Frequently asked questions

Unlike portable generators, automatic backup generators provide seamless power during outages. They operate automatically, supplying power directly to your home — no manual start, no fuel cans, no waiting in the dark.

Generac standby generators can be sized to back up your entire home or specific circuits. You can choose to prioritize essential circuits — such as lights, refrigerator, and HVAC — or opt for whole-home coverage.

Generac has been designing and manufacturing backup power generators since 1959. It's the world's largest provider of residential backup generators.

Cost varies by the size of the unit, the features you choose, and the installation. We offer free estimates — reach out and we'll size a system for your home and give you a clear price.

A properly sized standby generator can run for days. Natural gas units draw from your existing gas line, so they keep going as long as the supply holds. Propane and diesel units run until the tank gets low — typically a day or more on a single fill, depending on the size of the tank and how much of the home you're powering. We'll help you size both the generator and the fuel supply to match how long you want to stay covered.

Not much. Your generator runs a brief self-test on its own each week, so you'll know it's ready before you ever need it. Beyond that, plan on an annual service — an oil and filter change, a battery check, and a general once-over — much like maintaining a car. We can handle that for you so it's one less thing to think about, and your warranty stays intact.

A solar power system that is linked to the utility grid is called a grid-tied solar system. It consists of solar panels, an inverter (or inverters), and a meter that measures the electricity produced and consumed. When your panels aren't producing enough, you draw power from the grid; when they produce more than you use, the surplus goes back to the grid and you receive bill credits.

A grid-tied system generates clean, renewable energy that offsets your usage and lowers your bill. Power you don't use is sent back to the grid for credits, and there are no batteries to maintain. Over time it reduces your energy costs, shrinks your environmental footprint, and adds value to your property.

The cost depends on several factors, such as the size and quality of the solar panels and inverter, and the specifics of your roof or site. Contact us for a free proposal tailored to your property.

Yes. Panels run on daylight, not heat, and they actually produce a little more efficiently in cold temperatures. You'll generate less on short, overcast winter days and more through the long days of summer. Because grid-tied systems bank your summer surplus as credits, the strong months help carry you through the leaner ones — so it balances out over the year. Snow does need to slide or melt off the panels, which usually happens quickly given their angle and dark surface.

On a standard grid-tied system, no — and that's by design. For safety, the system shuts off during an outage so it can't send power back into lines that crews may be working on. If keeping the lights on through outages matters to you, you have two options: add battery storage to your solar system, or pair the home with a standby generator. We can walk you through which approach fits your needs and budget.

Some common electrical problems in homes include flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, loose outlets, damaged wires, and faulty switches. These can be caused by a range of factors — aging, overloading, moisture, pests, or poor installation. If you're seeing any of them regularly, it's worth having the system looked at.

A few common signs: breakers that trip often, lights that flicker or dim when appliances kick on, a panel that feels warm or has a burning smell, or fuses instead of breakers. Older homes are often wired for far less power than today's households use — especially once you add an EV charger, heat pump, or hot tub. If any of that sounds familiar, we're happy to take a look and let you know whether an upgrade makes sense.

Absolutely. We install Level 2 home chargers, which fully recharge most electric vehicles overnight. We'll check that your panel has the capacity to support it, run a dedicated circuit to wherever you park, and handle the permit and inspection. If your panel is near full, we'll let you know up front whether an upgrade is needed as part of the job.

A few changes add up: switch to LED bulbs, unplug devices that draw standby power, use a smart thermostat, improve your insulation, and consider solar panels to generate your own power. We're happy to walk through what makes the biggest difference for your home.

We serve homeowners across [confirm: e.g. the Halifax Regional Municipality and surrounding Nova Scotia communities]. If you're not sure whether you're in our area, just reach out — if we can't help directly, we'll point you toward someone who can.

Yes. We're a licensed electrical contractor and fully insured, with Red Seal electricians and COR certification. All work is done to the Canadian Electrical Code and pulled under proper permits where required. That protects your home, your warranty, and your peace of mind.

Yes — quotes are free and no-pressure. We'll talk through what you're after, take a look at your setup, and give you a clear, written estimate so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins. No jargon, no surprises.