Home Standby Generator Systems That Power Your Home Automatically
Your heating system stops during January storms. Refrigerated medications spoil. Sump pumps fail during spring flooding. Medical devices lose power when the power fails.
A home standby generator restores electricity within 10 seconds of any outage. The system detects when power fails, starts automatically, and runs your entire home until utility service returns. You don't flip switches, haul a portable generator, or refill fuel tanks.
Ralph Mann & Sons specializes in Kohler home generators because they deliver the quietest operation, cleanest power for sensitive electronics, and most reliable performance in Connecticut's climate. Our factory-trained technicians design systems sized precisely for your power needs, not oversized equipment that costs thousands more than necessary.
Complete Installation Solution from Assessment to Final Testing
We handle every aspect of your generator project. Our Connecticut state-licensed electricians and gas fitters coordinate all trades, permits, and inspections required for code-compliant installation. This comprehensive solution gives you peace of mind knowing your home backup system is installed correctly.
Most residential installations require 2-3 weeks from permit approval to final inspection.
Your installation includes:
Why We Recommend Kohler Home Generators
for Connecticut
Ralph Mann & Sons is an authorized Kohler and Generac dealer. We've chosen Kohler as our preferred product line after decades of experience with multiple brands serving the Connecticut market.
Designed for quieter operation
Kohler home generators operate 3-5 decibels quieter than comparable models. This reduced sound and noise matters when your generator sits near bedroom windows or property lines. The durable powder-coated steel enclosures resist corrosion from coastal salt air and winter road treatments.
Advanced Voltage Regulation
The voltage regulation protects sensitive electronics including computers, smart home systems, and medical devices. Heat pumps and modern HVAC equipment with variable-speed components require clean, stable power that Kohler's industrial-grade alternators deliver consistently.
Built for Connecticut’s Winters
Cold-weather kits come standard on our Connecticut installations, ensuring reliable starts during sub-zero temperatures when you need backup power most. This product delivers the secure, dependable performance Connecticut homeowners need.
Choosing the Right Model and Fuel Type
for Your Home
Kohler home generators deliver the quietest operation at 60-65 dB(A) sound level compared to 65-70 dB(A) for comparable Generac models. The industrial-grade voltage regulation provides cleaner power for sensitive electronics and variable-speed HVAC equipment. We recommend Kohler for whole-home applications, homes with heat pumps or central air conditioning, and installations near bedrooms. Residential models range from 12-26 kW and run on natural gas or propane fuel types. Standard 5-year parts and labor warranty. Typical price: $10,000-$20,000 installed.
Generac home generators offer a reliable alternative with wide parts availability and proven performance. As an authorized Generac dealer, we can provide their 10-22 kW models that deliver dependable home backup at a lower initial cost. We recommend Generac when customers request this brand or when budget prioritizes equipment cost over premium features. Standard 5-year warranty. Typical price: $9,000-$15,000 installed.
Our recommendation:
Kohler models suit Connecticut's climate better with superior cold-weather performance, quieter operation, and voltage regulation that protects modern electronics and HVAC systems. Learn more about financing options to make your investment affordable.
How Your Home Backup System Works
The automatic transfer switch monitors utility power continuously and controls transitions between grid electricity and generator power, supplying power seamlessly when normal utility service fails.
When the switch detects voltage loss, it signals your home standby generator to start. The generator reaches operating speed in 10 seconds. Once voltage stabilizes, the switch disconnects utility power and connects generator power to your home. Total transition time: 10-20 seconds.
When utility service returns to normal, the switch reverses the process automatically. Your generator continues running for 5 minutes to cool down, then shuts off. You never manually switch between power sources or risk back-feeding electricity into utility lines.
We install service-rated switches that handle your home's full electrical load. Load-shedding modules allow high-demand homes to prioritize critical circuits while temporarily disconnecting less essential loads during generator operation. This tool helps optimize your system's performance.
Sizing Your Home Generators
Whole-Home vs. Essential Circuits
Our load calculation measures your actual electrical requirements. We review your electrical panel, identify high-draw appliances, measure HVAC equipment specifications, and calculate simultaneous demand. This engineering approach prevents oversizing while ensuring adequate capacity to power your home. Learn how we determine the generator you need during your free estimate consultation.
Whole-Home
Backup Generator
Whole-home backup powers your entire electrical panel including heating and cooling systems, all outlets and lighting, kitchen appliances, well pumps and sump pumps, and security systems. Connecticut homes typically require 12-26 kW models depending on square footage, HVAC equipment, and electric appliances.
Essential circuits
Backup Generator
Essential circuits backup powers only critical systems: heating system, refrigerator and freezer, sump pump or well pump, medical equipment outlets, garage door opener, and selected lighting. This solution reduces generator size to 10-14 kW, lowering equipment and fuel costs while maintaining comfort and safety during unexpected outages.
