Erie, CO Standby Generator Installation & Maintenance Guide

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

Power outages are stressful, and choosing the wrong generator size can make them worse. This guide breaks down whole house generator sizing so you can pick a unit that starts automatically, powers what matters, and meets Colorado code. We will cover load calculations, transfer switches, and fuel choices, then show you how Fix-it 24/7 installs and maintains generators the right way. Limited-time $69 off any electrical repair is available if you need quick help.

Why Generator Sizing Matters

A correctly sized generator does three things well: it starts within seconds of a power loss, it carries the load without tripping, and it runs safely for as long as you need it. Undersizing causes breaker trips and equipment damage. Oversizing wastes fuel and money. For most Denver homes, a typical whole home generator ranges from 16 kW to 24 kW, but your exact size depends on your electrical loads and whether you want whole-home coverage or only essentials.

Colorado weather can be tough on power lines and on equipment. That is why we pair the right generator with an automatic transfer switch and a weather-resistant enclosure made for local conditions. When sized properly and installed to code, your system will switch seamlessly and keep comfort systems, refrigeration, medical devices, and security online.

Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Your Home’s Load

1. List critical circuits and appliances • Refrigerator and freezer • Furnace or boiler blower, or air handler • Sump pump, well pump, and sewer lift if applicable • Lighting and outlets for key rooms • Wi-Fi, security, medical devices, garage door • Kitchen appliances you cannot live without
2. Find running watts and starting watts • Look at the nameplate or manual. If only amps are listed, multiply amps by volts to get watts. • Motors and compressors have higher starting watts than running watts. Air conditioners, well pumps, and refrigerators fall in this group.
3. Add the running watts for everything you want to power • This gives your continuous load.
4. Add the largest motor’s starting surge • Add the highest starting watts on top of the running total. Many systems use soft-starts or load management to reduce this number.
5. Decide on coverage level • Essential circuits only, most-of-home, or true whole-home will change the kW you need.

A licensed electrician will also consider voltage drop, conductor sizes, and panel configuration. Our team performs a professional load calculation and designs the system to match your transfer switch and fuel supply.

Whole-Home vs Essential Circuits: Which Strategy Fits?

You have three practical options.

1. Essential circuits only • Powers the must-haves: heat, fridge, lights, internet, and a few outlets. • Typical size: 8 kW to 14 kW depending on home and fuel. • Best for budget installs or smaller homes.
2. Most-of-home coverage • Runs essentials plus kitchen and some outlets in bedrooms and living areas. • Typical size: 14 kW to 20 kW. • Add load management to shed large appliances during startup if needed.
3. True whole-home • Powers your entire electrical system through a service-rated transfer switch. • Typical size in Denver: 16 kW to 24 kW for many homes, larger for luxury homes with multiple HVAC systems.

Our electricians install automatic transfer switches that switch power seamlessly. With the right switch and load control modules, you can enjoy whole home coverage without upsizing beyond what your actual load requires.

Understanding Transfer Switches and Load Management

The transfer switch is the brain of your system. It isolates your home from the grid and routes generator power safely.

• Automatic Transfer Switches start and switch within seconds of an outage.
• Service-rated switches can act as the main disconnect and feed your entire panel.
• Subpanel or essential-circuit switches power only selected breakers.
• Load management modules temporarily shed heavy loads like electric ovens or AC compressors during startup.

Choosing the correct switch protects utility workers, prevents backfeed, and ensures your generator only feeds what it can handle. Fix-it 24/7 installs and programs your switch to match the generator’s output and your priorities.

Fuel Choices in Colorado: Natural Gas vs Propane

The best fuel is the one you can rely on during a winter storm.

• Natural gas • Continuous supply with no refueling. • Clean burning and available at most Denver Metro homes. • Requires correct gas line sizing and pressure verification.
• Propane • Great for homes without natural gas service. • Stored on-site for days or weeks of runtime when sized properly. • Tank location and clearance must meet code and manufacturer specs.

