Types of Generators We Install
Choosing the right generator depends on your home’s size, your electrical demands, and your budget. We work with industry-leading brands to offer a range of options that fit every scenario. Standby generators are permanently installed units that connect directly to your home’s electrical panel and run on natural gas or liquid propane. They activate automatically within seconds of a power outage, meaning you never have to lift a finger. These units typically range from 7,500 watts to over 25,000 watts, providing enough capacity to power an entire household including HVAC systems, refrigerators, lighting, and medical equipment.
Portable generators offer a more budget-friendly alternative for homeowners who need backup power for essential circuits only. While they require manual startup and a transfer switch for safe operation, they can effectively keep critical appliances running during shorter outages. We handle transfer switch installation to ensure your portable generator integrates safely with your home’s electrical system, eliminating the risk of back-feeding power into utility lines. As a one-stop shop for all home service needs, we make it easy to address every aspect of your generator project under one roof.
Our Installation Process
Every generator installation begins with a thorough load assessment of your home. We calculate the total wattage required to run the appliances and systems you consider essential during an outage. This prevents both undersizing, which leads to overloaded circuits and equipment damage, and oversizing, which wastes fuel and money. We then evaluate the best placement for your unit, considering local code requirements, noise ordinances, and proximity to gas lines and electrical panels.
Our installation methodology follows a detailed sequence to ensure safety and performance:
- Site evaluation and load calculation to determine the ideal generator capacity for your home
- Permit acquisition and utility coordination to meet all local building codes and inspection requirements
- Concrete pad preparation to provide a stable, level foundation for standby units
- Electrical panel integration and transfer switch installation to enable safe, automatic power switching
- Fuel line connection to your existing natural gas supply or a new propane tank
- System testing and homeowner walkthrough to verify proper operation and familiarize you with controls
We handle every step so you can enjoy peace of mind without the hassle. Plus, you can depend on us for free quotes and estimates before any work begins. We also provide same day call backs so you never have to wait to get your questions answered.
Generator Maintenance and Repair
A generator is only as reliable as its maintenance schedule. We recommend annual professional servicing that includes oil and filter changes, spark plug inspection, battery testing, and a full operational test under load. Neglecting routine maintenance is the leading cause of generator failure during actual emergencies. Our premium service plans keep your unit in peak condition year-round, so it performs exactly when you need it most.
Common repair issues we handle include faulty automatic transfer switches, fuel delivery problems, battery degradation, and control board malfunctions. Our technicians are trained to diagnose and resolve these issues quickly, minimizing downtime. Homeowners in Saco, Biddeford, Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunk, Gorham, & Portland, ME and surrounding communities trust us to keep their backup power systems running reliably through every season. We will ensure your HVAC system keeps you comfortable year-round, and a properly maintained generator is a vital part of that commitment. Whether you are preparing for storm season or simply want the security of uninterrupted power, S&K Home Services is ready to help you find the perfect generator solution for your home.
