Markham · Alectra Utilities service area
Generac standby generators for Markham homes
When an ice storm or summer storm takes the power out in Markham, a standby generator keeps the furnace, sump pump and fridge running. We size it for your house, find a spot that fits the lot and wire the transfer switch. The generator itself comes from us too: we're an authorized Generac dealer.
Why Markham owners add one
Outages in York Region
Many Markham owners still talk about December 2013. The ice storm that month brought down lines across York Region, and some homes waited days for power. Summer storms cause shorter outages, but they tend to arrive with heavy rain.
That pairing is the main reason Markham families ask about standby power. Most homes here have basements, and many are finished, with a sump pump in a corner. When the power goes, the pump stops just when the ground is wettest.
In winter, the concern is heat. A gas furnace still needs electricity to run its blower and controls. A standby generator, switched in automatically, keeps it going whether you're home or away.
Fitting the house
Where the generator goes, by type of home
Every spot must meet the manufacturer's clearances and the gas rules.
| Narrow lots in newer towns | 1970s to 90s subdivision homes | Heritage district homes | Angus Glen estate homes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where it usually fits | Rear yard, away from neighbouring windows | Side or rear yard | Side or rear, out of street view | Wherever suits the layout and the gas line |
| Common size question | Essential circuits for a smaller house | Essentials, often with central air | Essentials, sometimes a panel upgrade first | Whole home or a large essential set |
| Extra to plan | Short distances to the lot line | Older panel may need work first | Possible heritage approval | Long runs from panel to generator |
The electrical side
Transfer switches and the panel
The transfer switch is the heart of the system. It watches the grid, and when Alectra's supply drops, it starts the generator and moves your chosen circuits over. When the grid returns, it switches back. It also keeps generator power from flowing back onto the lines, where it could hurt a utility crew.
In older Markham homes, the panel sometimes needs attention before a transfer switch can go in. It may be full, or too small for the house's loads. Planning both together saves a visit. See panel upgrades in Markham.
The gas connection for a natural gas unit is made by a licensed gas fitter. We plan our electrical work around it and coordinate the timing.
Step by step
Adding standby power to a Markham home
Talk it through
Essentials or whole house, and which rooms matter most to you.
Site visit
We check the panel, the loads and where the unit can sit.
Written price
Generator wiring, transfer switch and permit, quoted together.
Install day
Pad, unit and switch go in. The gas fitter makes the gas connection.
Test and inspect
We run a test transfer with you, and ESA inspects the work.
Read more
Backup power beyond Markham
A portable generator can work too, connected through an inlet and an approved transfer switch or interlock at the panel. It must never be plugged into an outlet in the house. Read more about backup generators, or see our other work in Markham.
Questions
Backup generators in Markham: questions
Our lot in Cathedraltown is narrow. Is there room for a standby generator?
Often, yes, but placement takes planning. The unit needs set clearances from windows, doors, vents and the property line, set by the manufacturer and the gas rules. On a narrow side yard, the back of the house is often the better spot. We check the options at the site visit.
Will a generator keep our sump pump running in a storm?
Yes, if the sump pump's circuit is on the transfer switch. It's one of the first circuits we include. The pump draws a surge when it starts, so we count it, and the furnace, when we size the generator.
We live in the Markham Village heritage district. Can we still add a generator?
Usually, yes. Most owners put the unit at the side or back, out of view from the street. If it would be visible, check with the City of Markham about heritage approval before the work is booked. We'll tell you at the site visit if the location raises that question.
What size generator do I need?
It depends on what you want running during an outage. Some homeowners back up essentials only (furnace, sump pump, fridge, a few lights and outlets). Others want the whole house. We look at your panel and how you use power, then recommend a size and a transfer switch to match.
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