Fort Collins Standby Generator Installation & Maintenance
Winter wind, ice, and fast‑moving storms can knock out power across Fort Collins without warning. If you have ever watched your furnace, fridge, and Wi‑Fi go dark, you already know the pain. Standby generator installation Fort Collins gives your home reliable backup power that starts automatically, protects essential circuits, and keeps life moving. In this guide, you will learn how sizing, fuel choices, transfer switches, and maintenance come together for a safe, code‑compliant system that performs when the lights go out.
Why Standby Generators Matter in Fort Collins
Fort Collins winters bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong Chinook winds. Downed lines and ice on branches increase outage risk, and restoration can take hours. A standby generator powers your furnace blower, fridge, medical devices, garage door, and lights without dragging out cords.
Two local realities make planning essential:
- Altitude derating: At roughly 5,000 feet elevation, many air‑cooled engines produce less power than at sea level. Manufacturers often derate output by about 3 percent per 1,000 feet. Correct sizing prevents overloads.
- Cold starts: Sub‑zero mornings stress batteries and engines. Cold‑weather kits and regular maintenance keep starts reliable when you need them most.
A properly installed system turns a nerve‑wracking outage into a non‑event. Your home stays warm, your pipes are safer from freezing, and your food stays cold.
How a Standby System Works
A home standby system includes a generator, an automatic transfer switch, and the wiring that ties it to your main panel. When utility power fails, the transfer switch senses the drop, starts the generator, and shifts your selected circuits to generator power. When utility power returns, it switches back and shuts the generator down.
Key components and options:
- Automatic transfer switches for whole‑home or essential loads
- Portable generator transfer switches to avoid running extension cords
- Interlock kits that mechanically prevent the main breaker and generator backfeed breaker from being on at the same time
- Generator outlets and inlets that safely feed selected circuits
Titus Electrical Services installs both portable and standby solutions and can automate start capability so power returns within seconds of an outage.
“Had them install an interlock kit and inlet box for a generator... did the work quickly and at a reasonable price.”
Sizing Your Generator the Right Way
Sizing is not guesswork. We survey your heat source, blower motor, fridge and freezer, well or sump pumps, medical devices, network gear, and any unique loads. We calculate both running watts and starting surges, then account for altitude and temperature.
What we consider during a site assessment:
- Total running and starting wattage for essential circuits
- Gas supply availability and pipe sizing for natural gas
- Liquid propane tank size and regulator requirements
- Panel capacity and any needed upgrades
- Location with proper clearances, snow shedding, and intake/exhaust safety
Right‑sized generators avoid nuisance trips, prevent brownouts on start, and reduce fuel waste.
“Justin installed a new backup generator for my house and we're very happy with the results.”
Fuel Choices: Natural Gas vs Propane
Both fuels work well in Northern Colorado. The best choice depends on your home and outage profile.
Natural gas
- Always on if you have utility gas
- No refueling during a storm
- Lower maintenance of fuel storage
Propane
- Available for homes without gas service
- Stored on site for long outages
- Clean burning and stable in cold weather
We will evaluate your existing gas line sizing or specify a propane tank and regulator that meets manufacturer flow requirements.
Transfer Switches, Interlocks, and Generator Outlets
The transfer method controls safety and convenience.
- Automatic transfer switches: Seamless power for whole‑home or essential loads. Ideal for frequent or longer outages.
- Manual transfer switches for portable generators: Feed selected circuits safely without extension cords through the home.
- Interlock kits: Create a mechanical interference between the main breaker and the generator backfeed breaker, preventing both from being on at once.
- Generator outlets and inlets: Provide a dedicated, code‑compliant connection to your essential circuits.
Titus installs and services all of these options to match your budget and risk tolerance.
Permits, Codes, and Inspections in Fort Collins
Generator work is electrical work. Colorado requires licensed electricians, and the City of Fort Collins Building Services enforces permits and inspections for standby generator installations. Your installation will follow the National Electrical Code articles that govern standby systems and transfer equipment, along with manufacturer specifications for clearances and grounding.
What that means for you:
- Correct conductor sizing, grounding, and bonding
- Properly rated transfer equipment that prevents backfeed
- Gas piping sized and pressure tested by qualified personnel
- Final inspection for safe, legal operation
We handle permitting and coordinate inspections so you do not have to.
Our Installation Process
A clear process delivers predictable results.
In‑home assessment
- Load survey and altitude derating review
- Fuel source verification and meter or tank sizing
- Panel inspection for capacity and safety
Proposal with upfront pricing
- Good, better, best equipment options
- Transfer method recommendation
- Timeline and permitting steps
Professional installation
- Pad set and weather‑safe placement
- Transfer switch or interlock installation
- Gas or LP connection and leak check
- Start‑up, testing, and homeowner walk‑through
Final inspection and turnover
- AHJ inspection scheduling
- Warranty documentation and maintenance schedule
Maintenance Essentials for Reliability
Standby generators are engines. They need planned service to start on the coldest morning.