Natural Gas and Propane Fuel Type Options
Natural Gas
Natural gas home generators connect directly to your existing utility meter. We verify line sizing and gas pressure to ensure adequate flow under full generator load. A generator that runs on natural gas provides unlimited runtime during extended outages. This fuel type works best for homes already using natural gas for heating or cooking.
Propane
Propane (LP) home generators require dedicated tanks sized for several days of continuous operation. We typically install 250-500 gallon above-ground tanks providing 3-7 days of runtime. Propane offers fuel independence from utility infrastructure that might fail during severe weather, giving you secure backup power.
Both fuel types include cold-weather kits on Connecticut installations. We handle all gas piping, pressure testing, and code compliance for either fuel type. Contact our team to learn which fuel type best suits your property and needs.
Who Needs Home Backup Power to Prepare for Outages
Medical Equipment Dependency
Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, refrigerated medications, and mobility equipment require uninterrupted power. We prioritize these installations and size systems for 24/7 operation reliability, giving families peace of mind.
Remote Work Requirements
Home offices need consistent internet, computers, and climate control. A home standby generator prevents lost productivity during multi-day power interruptions affecting Connecticut during winter storms.
Sump Pump
Protection
Basement flooding during spring storms often occurs during power outages when sump pumps can't operate. Home backup power prevents thousands in water damage and mold remediation costs.
Remote Monitoring Tool for Your Home Standby Generator
Kohler Connect provides smartphone access to your generator's status from anywhere. The system sends secure notifications when your generator starts during outages, alerts about maintenance requirements, and warnings about operational issues.
You can monitor battery voltage, engine hours, last exercise cycle, and fuel levels through the app. Exercise schedules are configurable weekly or monthly. The system tracks maintenance intervals and reminds you when service is due.
Smart home integration allows connection with home automation systems. You receive text or email notifications during generator operation even when away from home. Learn how this monitoring product provides added security and convenience.
Standby Generators
Help is only a phone call away! 800-995-6266
Maintenance Keeps Your Home Generators Ready
Home standby generators sit unused for months between power outages. Regular maintenance ensures reliable startup when you actually need backup power during unexpected interruptions.
Our maintenance program includes scheduled service visits annually or every 50-100 operating hours. We change engine oil and filters, replace spark plugs, test battery condition and charging systems, verify proper fuel pressure under load, inspect electrical connections, and run load tests simulating actual operating conditions.
Most generator failures during actual outages result from dead batteries, stale fuel, or corroded connections. Preventive maintenance identifies these issues before they prevent startup. We replace batteries proactively at 3-4 years rather than waiting for failure.
Maintenance contract customers receive priority scheduling during widespread outages. Kohler and Generac home generators typically deliver 15-20 years of durable, reliable service with proper maintenance.
Common Questions About Home Backup Power
Get In Touch With Ralph Mann & Sons
What our customers say about us!
We recently had all of our HVAC equipment replaced, and the experience was excellent from start to finish. The team was professional, efficient, and knowledgeable, taking the time to explain the process and answer our questions along the way. The installation was done on schedule, with great attention to detail, and the crew left everything clean and organized. Our new system is working beautifully, and we’ve already noticed a big improvement in comfort and efficiency. I highly recommend this Ralph Mann to anyone in need of HVAC services.
The Surreybrook School
Bethany, CT
Same-day assessments available in Ansonia, Seymour, and Waterbury.
Medical equipment users receive priority scheduling. As a leader in Connecticut home comfort since 1916, we serve homeowners throughout Naugatuck Valley, Litchfield County, and Fairfield County with the same honest approach that's sustained our family business for 110 years. Prepare your home for the next outage with a professionally installed home backup system.
- Fairfield County: Including Westport, Fairfield, Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Danbury, Weston, and surrounding communities.
- New Haven County: Including Ansonia, Derby, Shelton, Woodbridge, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Naugatuck, and communities throughout the Naugatuck Valley.
- Litchfield County: Including Southbury, Woodbury, Kent, Sherman, Colebrook, and communities throughout the Litchfield Hills.
- Hartford County: Serving homeowners and businesses throughout the greater Hartford region and surrounding communities.
- Middlesex County: Including shoreline and river valley communities throughout Middlesex County.
- New London County: Including Preston and surrounding southeastern Connecticut communities.
- Tolland County: Serving residential and light commercial furnace installation customers throughout Tolland County.
- Windham County: Providing furnace installation and replacement services across northeastern Connecticut.
Don’t Wait for the Lights to Go Out
Connecticut State Licenses: HIC.0504051 | HTG.0303047-S1 | HTG.0307938-ST1 | HOD.0000368 | FRP.0010753-F1 | PLM.0203557-P1 | ELC.0123595-E1
Affiliations: BBB | NATE | AHRI | IGSHPA | GeoExchange