Doctor Electric

Backup Generators

Generac Standby Generators For Your Home

A professionally installed Generac home backup generator supplies power directly to your home’s electrical system, protecting you and your family from unforeseen electrical outages.

  • Protect your home from lost power during strong storms, snow & ice or equipment failure.
  • Powered by natural gas or liquid propane (LP) fuel, a Generac home backup generator sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit.
  • Doctor Electric Services will help you to choose the right size generator, the proper fuel source and the best installation location for your needs.
  • Where required, we will handle any local permits and inspections for you.

Give us a call. We service all of Rochester and Monroe County, including Webster, Pittsford, Irondequoit, Brighton, Henrietta, Greece, and Gates.

Installation & Maintenance

Do I need a permit for a generator installation in Monroe County? Yes. Most towns in the Rochester area (like Greece, Henrietta, or Pittsford) require both electrical and plumbing permits. Doctor Electric handles the entire permitting process for you to ensure everything is 100% code-compliant and safe.

Where should my standby generator be placed? Safety is our priority. It must be placed at least 5 feet from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home, and usually at least 18 inches from the house structure itself. We also ensure it’s elevated to stay clear of drifting snow.

Does a generator require regular maintenance? Just like your car, a generator needs an oil and filter change at least once a year (or after 24–48 hours of continuous use). We offer maintenance plans to ensure your unit exercises weekly and is ready for the next storm.

Portables vs. Standby

Why can’t I just plug my portable generator into a wall outlet? Never do this. This is called “backfeeding” and it is incredibly dangerous. It can electrocute utility workers fixing the lines and fry your home’s wiring. We can install a Manual Transfer Switch or an Interlock Kit to make using your portable generator safe and legal.

Is a standby generator quieter than a portable one? Significantly. Generac Home Standby units are enclosed in sound-dampening shells. While a portable generator sounds like a lawnmower, a standby unit is roughly as loud as a standard central air conditioning compressor.

Costs & Value

Does a generator increase my home’s value? Absolutely. A permanently installed standby generator is considered a major home improvement. In regions like Upstate NY, it can increase home value and is a massive selling point for future buyers.

Do you offer financing? Note: If you offer financing (like Synchrony or GreenSky), add that here! If not, replace this with: “We provide transparent, upfront pricing so you know exactly what the investment will be before we ever pick up a tool.”

⚡ Ready to never be in the dark again?

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Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on what you want to “back up.” A 10-14kW unit can usually handle essentials like your furnace, sump pump, fridge, and lights. If you want to run your central AC, electric oven, and water heater simultaneously, you may need a 20-26kW unit. We perform a “load calculation” during our visit to find your perfect fit.

Yes. In our climate, the biggest risk during a winter power outage is losing your furnace. A Generac standby system senses the power loss and restores heat within seconds, keeping your home—and your plumbing—warm.

As long as you have a fuel source (natural gas or propane), it can run for weeks. For portable units running on gasoline, runtime depends on the tank size and the electrical load, usually requiring a refill every 8 to 12 hours.

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