Ice storms, summer thunderstorms and high winds knock out power across Northeast Ohio every year. When the power goes out, a sump pump stops, a furnace blower stops and a refrigerator starts warming. A standby generator turns those hours into an inconvenience instead of a repair bill. Wilson's licensed electricians size, install and maintain home generators, and we can handle the gas line work in house because Wilson is also a plumbing company.
Call 330-920-0225 or book online to schedule a generator assessment.
Standby or portable: which do you need?
A standby generator is permanently installed outside the home, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts on its own through an automatic transfer switch when utility power fails. It can run selected circuits or a whole home, depending on its size.
A portable generator costs less up front, but you have to start it, fuel it and connect it yourself. It should never run in a garage or near windows because of carbon monoxide. If you use a portable generator, a properly installed transfer switch or interlock is the safe way to connect it to your home's wiring, never a cord plugged into an outlet.
Is a standby generator worth it for your home?
It depends on what an outage costs you. Homes with finished basements and a sump pump are the clearest case, because a pump that stops during a storm can turn a power outage into a flooded basement. Households with medical equipment that needs power, people who work from home, homes on a well, and families with an older relative living with them also tend to value backup power. If outages in your area are rare and short, a portable generator with a proper transfer switch or interlock may be enough. Your electrician can talk through both so you choose based on your situation, not a sales pitch.
Sizing a generator to what you actually need
Generator size depends on what you want to keep running. Most homeowners start with a short list: sump pump, furnace, refrigerator and freezer, well pump if they have one, a few lights and outlets, and internet. Others want the whole house, including central air. Your electrician walks through your home with you, looks at your panel and major appliances, and recommends a size based on the loads you choose, rather than selling the largest unit that fits the yard.
What installation involves
- Assessment and quote. We confirm the generator location, fuel source, electrical panel and transfer switch approach, and give you upfront pricing for the full job before any work starts.
- Site and placement. The unit sits on a level pad with the clearances from windows, doors and vents that the manufacturer and local code require.
- Fuel connection. The generator connects to your natural gas service or a propane supply. Because Wilson also does gas line installation, one company handles both the electrical and gas work.
- Transfer switch. An automatic transfer switch disconnects your home from the utility and connects it to the generator when the power fails, then switches back when power returns. This also protects line workers.
- Permits, start-up and walkthrough. Your electrician explains which permits and inspections your community requires, starts and tests the unit, and shows you how it works.
Generator maintenance and repair
A standby generator runs a short self-test on a schedule and then sits waiting for the day it is needed. Regular maintenance, including oil and filter service, battery checks and a load test, keeps it ready. If your generator shows a fault code or did not start during an outage, Wilson's electricians can diagnose and repair it.
Healthy Home Membership
Wilson's Healthy Home Membership is $15 a month. For new installations, members are eligible for an extended 10-year warranty on generator parts and labor, plus 5% off installation, 15% off repairs and a waived dispatch fee. Terms and conditions apply, including a 12-month minimum, and the extended warranty depends on keeping the membership active.
Where we install generators
Wilson installs and services home generators across Northeast Ohio, with offices in Stow, Akron, Solon and Beachwood. Planning an EV charger too? Both depend on panel capacity, so it helps to plan them together. For local rules and costs, see our guides on Akron generator installation regulations and generator installation cost in Cleveland.
FAQs
Home generator questions
What size generator do I need for my home?
It depends on what you want to keep running during an outage. A generator for essentials such as the sump pump, furnace, refrigerator and some lights is smaller than one for the whole house. Your electrician recommends a size after reviewing your panel and appliances.
Do I need a transfer switch?
Yes, for any generator connected to your home's wiring. A transfer switch keeps generator power from flowing back onto utility lines, which protects line workers and your equipment. Standby generators use an automatic transfer switch that switches over on its own.
Can a standby generator run on natural gas?
Yes. Most standby generators run on natural gas or propane. Wilson's plumbers handle the gas line connection and Wilson's electricians handle the wiring and transfer switch, so one company manages the whole installation.
How often does a home generator need maintenance?
Most manufacturers call for periodic maintenance, including oil and filter changes, a battery check and a test under load. Your technician can recommend a schedule based on your model and how often it runs.
Is it safe to plug a portable generator into an outlet?
No. Back-feeding a home through an outlet can energize utility lines and injure line workers, and it can damage your home's wiring. Connect a portable generator through a properly installed transfer switch or interlock, and run it outdoors away from windows.
Book a generator assessment
Call 330-920-0225 or book online. Upfront pricing before work starts.