't even know the power is out. Life continues normally." — Paul
Portable Generator with Transfer Switch
Best For: Occasional outages, smaller budgets
Powers:
Selected circuits via manual transfer
Requires setup during outage
Size: 5-8 kW portable
Fuel: Gasoline
Cost: $2,500 - $4,500
"More affordable but requires manual setup. Not as convenient as automatic." — Paul
Smart Home Integration
Control lighting, thermostats, and security from your phone. Smart home setups that actually work together.
Pot Light Installation
Transform any room with LED pot lights. Energy-efficient, dimmable, and professionally installed.
Electrical Inspections
Sleep soundly knowing your electrical system is safe. Comprehensive inspections for homes, purchases, and insurance.
Generators Paul Installs
Generac
The #1 selling home standby generator brand
- Guardian Series (7–24 kW)
- Automatic operation
- Mobile app monitoring
- 5-year warranty
"Reliable, well-supported, parts readily available."
Kohler
Premium option with excellent reputation
- 8.5–24 kW residential units
- Commercial-grade engine
- 5-year warranty
- Corrosion-resistant
"Higher price but exceptional quality and longevity."
Cummins
Commercial-grade reliability
- 13–20 kW residential units
- Quiet operation
- Fuel efficient
- 5-year warranty
"Great for noise-sensitive areas."
Other Brands
Paul can also install and service:
- Briggs & Stratton
- Champion
- Other major brands
How Generator Installation Works
Site Assessment & Load
Calculation
Paul evaluates your home's electrical load, fuel source availability, best generator location, and transfer switch placement.
Quote & Generator Selection
Paul recommends the right size generator and provides a detailed quote.
Permits & Approvals
ESA electrical permit, Gas line permit (if needed), Utility notification, and Inspection scheduling.
Installation
Pour concrete pad (if needed), Install generator & transfer switch, Connect fuel line, and Wire electrical connections.
Testing & Inspection
Full system test, ESA inspection, Gas inspection (if applicable), and Customer training.
Why Choose PCH Electrical
Experience: Paul has installed generators across Durham Region. He knows how to handle the electrical and fuel connections safely.
Full Service:
From permits to final testing, Paul handles everything. You don't coordinate multiple contractors.
Load Assessment:
Paul properly calculates your electrical load to ensure the right size generator — not too small, not unnecessarily large.
Quality Work:
Clean, professional installation that meets all codes and passes inspections the first time.
Local Support:
Paul is based in Port Perry. If you have questions or need service, he's nearby.
Generator Installation Pricing
| Generator Type & Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Essential Circuits (7-12 kW) | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Whole House Small (15-18 kW) | $8,000 - $11,000 |
| Whole House Large (20-24 kW) | $11,000 - $15,000 |
| Portable + Transfer Switch (5-8 kW) | $2,500 - $4,500 |
What's Included:
Site assessment, Generator unit, Automatic transfer switch, Concrete pad (if needed), Electrical & Fuel line connections, Permits/inspections, Testing & training, 1-year installation warranty.
Additional Costs (if applicable):
Gas line extension ($500-$2,000), Propane tank ($200-$1,500), Electrical panel upgrade ($1,200-$2,500), Remote monitoring setup ($200-$400).
Financing: Paul accepts credit cards and can discuss payment options for larger projects.
Generator Maintenance
Annual Maintenance Includes:
Generators need regular maintenance to ensure they'll work when you need them. Paul offers maintenance plans to keep your generator ready.
Why Maintenance Matters
Generators need regular maintenance to ensure they'll work when you need them. Paul offers maintenance plans to keep your generator ready.
Oil and filter change
Spark plug inspection/replacement
Battery check & Fuel system inspection
Exercise cycle & Full system test
Cost: $200-$400/year depending on generator size.
Paul's Maintenance Plan
- Annual service reminder
- Priority scheduling
- 10% discount on repairs
Generator Installation FAQs
What fuel source is best?
Natural gas is most convenient (no refueling). Propane is good for rural areas. Gasoline is only for portable generators.
How loud are standby generators?
Modern generators are quieter than you might think (60-70 dB). Paul can recommend quieter models for noise-sensitive areas.
Will a generator increase my home value?
Yes, backup generators are increasingly desirable to homebuyers, especially in areas prone to outages.
How long can a generator run continuously?
Standby generators can run for days or weeks with proper fuel supply. Natural gas generators have unlimited runtime.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, generator installation requires ESA electrical permit and possibly gas permits. Paul handles all permits.
How long does installation take?
Most installations are completed in 1-2 days.
Can I install a generator myself?
No, standby generator installation requires a licensed electrician and gas fitter. It's not a DIY project.
Is there a warranty?
Generators typically come with a 5-year manufacturer warranty. Paul's installation work is warranted for 1 year.
Licensed & Bonded
All our electricians are fully certified and insured for your protection.
Same-Day Service Available
We prioritize urgent safety upgrades to keep your home running safely.
ESA Permit Management
We handle the paperwork and inspection scheduling with the Electrical Safety Authority.
Why Upgrade with PCH?
Don't Wait for the Next Outage
Call Paul for a free generator installation quote. Paul will assess your needs, recommend the right size generator, and provide a detailed quote.
Email: paul@pchelectrical.ca
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Thank you for contacting us.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Ready to Get
Started?
Call Paul directly or fill out the form for a free quote. Most quotes can
be provided over the phone, and Paul typically schedules within
3-5 business days.
Call Paul:
905-213-1976
Email:
paul@pchelectrical.ca
Hours:
Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM,
Sat 9AM-2PM
Address:
10920 Old Simcoe Rd,
Port Perry, ON L9L 1B3
