Backup Generator Installation in Ithaca and Upstate NY
If outages are putting your home, heat, well pump, sump pump, refrigeration, or work-from-home setup at risk, start with a local site visit. IGS reviews the electrical panel, fuel source, HVAC, protected loads, transfer switch, generator placement, code clearances, and startup path before recommending a standby generator system.
- Whole-home or essential-circuit standby generator designs
- Automatic transfer switch planning for outage protection without extension cords
- Gas pressure, propane, pad, clearances, permits, and startup handled as one scope
- Generac and Kohler standby generator options sized from actual home loads
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Why NY Homeowners Choose IGS for Backup Generators
A generator is not a box purchase. It is an electrical, fuel, and load-management system.
Automatic Backup Power When the Grid Drops
A standby generator and automatic transfer switch watch utility power and start the backup system when the grid fails. The design question is what needs to keep running: essentials, comfort loads, pumps, HVAC, or the whole home.
Sized From Real Home Loads
We look at square footage, HVAC tonnage, heat type, well pump, sump pump, large electric appliances, EV charging, and load-management options before recommending a kW size. The goal is enough capacity without oversizing the system.
Fuel, Transfer Switch, and Code Clearances
Generator work touches the electrical panel, transfer switch, gas or propane path, equipment pad, service access, exhaust clearances, and permits. IGS scopes those pieces together so installation day is controlled.
What Moves a Generator Recommendation
The calculator gives a homeowner-friendly planning size. The site visit verifies the actual load, transfer-switch approach, fuel pressure, code clearances, and whether load management changes the right generator size.
Essentials and Smaller Homes
Essential-circuit systems usually cover refrigeration, lights, outlets, furnace blower, sump pump, well pump, and limited or managed cooling. Many homes start in the 14-18 kW planning range.
IGS generator planning assumptions from manufacturer sizing worksheetsCommon Whole-Home Range
Many whole-home requests with gas or propane heat, one central AC, pumps, and managed large loads land in the 20-26 kW planning range before final load verification.
Generac and Kohler residential standby sizing guidanceElectric-Heavy Homes
EV charging during outages, electric heat, multiple AC systems without shedding, workshops, pool equipment, and 4,000+ sq ft homes need a deeper load review and may require larger equipment or load management.
IGS generator load-management workflowBundle Planning
If you are already planning solar, ask whether eligible generator-related work should be reviewed inside the larger solar financing plan. Standalone generator financing is not advertised here.
IGS financing map, generator cross-financing only when bundled with solarWhat to Expect When You Work With IGS
A clear, no-pressure process from first call to final activation.
Outage Goals and Load Triage
We start with the outage problem: whole-home comfort, essential circuits, well and sump pump protection, HVAC needs, or electric-heavy loads. The calculator gives a first-pass kW range before the site visit.
Electrical and Fuel Site Assessment
The visit checks panel configuration, transfer-switch location, service capacity, natural-gas or propane path, pressure requirements, generator placement, clearances, and access.
Generator Size and Load-Management Plan
We recommend the standby generator size, protected loads, transfer switch, load-shed modules if needed, pad, fuel work, and permit path as one coordinated scope.
Install, Startup, and Homeowner Walkthrough
The installation includes equipment placement, electrical interconnect, fuel coordination, startup testing, transfer-switch verification, and a walkthrough of operation and maintenance.
No pressure. We will tell you when an essential-load system is enough, when whole-home makes sense, and when electric-heavy loads need a larger custom design.
What Our NY Customers Say
Published feedback from IGS customers across New York.
“I have had a great experience with my IGS installed system from start to finish and highly recommend them. They have been great with following up to ensure my satisfaction.”
“As a customer of IGS for about a decade, I have had nothing but pleasant experiences with the sales and service staff.”
“Our experience with IGS has been great. We were well informed throughout the process and everything went as expected. The entire staff has been professional and courteous.”
Common Questions About Backup Generators
What size standby generator do I need?
The planning size depends on whether you want essential circuits or whole-home coverage, plus HVAC tonnage, heat type, pumps, large electric appliances, EV charging, fuel source, and load management. The calculator gives a first-pass estimate; the site visit confirms the final size.
What is the difference between essential-circuit and whole-home backup?
Essential-circuit systems protect selected loads such as refrigerator, lights, outlets, furnace blower, well pump, sump pump, and limited cooling. Whole-home systems are designed for broader comfort loads, but may still need load management for AC, EV charging, electric heat, or other large appliances.
Does a standby generator require a permit?
Yes. Standby generator installation typically involves electrical permits, fuel coordination, transfer-switch work, equipment placement, and code clearances. IGS includes the permit path in the installation scope.
Natural gas or propane?
Standby generators can run on natural gas or propane depending on what is available at the home. Natural gas service and propane tank sizing both need verification because fuel pressure and line capacity can affect the generator recommendation.
Can I run central AC during an outage?
Often yes, but AC startup load is one of the biggest sizing variables. One central AC is very different from multiple AC systems or electric heat. Load-shed modules can help prioritize comfort without oversizing the generator.
Can this be coordinated with solar or batteries?
Yes. The generator decision should be practical on its own first. If solar or battery storage is also on your roadmap, IGS can sequence the work so backup power, electrical capacity, and any eligible bundled financing review are coordinated.
Trusted by Homeowners Across New York
Keep the Home Running Through the Next Outage.
Get a generator site assessment from a licensed NY Home Improvement Contractor with 20+ years serving New York homeowners.
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