Whole-Home Generator Installation

Whole-house generators protect you during power outages.

That means your refrigerator will keep running, you won’t have to throw away half of your groceries. Your lights will stay on, hold those candles for the next romantic dinner! Also, the Wi-Fi will keep working.

Your heating and cooling system won’t miss a beat either so you can stay comfortable. Your sump pump will remain powered so that you can avoid flooding and water damage.

More and more California homeowners are investing in standby generators. With all the unpredictable weather and surprise outages, it’s not hard to see why. With a constant supply of electricity, you’ll always be prepared. You can trust our team at Ongaro & Sons to help you choose and install a generator that meets all your needs.

How Whole-House Generators Work

Whole-house generators are permanent fixtures that automatically protect your home the moment the power goes out. Here’s how they work, and why more North Bay homeowners are installing them every year.

How Does a Whole-House Generator Operate?

Whole house generators sit on a pad outside your the North Bay home. They’re sometimes referred to as fixed standby generators.

Whenever there is an outage or your equipment malfunctions, your generator kicks on. It automatically begins powering your home.

When the generator detects a disruption in the current, an automatic transfer switch disconnects from your utility and sends electricity to your panel. Running on your home’s natural gas line, the generator can keep your home powered for days.

When the electric company restores service, your generator will return to standby mode.

Why Your Marin, Sonoma & Napa County Home Needs a Standby Generator

the North Bay has unique challenges. The power grid can be unpredictable, especially during wildfire season and extreme weather events. A standby generator ensures your home stays powered, safe, and comfortable when the electricity goes out. Here are the top reasons anyone in the North Bay should consider installing a standby generator.

the North Bay is particularly susceptible to PSPS events, where utility companies intentionally shut off power to prevent wildfires during high-risk weather conditions. A standby generator ensures your home remains powered through these multi-day outages.

Beyond PSPS, actual wildfires in the North Bay can directly damage power lines and infrastructure, leading to prolonged outages in affected and surrounding areas. A generator provides crucial backup during these emergencies.

During extended outages, refrigerators and freezers fail, leading to costly food spoilage. A standby generator keeps your appliances running, protecting your groceries and other temperature-sensitive items.

the North Bay also experiences significant winter storms, especially in elevated and coastal areas, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that frequently down power lines and cause widespread, lengthy power disruptions.

A standby generator powers your essential home systems, including your HVAC, lighting, well pumps, security systems, and even critical medical equipment, providing continuous comfort, safety, and peace of mind during any power loss.

How Is a Whole-House Generator Different From a Portable Generator?

Portable generators are excellent for outdoor activities like camping and tailgating. They are designed to power individual items like lights or appliances.

However, they don’t provide nearly as much power as a whole-house generator. Portable generators are also more prone to overheating or energy overload.

Whole-house generators are permanent home fixtures that ensure you’ll never be without power. Even if your home loses power while you’re away, you can be sure your appliances will keep working. Whole-house generators also increase your home value.