Our team sets up fuel systems for natural gas and propane generators. We coordinate with utilities and ensure proper regulators, piping, and leak checks. The result is safe, continuous power that is ready when the wind howls over the Front Range.

What Size Generator Do Most Denver Homes Need?

While every home is different, here is a practical way to think about whole house generator sizing in our area:

• Small to mid homes with gas heat and essentials: 10 kW to 16 kW.
• Mid to large homes, one AC or evaporative cooler, kitchen loads: 16 kW to 20 kW.
• Large homes or multiple HVAC systems: 20 kW to 26 kW and up.

A professional load calculation is the only way to know for sure. We measure actual appliance loads, consider starting currents, and apply manufacturer guidance so your system starts automatically and runs without drama.

Code Compliance, Permits, and Safety

Backup power must be safe for your family and for the grid.

• We handle permit acquisition and inspection coordination end to end.
• Installations follow the National Electrical Code. Article 702 governs optional standby systems and informs transfer equipment and wiring practices.
• We plan clearances for the weather-resistant enclosure and maintain safe exhaust separation from windows and doors.
• Grounding, bonding, and surge protection are verified by a licensed electrician.

Fix-it 24/7 coordinates with your utility and local inspectors so you pass the first time. Our Colorado-licensed, insured electricians ensure your project meets code and manufacturer requirements.

Noise, Placement, and Aesthetics

Placement affects noise, performance, and longevity.

• Choose a level pad with proper drainage.
• Maintain clearances per manufacturer instructions for airflow and service space.
• Avoid snow-drift zones along fences and roof edges common along the Front Range.
• Keep tanks and piping accessible for inspection and refill if using propane.

We design placements that look good, run quiet, and meet local ordinances. During installation we set the pad, route conductors and gas lines cleanly, and label everything for easy future service.

Maintenance: Keep Your Investment Ready

Generators are machines that need care to be reliable. Fix-it 24/7 offers preventive maintenance programs to ensure reliable operation.

• Scheduled inspection and testing keep the battery, alternator, and controller in spec.
• Oil and filter changes follow the manufacturer schedule.
• We test the automatic transfer switch and exercise the unit.
• We document findings and outline the maintenance plan so you know what to expect.

Our technicians deliver generator inspection, generator maintenance, and generator replacement when needed. If your unit fails during a storm, our 24/7 emergency generator repair team responds fast with $0 service call for repairs.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

1. Guessing instead of measuring • Nameplate ratings and rules of thumb are a start, not the final answer.
2. Ignoring starting currents • Motors need extra power to start. Plan for it or use load management.
3. Skipping transfer switch planning • The wrong switch can limit coverage or create safety risks.
4. Forgetting fuel supply limits • Gas line sizing and propane tank capacity matter during long outages.
5. Overlooking code and permits • You must meet NEC and local rules and pass inspection.

Our load analysis and design process prevents these costly mistakes.

What You Get With Fix-it 24/7

We provide comprehensive services from consultation to maintenance, all handled by licensed and insured Colorado electricians.

• Complete system design and load calculation for accurate whole house generator sizing.
• Professional installation of standby, portable, and commercial generators with automatic transfer switch setup.
• Fuel system setup for natural gas and propane, complete electrical integration, and labeling.
• Permit acquisition and inspection coordination, ensuring full code compliance.
• 24/7 emergency repair, plus same-day service available.
• Flexible financing options to make installation more affordable.

We understand Colorado’s unique weather challenges and power infrastructure. With flat-rate pricing and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, you will know exactly what you are getting.

