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What Is a Home Standby Generator?
A Generac home standby generator is a permanently installed backup power unit that sits outside your home — similar in size and appearance to a central air conditioner. When grid power fails, it detects the outage within seconds and transfers your home to generator power automatically.
Key advantages over portable generators:
Feature
Standby Generator:
- Starts automatically
- Works when
- Natural gas or propane — no refueling
- Whole-home
- Permanently
How We Size Your Generator
Generator sizing is based on your electrical load — not your home's square footage. During your free consultation, we'll walk through what you want powered during an outage:
Heating and cooling systems (furnace, central A/C)
Refrigerator and freezer
Sump pump (critical in Capital District basements)
Water heater
Lighting and essential outlets
Medical equipment
Home security systems
Based on your priorities and your home's electrical service, we'll recommend the right Generac unit and make sure it's properly sized to handle your load safely and efficiently.
Our Generator Installation Process
- Free in-home consultation — We assess your home, discuss your backup power needs, and recommend the right generator size
- Free estimate — You get a firm, itemized quote before we schedule any work
- Permitting — Steve pulls all required electrical and building permits from your municipality
- Installation day — We install the generator, automatic transfer switch, and all associated wiring to code
- Testing — We run the system through a full transfer test to confirm it operates correctly
- Walkthrough — We explain everything before we leave — how it starts, how to maintain it, what to expect
- 1-year warranty — All generator installations include a 1-year labor warranty from Dragons Electric
Why Choose Dragons Electric for Your Generator?
- Generac-experienced — We've installed Generac units throughout the Capital District
- We handle all permits — Steve personally pulls permits and meets inspectors on site
- Licensed & fully insured — $1,000,000 in liability coverage beyond minimum requirements
- Owner-operated since 2011 — you work with Steve directly, not a subcontractor
- 5-star rated on Google — Over 30 verified customer reviews
- 1-year labor warranty on all installations
- Transparent pricing — firm quotes, no surprise charges
What Our Customers Say
"Had Dragons Electric install a Generac generator. Steve was thorough, explained everything, and the install was clean and professional."— Schenectady Homeowner, Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"We have used Dragons Electric several times over the years. Always great service."— Karen LaF, Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Great job overall. Priced as quoted, friendly, knowledgeable. Will use again."— StephanieLea137, Google Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Generac generator installation cost in Schenectady?
Total cost depends on the generator size, fuel type (natural gas vs. propane), and any electrical work required. We provide free in-home estimates — contact us and we'll give you an accurate quote for your home.
How long does generator installation take?
Most installations are completed in one day. Complex installations or those requiring additional electrical work (such as a panel upgrade ) may take longer.
Do I need a permit for a generator installation?Yes. Permits are required for standby generator installations in New York. We handle the full permit process and meet the inspector on site — you don't have to manage any of it.
What size generator do I need?
It depends on your load — what you want to power during an outage. We'll help you determine this during your free consultation. Bigger isn't always better; the right size generator runs more efficiently and costs less to operate.
Does the generator run on natural gas or propane?
Generac home standby generators can run on either natural gas (if you have a gas line) or liquid propane. We'll discuss the best option for your home during the consultation.
Does it work automatically if I'm not home?
Yes — that's one of the biggest advantages of a standby system. The automatic transfer switch detects an outage and starts the generator within seconds, with no action required from you.
What warranty comes with the installation?
All Dragons Electric generator installations include a 1-year labor warranty. Generac also provides a manufacturer's warranty on the unit itself.
Do I need an electrical panel upgrade first?
Possibly, depending on your current service. We'll evaluate your panel as part of the free estimate and let you know if an upgrade is needed before installation.
Expert CareAlso Consider: Interlock Kits for Portable Generator Hookup
If you already own a portable generator and want a safe, legal way to connect it to your home's circuits, an interlock kit may be the right solution. We install interlock kits and manual transfer switches throughout the Capital District.
Serving the Entire Capital District
Schenectady • Albany • Troy • Rotterdam • Niskayuna • Cohoes • Watervliet • Colonie • Guilderland • Clifton Park • Latham • and surrounding areas
More information can be found at Generac's website:
Get Your Free Generator Estimate
📞 Call: (518) 527-8077📅 Request Your Free Estimate →
Dragons Electric | Licensed Electrician | Schenectady, NY 12306 | Serving the Capital District Since 2011