Generator FAQ - Common Questions Answered

Sizing and Planning

What size generator do I need for my home?

It depends on your actual load, not your square footage. A typical 3,000 sqft Houston-area home with central AC, a refrigerator, a well pump, and lighting usually needs a 20kW to 26kW air-cooled generator. Larger homes or homes with pool pumps, two AC units, EV chargers, or electric cooking often need liquid-cooled units in the 30kW to 50kW range. We do a real load calculation at your free consultation. See our generator sizing page for more.

How long does an install take?

Once your contract is signed, install scheduling depends on permits, equipment availability, and current demand. Contact our office at (936) 441-4ARK for up-to-date install timeframes. The install itself is usually completed in a single day.

Do you pull permits?

Yes. Every install includes permits from the City of Conroe, Montgomery County, Harris County, or your local municipality. We pull them under our Texas electrical contractor license TECL #19700. You do not have to visit any government offices.

Brands and Products

Do you install other brands?

For new installs we install Generac and Kohler as our authorized dealer lines. For service and repair we work on essentially every major brand including Briggs & Stratton, Cummins Onan, Champion, and others.

Cost and Financing

How much does a whole-home generator cost to install?

A typical residential install in the Greater Houston Area runs $12,000 to $25,000 depending on unit size, fuel type, permit complexity, and the electrical work needed. We give you an exact written quote after a free in-home consultation - no guessing, no bait-and-switch.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Approximately 40% of our residential customers finance their generator through Synchrony Bank or Service Finance Company. We have promotional-rate and no-money-down programs for qualified buyers. See our financing page for details.

Maintenance and Service

How often does my generator need maintenance?

Most manufacturers recommend a full annual service visit, plus occasional monitoring between visits. Commercial applications may need semi-annual or quarterly service depending on NFPA 110 requirements. We offer tiered maintenance plans - see our service and maintenance page.

What happens if my generator fails during an outage?

Call (936) 441-4ARK. Our emergency dispatch runs 24/7 and we prioritize active-outage calls. Maintenance customers get priority scheduling. See our emergency service page.

Can I service my generator myself?

Some owners do basic tasks like oil changes, but we recommend professional service to keep your manufacturer warranty intact. Warranty coverage typically requires documented maintenance on the manufacturer's recommended schedule.

Fuel and Installation

Natural gas or propane - which is better?

Natural gas is usually more convenient for Houston-area homes because you never have to refill a tank, but you need to verify that your gas meter can supply enough pressure (we check this during planning). Propane works well for homes without natural gas service or in areas where gas pressure drops during extreme cold. Both are good options.

Do I need to upgrade my gas meter?

Often yes. A typical residential gas meter is sized for appliances only, not a standby generator. We check your meter capacity during planning and coordinate with Centerpoint Energy for upgrades before install day.

Will the generator be loud?

Modern standby generators are much quieter than portable units, typically running at 65 to 75 dB at 23 feet (similar to a loud conversation). Both Generac and Kohler offer models specifically engineered for quiet operation. We help you find a placement that meets both code setbacks and your sound preferences.

Still Have Questions?

Every home is different, and every homeowner has different priorities. The best way to get real answers is to schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our specialists. Call (936) 441-4ARK or request your consultation online.