If you’ve been researching standby generators for your Eastern Ontario home, you’re not alone.
In rural communities or towns like Kemptville, Brockville, and Embrun, electric power outages aren’t a question of if, but when.
This guide is designed to help homeowners understand the different types of generators available and, more importantly, choose the right generator for your specific situation… not simply the biggest or most expensive option.
ATEL Electric is registered with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), and our ESA-certified residential electricians have been serving Eastern Ontario since 1949. We help homeowners make informed, safety‑first decisions about backup power.
Understanding Power Outages in Eastern Ontario
Rural Ontario experiences power outages more frequently and for longer durations than urban centres.
In fact, Natural Resources Canada reports that Canada’s climate is changing, leading to higher temperatures and more frequent and extreme weather events that contribute to challenges in maintaining reliable power systems.
Further, Hydro One reports that residential customers in “rural or remote areas of our distribution system experience longer outages,” prompting investments to improve reliability.
A 2010 Ontario Energy Board study found that residential customers experienced an average of 4.78 unplanned outages per year, with each outage lasting approximately 2.79 hours.
Power outages aren’t just an inconvenience for rural homeowners; they can pose real safety and property risks, especially for homes that rely on well pumps, sump pumps, electric heating, or medical equipment.
The Main Types of Generators Explained
Understanding the main types of generators available is the first step toward choosing the right backup power solution.
Types of Generators: Comparison Table
| Feature | Portable | Standby (Whole-Home) | Inverter |
| Best For | Short-duration, seasonal cottages & limited power needs | Longer duration, rural homes, medical equipment & automatic power protection | Sensitive electronics & limited power needs |
| Power Range | 3,000-12,000 watts | 10,000-26,000 watts | 1,000-4,000 watts |
| Operation | Manual | Automatic | Manual |
| Installation Required | No | Yes (by a Licensed Electrician) | No |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, propane | Natural gas, propane | Gasoline |
| Noise Level | Loud (70-100 dB) | Moderate (60-70 dB) | Quiet (50-60 dB) |
| Cost | $ | $$$ | $$ |
| Pros | Lower upfront cost & widely available | Fully automatic, no fuel handling, reliable during extended outages & long-term peace of mind | Clean & stable power, quiet operation |
| Cons | Manual operation, limited capacity, fuel storage challenges | Higher upfront cost, professional installation required | Limited power output, unsuitable for whole-home backup |
Portable Generators
Best for:
- Short‑duration outages
- Limited power needs
- Seasonal cottages or temporary use
Portable generators are standalone units that typically run on gasoline or propane and range from 3,000 to 12,000 watts. They are more affordable upfront but require manual setup, fuel storage, and extension cords during each outage.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Widely available
Cons:
- Manual operation
- Limited power capacity
- Fuel storage challenges
Safety note: Portable generators produce carbon monoxide and must never be operated indoors or near windows, doors, or garages.
Standby (Whole‑Home) Generators
Best for:
- Rural homes with wells or septic systems
- Homes with medical equipment
- Homeowners seeking hands‑off protection
Standby generators are permanently installed outside the home and connected to the electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch. When utility power fails, the generator restores power automatically within seconds.
These systems typically run on natural gas or propane and offer capacities ranging from 10 to 26 kilowatts for most residential homes.
Why many Eastern Ontario homeowners choose standby generators:
- Fully automatic operation
- No fuel handling
- Reliable during extended outages
- Long‑term peace of mind
For a deeper look at how standby generators protect homes during extended outages, read our guide: Power Outage? Why a Standby Generator is Essential
Inverter Generators
Best for:
- Sensitive electronics
- Quiet operation
- Limited, portable use
Inverter generators produce cleaner, more stable power than conventional portable generators and operate more quietly. However, their lower power output usually makes them unsuitable for whole‑home backup in rural settings.
Fuel Types: What Works Best in Eastern Ontario?
The right fuel source depends on availability, storage, and winter performance.
Common Fuel Options
Natural Gas
Natural gas is available in many small towns throughout Eastern Ontario.
Generators connected to natural gas lines never run out of fuel during extended outages, making them extremely convenient. The fuel burns cleanly and requires no on-site storage.
Propane (LP)
Propane is the most common choice for rural Eastern Ontario homes without natural gas service. Most standby generators can operate on either fuel, with the installer configuring the appropriate setting during installation.
Propane stores indefinitely without degrading and remains reliable in cold weather, which is particularly important for our region’s winters.
Diesel
Diesel is less common for residential generators but offers exceptional longevity and fuel efficiency for homes requiring larger, liquid-cooled units.
Diesel generators are often chosen for critical applications where extended run times are essential.
Gasoline
Gasoline powers most portable generators but presents challenges for standby applications.
Gasoline degrades over time, requires careful storage, and may be difficult to obtain during widespread power outages when gas stations lose power themselves.