Core maintenance tasks we perform or schedule:
- Oil and filter changes per manufacturer and usage
- Battery testing and replacement on schedule
- Air filter and spark plug inspection
- Cool‑weather kits checked before winter
- Automatic exercise cycle verification
- Load test and transfer test under supervision
Titus also offers a broader Peace of Mind Electrical Home Service Agreement with annual electrical safety inspections, priority scheduling, repair discounts, and no overtime fees for after‑hours emergencies. Pairing this with generator service keeps your entire electrical system safe.
Cost, Value, and ROI
Investment varies by size, fuel, and transfer method. Homes that protect heat, refrigeration, medical devices, and work‑from‑home equipment see the highest value. Consider these savings:
- Prevented pipe freeze and water damage
- Preserved food and medication
- Avoided hotel stays during multi‑day outages
- Productivity kept for remote work or small business needs
With proper sizing and maintenance, a standby system can deliver reliable performance for a decade or more.
Portable vs Standby: What Fits Your Home
Portable generators are affordable and flexible but require manual setup, fueling, and safe connection through a transfer switch or interlock. Standby systems start automatically, run on natural gas or LP, and power preselected circuits or your whole home.
Choose portable if you want minimal upfront cost and can manage cords, fuel, and manual starts. Choose standby if you want fully automatic protection and longer runtimes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Under‑sizing without altitude derating
- Backfeeding through a dryer outlet, which is dangerous and illegal
- Skipping permits and inspections
- Ignoring gas line sizing and regulator capacity
- Placing units too close to windows or snow drifts
- Forgetting preseason maintenance and battery care
A qualified electrician prevents these risks with correct design and installation.
Why Homeowners Choose Titus Electrical Services
- Local, family‑owned team with over 50 years of combined experience
- Licensed, insured, and DORA certified in Colorado
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and 1‑Year Replacement Guarantee
- Upfront pricing to the penny and timely service
- Custom sizing, transfer switch, and fuel recommendations
- Emergency availability when outages strike
We install both portable and standby generators, transfer switches, interlock kits, and generator outlets for a complete, code‑compliant solution.
When to Install: Timing Tips for Fort Collins
The best time is before storm season. Schedule installation during mild weather to avoid supply constraints and allow permit and gas work to proceed smoothly. If you already experienced an outage, plan a post‑event assessment while the pain points are fresh. We can often fast‑track essential‑load solutions ahead of whole‑home upgrades.
What To Expect On Installation Day
- Power may be turned off briefly during panel work
- We protect floors and work areas
- Generator placement respects setbacks and snow shedding
- We coordinate with gas providers when needed
- Start‑up includes transfer tests so you see it work before we leave
You will receive a simple checklist for periodic owner checks between service visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The City of Fort Collins requires electrical permits and inspections for standby generators, transfer switches, and related wiring. We handle the permits and coordinate inspections to keep your project compliant and stress free.
It depends on your essential circuits and altitude derating. We measure running and starting watts for heat blowers, fridges, pumps, and outlets, then add a safety margin. Many air‑cooled units lose roughly 3 percent output per 1,000 feet of elevation, so sizing must account for Fort Collins altitude.
If you have utility gas, natural gas offers unlimited runtime without refueling. Homes without gas often choose propane with a properly sized tank and regulator. We verify fuel supply and pressure requirements for the generator you select.
At least annually, or per manufacturer hours. Typical service includes oil and filter, battery testing, air filter, spark plugs, and a transfer test. We also confirm the automatic exercise cycle and recommend a preseason check before winter.
Yes, with a code‑compliant manual transfer switch or an interlock kit and inlet. This prevents dangerous backfeed and avoids extension cords through the home. Never backfeed through an appliance outlet. We install the correct equipment for safe operation.
In Summary
Fort Collins winters reward preparation. A properly sized, permitted, and maintained standby generator keeps your heat, lights, and essentials on without drama. From transfer switches to fuel choices, Titus designs systems that work at altitude and in the cold. Ready for dependable backup power that just works?
Ready to Eliminate Winter Power Worries?
Protect your home with standby generator installation Fort Collins by Titus Electrical Services. Call (720) 386-7282 or schedule using our online contact form. Our licensed, DORA‑certified team provides upfront pricing, code‑compliant installs, and maintenance that keeps your system ready for the next storm.
About Titus Electrical Services
Titus Electrical Services is a local, family‑owned team serving Northern Colorado since 2009. Our licensed and insured electricians are DORA certified and backed by over 50 years of combined experience. We stand behind our work with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a 1‑Year Replacement Guarantee. Expect upfront pricing, timely service, and code‑compliant solutions that protect your home and budget.