Standby Generator Installation for Oconomowoc Homes
Burkhardt Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric installs whole-home standby generators for homeowners in Oconomowoc, WI. In Oconomowoc's Chain O' Lakes region, severe summer thunderstorms can knock out power. Burkhardt has been in business since 1961, and our licensed electricians install standby generators that provide backup power when utility service is interrupted.
Why Oconomowoc Homeowners Choose Standby Generators
Oconomowoc sits between Lac La Belle and Fowler Lake, and Lac La Belle is the last lake in a chain of six along the Oconomowoc River. The lakes made Oconomowoc a resort destination in the 1800s, and their shorelines are still largely residential.
Oconomowoc's resort-area character means vacation properties sit empty—a standby generator helps protect pipes and appliances year-round. Unlike a portable unit that requires manual setup, a whole-home standby generator monitors utility power 24/7 and automatically starts within seconds of an outage—even when you're asleep or away from home.
We install and service panels from Square D, Eaton/Cutler-Hammer, Siemens, and GE. For generators, we're authorized Generac installers — headquartered right here in Waukesha, WI.
Sizing a Generator for Your Oconomowoc Home
We size the generator to your specific home, accounting for HVAC equipment, well pumps, sump pumps, refrigeration, lighting, and any medical devices that must stay powered. Systems range from units that cover essential circuits to whole-home systems; the right size depends on a load calculation for your home.
What the Installation Process Looks Like
Our licensed electricians handle every aspect of your Oconomowoc generator installation, including permits, load calculations, transfer switch installation, natural gas or LP fuel line connection, and final utility notification. Oconomowoc-area homes may be in the City of Oconomowoc or the Town of Oconomowoc, and each has its own electrical permit and inspection process. Burkhardt handles the permits for you.
- Power requirements: We assess your home's power needs to determine the right generator size and capacity.
- Location: We consider the distance to your electrical panel and gas service, required clearances, ventilation, maintenance access and local code requirements.
- Fuel source: We connect the generator to natural gas or LP, depending on what's available at your home.
- Transfer switch: The transfer switch safely moves your home between utility power and generator power and prevents backfeeding into utility lines.
- Exhaust and clearances: We place the generator so exhaust is directed away from windows, doors and vents.
Financing Available
Generator installation is a significant investment. Ask about current financing options, subject to credit approval.
Caring for Your Generator
- Schedule regular maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Keep the area around the generator clear of snow, leaves and debris so air can flow freely.
- Have unusual sounds, vibrations or performance issues checked promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need for my Oconomowoc home?
It depends on what you want to keep running during an outage. We assess your home's power needs, including HVAC equipment, sump pumps, well pumps, refrigeration, lighting and any medical devices, and recommend a generator size and type that fits.
How long does a generator installation take in Oconomowoc?
The time needed for a whole-home standby generator installation in Oconomowoc depends on the scope of the work. Burkhardt handles all permits, the transfer switch, and fuel line connections.
Do I need a permit to install a generator in Oconomowoc?
Yes. The City of Oconomowoc and the Town of Oconomowoc each require electrical permits through their own building inspection offices. Burkhardt handles the permits for your generator installation.
Can a standby generator protect a lake home while no one is there?
A standby generator starts automatically when utility power goes out, so it can keep heat, sump pumps and appliances running while a lake or vacation home sits empty. Which systems stay powered depends on the generator size and transfer switch setup.
Do I need to be home during a power outage to start the generator?
No. A standby generator monitors utility power automatically and starts within seconds of detecting an outage—day or night, whether you're home or away. It also shuts off automatically when utility power returns.
Schedule Your Oconomowoc Generator Assessment
Ready to protect your Oconomowoc home? Call Burkhardt at 414-206-3049 or schedule online to request an in-home assessment.
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Learn more about our electrical services across southeastern Wisconsin.
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