Key Fuel Considerations for Rural Homes
Cold-Weather Reliability
Natural gas flows consistently regardless of temperature.
Similarly, propane performs well, but tanks should stay at least 30% full in winter to maintain pressure.
Gasoline can be difficult to start in extreme cold, while diesel may gel and often requires block heaters in our climate.
On-Site Fuel Storage vs Utility Supply
Properties without natural gas must store propane on-site, typically in 100 to 500-gallon tanks with regular delivery scheduling.
Natural gas eliminates storage concerns. Consider the ongoing responsibility of monitoring fuel levels and arranging deliveries before major storms.
Fuel Availability During Prolonged Storms
During extended outages, gas stations may lose power and be unable to pump fuel. In addition to fuel sourcing challenges, propane deliveries may face road access issues in severe weather.
Natural gas, delivered through underground infrastructure, typically remains uninterrupted, making it the most reliable option for multi-day outages.
Best Generator Brands for Eastern Ontario Homeowners
Three brands consistently earn the trust of homeowners and electricians in our region.
Generac
Generac is the industry leader in residential standby generators, offering a wide range of residential generators with strong dealer support across Ontario.
Their Guardian series is commonly used for both essential‑circuit and whole‑home coverage.
Briggs & Stratton
Known for durability and solid mid‑range options, Briggs & Stratton generators perform consistently on both natural gas and propane, making them a practical choice for many rural properties.
Cummins: Our Best-Selling Brand
Cummins generators are often selected for premium reliability, quiet operation, and cold‑weather performance. This makes their whole-house generators ideal for homes with critical electrical loads.
How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Eastern Ontario Home
Selecting the appropriate generator requires careful consideration of these key factors:
Square Footage
Larger homes require more power to maintain essential systems during an outage. A 1,500 square foot home may operate comfortably on a 14-16 kW generator, while homes over 2,500 square feet often need 20 kW or more.
Essential Circuits vs Whole-Home Coverage
Essential circuit coverage protects specific circuits you designate, typically including refrigeration, heating, well pump, and lighting. Whole-home coverage powers everything without limitation but requires a larger, more expensive unit.
Heating Type
Homes with electric heat require significantly more generator capacity than those with natural gas or propane furnaces. Electric baseboard heating or heat pumps with electric backup can dramatically increase your power requirements.
Some heat pumps with variable speed or inverter-driven compressors are not recommended by manufacturers to operate on generator power, even when the generator is properly sized. For example, the Mitsubishi Zuba and WaterFurnace 7 Series geothermal systems.
We have noticed some component failures linked to generator operation due to power quality and compatibility issues. Homeowners with heat pumps should confirm manufacturer approval and ensure a professional load calculation and compatibility review before installing a generator.
If you plan to operate your heat pump while powered by the generator, we can also set up the generator to operate without activating your heat pump.
Well Pumps & Septic Systems
Deep-well pumps draw substantial starting current and require generators with strong motor-starting capability. These critical systems make proper sizing especially important for rural properties.
Rural homes often require higher generator capacity than city homes due to water systems, longer power runs, and electric heating.
A professional load calculation by a licensed electrician ensures a generator is properly sized for your home, avoiding costly undersizing or unnecessary oversizing.
This same assessment also helps determine whether your existing electrical panel can safely support the additional load a standby generator introduces.
Homes with older or undersized panels may experience frequent breaker trips, limited space for new circuits, or outdated components, which are all common signs it’s time for an electrical panel upgrade.
When an upgrade is required, a professional electrical panel upgrade helps ensure your generator installation is safe, reliable, and code-compliant.
Considerations: DIY vs. Electrician Generator Installation
In Ontario, standby generator installation requires compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) regulations.
Permits and Inspections
The ESA requires licensed electrical contractors to pull permits and complete inspections for standby generator installations.
Proper generator safety protects your family, your home, and utility workers who may be working on power lines during outages.
Transfer Switches
Transfer switches form the heart of a safe generator installation. These devices isolate your home from the utility grid when the generator operates, preventing dangerous backfeed that could electrocute utility workers and damage equipment.
Risks of Improper Installation
The ESA reports seeing numerous defective installations during inspections, often from setups that appeared to work correctly during testing but failed under actual outage conditions.
Atel Electric is ESA-registered and specializes in residential electrical work. Our team of ESA-certified electricians ensures your generator installation meets all Ontario code requirements, passes inspection, and provides safe, reliable protection for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
For rural Eastern Ontario homeowners, power outages are inevitable. The right generator choice depends on education first: understanding your home’s needs, available fuel, and long‑term reliability requirements.
If you’re unsure what size or type of generator is right for your home, working with an ESA-registered electrician can help ensure the system is properly sized through a professional load calculation and installed safely.
For homeowners considering backup power, Atel Electric is available to answer questions, explain options, and help you make an informed decision based on your home’s needs.
Call us at 613-535-9909 to speak with our team
Or, contact us to request more information.