Quick Sizing Examples

1. Essential circuits, gas heat, no central AC • Kitchen fridge, furnace blower, lighting, outlets, Wi-Fi, and garage door. • Continuous load around 4 kW to 6 kW with a 2 kW to 3 kW surge. A 10 kW to 12 kW unit often works.
2. Most-of-home with one AC • Add microwave, dishwasher, and more lighting circuits. • Continuous load around 8 kW to 12 kW with a 4 kW to 6 kW surge. A 16 kW to 18 kW unit is common.
3. Whole-home with two HVAC systems • Continuous 12 kW to 16 kW with 8 kW to 10 kW surge. A 22 kW to 26 kW unit may be right.

These are examples only. We validate with a site visit and professional load analysis.

Local Insight: Metro Denver Considerations

• Altitude and temperature swings can affect engine performance and battery health. We specify equipment built with weather-resistant enclosures designed for Colorado climate extremes.
• Snow clearance and property setbacks matter in cities like Denver, Arvada, and Boulder. We plan pad location and clearances to pass local inspection.
• Many homes in Aurora and Lakewood benefit from natural gas fuel for continuous runtime without refueling in long outages.

We install across Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, Westminster, Centennial, Lafayette, and Longmont. Our team knows each jurisdiction’s expectations and helps you breeze through approvals.

When to Repair vs Replace

• Repair • Newer units with a clear fault like battery, starter, or controller issue. • Warranty coverage or simple parts availability.
• Replace • Outdated models with hard-to-find parts. • Undersized units that cannot support the home even with load management.

We offer generator inspection, generator maintenance, and generator replacement to match your situation, not a one-size-fits-all pitch.

Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan

1. Book a load calculation and site assessment.
2. Choose coverage level and confirm transfer switch type.
3. Select fuel and verify line sizing or tank capacity.
4. Approve a code-compliant design with permits and inspections included.
5. Schedule installation, startup, and your preventive maintenance program.

With this plan, your generator will start within seconds, switch power seamlessly, and protect your home during any outage.

Special Offer

Save $69 on any electrical repair. Use code mentioned when you call before scheduling. $0 Service Call for Repairs during regular business hours. May not be combined with other offers. Call 303-536-1616 or visit https://fixmyhome.com/ to claim your savings before it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need whole-home coverage or just essentials?

Decide what must run during an outage. If you need heat, refrigeration, internet, and a few lights, essentials may be enough. If you want life as normal, choose a service-rated switch for whole-home coverage.

What size generator does a typical Denver home use?

Many Denver homes land between 16 kW and 24 kW for whole-home coverage. The exact size depends on your appliance list and starting currents. A professional load calculation gives the right answer.

Do I need a permit for a standby generator?

Yes. Electrical and often gas permits are required. We handle permit acquisition and inspection coordination and install to the National Electrical Code and local requirements.

Natural gas or propane: which is better?

If you have utility gas, natural gas offers continuous fuel without refilling. Homes without gas lines can use propane with a correctly sized tank. We set up both safely.

How often should a generator be serviced?

Follow the manufacturer schedule, typically annually or by hours run. Service includes oil and filter changes, battery checks, exercising, and testing the automatic transfer switch.

Conclusion

Choosing the right whole house generator sizing protects comfort and safety in any Denver outage. With proper load calculations, an automatic transfer switch, and the right fuel, your system will start fast and run safely. Fix-it 24/7 handles sizing, installation, permits, and maintenance so you get seamless power when it counts.

Ready for Reliable Backup Power?

Get a professional load calculation and same-day quote. Call Fix-it 24/7 at 303-536-1616 or schedule at https://fixmyhome.com/. Mention this article to save $69 on any electrical repair. We install and service generators across Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, Westminster, Centennial, Lafayette, and Longmont. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

About Fix-it 24/7 Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric

Fix-it 24/7 is Denver’s trusted, family-owned home services team. We are licensed and insured Colorado electricians with an A+ BBB rating, Angie’s List Super Service Award, and HomeAdvisor Top Rated. Our technicians are EPA and NATE certified, background checked, and trained for Colorado’s climate. We offer flat-rate pricing, 24/7 emergency response, and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on every job.