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Power Starts Here
Reliable power isn’t proven during testing.
It’s proven when everything else fails.
Residential Generators & Home Backup Power Systems
Power outages don’t happen on paper—they happen in real conditions, under real load. Choosing a residential generator isn’t just about the unit—it’s about building a system that actually performs when your home needs it.
At Ontivity Power, we design and install home backup generator systems based on how your home runs day to day—what needs to stay online, what can cycle, and how your power demand behaves during an outage. The result is a system that’s properly sized, properly installed, and built for long-term reliability.
Choosing the Right Residential Generator
Most homeowners run into the same issue: systems are either undersized and fail under load—or overbuilt and unnecessarily expensive. The difference comes down to how the system is designed.
We help you determine:
What your home actually needs during an outage
Whether partial or whole-home backup makes sense
The right fuel type (natural gas, propane, or diesel)
The correct generator size based on real usage—not estimates
Built for Real-World Performance
A generator is only as reliable as the system behind it. Installation, load planning, and long-term support all play a role in whether it performs when it matters.
Every residential system we install is designed to:
Start and carry load under real outage conditions
Integrate cleanly with your home’s electrical system
Provide consistent, dependable backup power over time
Explore Residential Generator Options
Browse available residential generators above, or use the Power Calculator to find the right fit based on your home’s actual power needs.
Residential Generator FAQs
How do I know what size generator I need for my home?
It depends on what you want to power—not just your square footage.
For example:
A 10–14kW system typically covers essentials like a refrigerator, lights, WiFi, sump pump, and a few outlets
A 20–26kW system can support most of a home, including HVAC, kitchen appliances, and laundry—though not always everything at once
A 30kW+ system is usually needed for larger homes or full “whole-home” coverage with multiple HVAC systems running simultaneously
The key is understanding your actual load during an outage, not guessing based on home size.
What’s the difference between whole-home and partial backup?
It’s not just size—it’s how power is managed.
Partial backup (load-shedding system)
Prioritizes critical systems like HVAC, refrigeration, and lighting
→ Example: Your AC runs, but the oven or dryer may temporarily shut off to prevent overload
Whole-home backup
Designed to carry your full electrical load without interruption
→ Example: HVAC, kitchen appliances, lighting, and electronics all run as normal
Most homes fall somewhere in between — what matters is designing the system around how you actually live.
What fuel type is best for a residential generator?
It depends on what’s available and how long you may need to run.
Natural Gas
→ Continuous fuel supply (no refueling)
→ Ideal for homes already connected
→ Example: Can run indefinitely during extended outages
Propane
→ Stored on-site in a tank
→ Flexible for homes without gas lines
→ Example: A 500-gallon tank may run a mid-size generator for several days depending on load
Diesel
→ Typically used for larger or specialty applications
→ More common in commercial or rural setups
The “best” option is the one that matches your infrastructure and outage expectations.
How long can a home generator run during an outage?
Run time depends on fuel type and how much power you’re using.
Natural gas systems
→ Can run continuously as long as gas service is active
Propane systems
→ Example: A 20kW generator running a moderate load might use ~2–3 gallons/hour
→ A 500-gallon tank could provide several days of runtime
Diesel systems
→ Dependent on tank size and load, often used for planned backup scenarios
Higher demand = higher fuel use. That’s why system design matters.
Do residential generators turn on automatically?
Yes. Standby generators are designed to detect a power outage and restore power within seconds.
Example:
Power goes out
Generator starts automatically (typically within 10–30 seconds)
Your home transitions to generator power without manual action
When utility power returns, the system safely switches back and shuts down.
Can I run my entire house, including AC and appliances?
Yes — but only if the system is designed for it.
Example scenarios:
A mid-size system (20–26kW) may run your AC, fridge, and lights—but might pause high-demand appliances like ovens or dryers
A larger system (30kW+) can often run multiple HVAC units and full home loads simultaneously
This is where most systems fail—not because of the generator, but because they weren’t designed around real usage.
What happens if my system is undersized or overloaded?
An undersized system won’t fail immediately — but it won’t perform the way you expect.
Real-world example:
AC turns on → lights dim or system drops load
Microwave or oven runs → HVAC temporarily shuts off
Properly designed systems avoid this by managing load or sizing correctly from the start.
Need Help Choosing the Right System?
If you’re not sure what your home actually needs, use the Power Calculator or connect with our team to design a system that fits how your home runs in the real world.
CALCULATE YOUR POWER
Right-Sized Power Starts Here
From essential backup to full-scale operations—get a clear, grounded recommendation based on how your property actually runs.
Start With How
It Actually Runs
Not square footage. Not a guess.
We start at the end — how your property operates when it matters.What needs to stay on, what can’t go down, and what failure costs you.
1
Build the
Real Load Profile
This is where most systems go wrong.
We map real demand — startup loads, critical systems, usage patterns — so you’re not undersized when it counts or overbuilt.
2
Match the Right
System (Not Just a Size)
There isn’t “one generator.”
Fuel type, environment, runtime expectations, redundancy —we align the system to how it will be used, not just what it powers.
3
Install It So It Performs When It’s Needed
A system is only as good as how it’s deployed and maintained.
We handle installation, testing, and long-term support —so when the moment comes, it works as expected.
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