Generator Installation in Arlington TX

A portable generator with a manual transfer switch installed runs $800 to $2,500 depending on the generator size and wiring complexity. A whole-home natural gas standby generator (Generac or Kohler) typically runs $8,000 to $18,000 fully installed including the generator unit, concrete pad, automatic transfer switch, gas line extension, permits, and inspection. Larger units for bigger homes or commercial applications run higher. We give you a firm written quote after the site assessment.

For whole-home coverage including central AC in a typical Arlington TX home of 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, an 18 to 22 kW standby generator is the most common recommendation. For a home over 2,500 square feet or a home with two HVAC zones, 24 kW or higher. For covering only critical circuits without AC, 10 to 14 kW is often sufficient. We perform a load calculation on your panel and HVAC system before recommending a specific size.

Yes. A standby generator with an automatic transfer switch monitors utility power continuously. When it detects an outage, it signals the generator to start and transfers your home to generator power within 10 to 20 seconds - usually fast enough that you do not lose the contents of your refrigerator or your HVAC system cycle. When utility power returns, it automatically transfers back and shuts the generator down.

In most cases, yes. Atmos Energy natural gas service in Arlington TX uses a separate distribution system from Oncor's electric grid. During Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, the electric grid failed while natural gas service continued for most of Arlington TX and Tarrant County. Some areas did experience reduced gas pressure during the extreme demand event. Propane-fueled standby generators have fuel stored on the property and are not dependent on the gas distribution system at all - they continued operating throughout Uri.

Yes. The City of Arlington requires both an electrical permit and a mechanical permit for standby generator installation. Portable generator installations with a transfer switch also require an electrical permit. Bolt Electric pulls all required permits, schedules the City of Arlington inspection, and provides you with the documentation. Work done without permits creates problems when you sell the home and can void the generator warranty.

Generac and Kohler both recommend annual service or service after every 200 hours of operation - whichever comes first. Annual service includes an oil change, air filter inspection, spark plug check, battery check, coolant inspection, and a load test. Most Arlington TX standby generators run a weekly self-test automatically. We perform annual service on all major brands throughout Arlington TX.

Yes, but we recommend checking your HOA CC&Rs before the installation visit. Many HOAs in Arlington TX and Pantego have rules about generator placement - typically requiring the unit to be set back from property lines, screened from street view, or placed in a specific side or rear yard location. Some HOAs require approval documentation before installation. We provide a plot plan showing the generator location if your HOA requires it.