Never lose power again. Our whole-home standby generators keep your family comfortable and safe during Austin's unpredictable storms and grid outages.
Austin homeowners know that power outages aren't a matter of "if" but "when." From severe thunderstorms and ice storms to summer heat waves that strain the Texas grid, losing power can mean more than just inconvenience. It means no air conditioning in 100-degree heat, spoiled food, dark homes, and inoperable medical equipment. For families who work from home, a power outage can also mean lost income and missed deadlines.
A whole-home standby generator from Volt Masters Electric eliminates these worries completely. Installed permanently outside your home and connected directly to your electrical panel, a standby generator monitors your power supply 24/7 and automatically kicks on within seconds of an outage — even when you're not home. When utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and goes back to standby mode.
We install and service the two most trusted names in residential standby power: Generac and Kohler. Both manufacturers build reliable, quiet, and fuel-efficient generators designed to run on natural gas or liquid propane.
Not sure which generator is right for your home? Our sizing experts will analyze your electrical load, including HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, and any critical equipment, to recommend the perfect size generator for your needs and budget.
The automatic transfer switch (ATS) is the brain of your standby generator system. Installed between your utility meter and your electrical panel, the ATS continuously monitors incoming utility power. When it detects an outage, it signals the generator to start and transfers your home's electrical load from the utility to the generator within 10 to 30 seconds.
We install both whole-house transfer switches (which power everything on your panel) and load-managed transfer switches (which prioritize essential circuits to allow a smaller, more affordable generator to keep your most important systems running).
If a whole-home standby generator isn't in the budget right now, a portable generator hookup provides an affordable alternative. We install a manual transfer switch or interlock kit on your panel along with a heavy-duty inlet box on the exterior of your home. When the power goes out, you simply plug in your portable generator, flip the transfer switch, and your selected circuits are energized safely.
Choosing the right generator size is critical. Too small, and it won't handle your essential loads. Too large, and you'll spend more than necessary. Here's a general guideline for Austin homes:
A standby generator is a significant investment, and proper maintenance ensures it's ready when you need it most. Volt Masters Electric offers annual maintenance plans that include oil and filter changes, battery testing, transfer switch testing, load testing, and a full system inspection. We also provide warranty service for Generac and Kohler generators. Most manufacturers require regular professional maintenance to maintain warranty coverage, so a service plan protects both your generator and your investment.
Common questions about home generators in Austin
A complete whole-home standby generator installation in Austin typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, including the generator unit, automatic transfer switch, concrete pad, gas line connection, electrical work, permits, and labor. The total cost depends primarily on the generator size (kW rating) and the complexity of the installation. We provide free, detailed estimates so you know the exact cost before committing.
Natural gas standby generators can run virtually indefinitely as long as gas service is available, since they draw from your home's gas line. Propane generators are limited by tank size, but a standard 500-gallon tank can typically power a home for 5 to 7 days under normal usage. During extended outages, propane delivery can be arranged to keep your generator running.
Modern standby generators are impressively quiet. Generac and Kohler models typically operate at 60 to 67 decibels at 23 feet, which is comparable to a normal conversation. City of Austin noise ordinances require generators to meet specific decibel limits, and all generators we install comply with local regulations. We also help you select an appropriate location that minimizes noise impact on your neighbors.
Yes. Standby generator installation in Austin requires both an electrical permit (for the transfer switch and wiring) and typically a mechanical permit (for the gas line connection). There may also be setback requirements from property lines and structures. Volt Masters Electric handles all permitting and ensures your installation complies with City of Austin and NEC requirements.