Home Generators
Keep the Lights on With a Home Backup Generator
A Few Reasons Why People Install Home Generators
The importance of having a home backup generator in Minnesota cannot be understated. Winter and Summer weather can prove challenging for home owners, as strong storms generate power outages that can last hours or days at a time. During these moments of darkness, temperatures drop or rise quickly, pipelines may freeze or rooms become unbearably hot…unless you have a reliable home backup generator to take over powering your life while the grid is down.
Minnesota is known for its unpredictable and harsh weather conditions, and extreme weather situations can be particularly hard on homeowners. Between power outages and other emergencies, it's always important to have an emergency backup plan in place. One of the best ways to do that is by investing in a home backup generator. Not only does it help you maintain your home's power supply during outages, but it also offers several other benefits.
Benefits of a Home Backup Generator
- Power Outages: These occur at any time of the year in Minnesota due to a variety of reasons, including lightning, high winds, snowstorms, sleet, and ice storms. Without power, your home can become very uncomfortable and even dangerous, leaving you without heat, light, or water. During the winter months, a power outage may even freeze pipes and cause extensive damage to your home. With a home backup generator, you won't have to worry about power outages, and you'll be able to maintain your household's power supply and safety.
- Peace of Mind: Homeowners are often anxious about the possibility of losing power or facing other emergencies such as natural disasters. A home backup generator can offer peace of mind by ensuring that you have a reliable backup power source in case of emergencies. This way, you won't have to worry about being caught off guard and having to face unexpected situations without adequate power, making it a wise investment option.
- Home Security: Your home's security system is an essential aspect that ensures the safety of your loved ones and your valuables. A prolonged power outage can render your security system inoperative and attract unwelcomed guests. With a home backup generator, you can rest assured that your home security system will continue to function adequately irrespective of power interruptions, thereby keeping your family and property safe.
- Home Value: Having a home backup generator adds significant value to your home, as it can be considered an essential feature for prospective home buyers. Not only does it offer a competitive advantage over homes without generators in the market, but it can also raise the value of your home, therefore a smart investment for the future.
- Convenience: A home backup generator offers convenience as you don't have to leave your home to charge essential electronic devices. Most home backup generators are automatic, and they switch on automatically when there's an outage, minimizing the disruption to your daily routine and ensuring your activities continue without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size whole-home generator do I need for a typical Minneapolis home?
Most 2,000–3,500 sq ft Twin Cities homes are well served by a 22–26 kW air-cooled standby generator (Generac, Kohler, or Briggs & Stratton), which can run furnace, AC, well pump, sump pump, refrigerator, lights, and most outlets simultaneously. Larger homes or those with electric heat, hot tubs, or EVs may need a 32+ kW liquid-cooled unit. We perform a full load calculation on every estimate.
How much does a whole-home generator cost installed?
Installed prices in the Minneapolis metro typically range from $9,500 to $16,000 for a 22–26 kW air-cooled Generac or Kohler with an automatic transfer switch, gas line connection, concrete pad, and permits. Larger liquid-cooled units and complex installations can run $18,000–$30,000+. We provide an itemized fixed-price quote.
Will my generator come on automatically during a power outage?
Yes — every standby generator we install includes an automatic transfer switch that detects utility power loss within seconds, starts the generator, and transfers your home over to backup power. Power is restored automatically within about 10–30 seconds of an outage and switches back to the grid once utility power stabilizes.
Does a home generator require maintenance?
Yes. Standby generators run a brief weekly self-test and need an annual service (oil, filter, plug, battery check, load test) to stay under warranty. Norske Electric offers annual maintenance plans for all major brands so your generator is genuinely ready when the next ice storm rolls through.
Serving the Twin Cities Metro
Norske Electric serves homeowners throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area, including Apple Valley, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Medina, Minnetonka, Orono, Plymouth, and Savage. Our licensed, bonded, and insured electricians dispatch from our offices in Hamel and Savage and respond quickly to projects of every size. Call (952) 443-4113 for a free estimate or to schedule service.