Backup Generator Installation & Maintenance for Homeowners in the Newton, MA, Area
Picture a winter night in Newton. The wind is howling, the streets are quiet, and then the power drops. Lights click off, the heat stops, and the fridge goes silent. With a properly installed backup generator, that tense moment turns into a nonissue. Your home stays warm, your food stays safe, and your family keeps moving like nothing happened.
If you are looking for a licensed electrician with years of hands-on experience, VMA Electric is ready to help. Our team installs and maintains high quality home generators that deliver dependable power when the grid does not. We guide you from the first conversation to final testing, then keep your system tuned with ongoing service.
Generator Options Designed Around Your Home
Every household’s power needs are different. Some families want full home coverage. Others only need to protect a few essentials. We size and install systems that match your goals and your budget.
Portable Units
Compact and easy to store, a portable generator is a practical choice for running select appliances. Keep your refrigerator cold, charge devices, and power a few lights. Many homeowners also use these units for tailgating, camping, or backyard projects. We can help you select a Generac portable model and set up safe connection points.
Whole-house Units
For seamless protection, a permanently installed whole-house generator is the gold standard. The system sits outside your home and connects to your electrical panel. When the power goes out, it starts automatically and can run your heating, cooling, lighting, internet, and other key systems until service returns. We size the unit for your load, prepare the site, coordinate permits, and complete a code-compliant installation.
Why Newton Homeowners Choose VMA Electric
Reputation matters, especially with equipment you rely on during a storm. We install trusted brands like Generac and pair quality products with meticulous workmanship. Our technicians average more than a decade in the field and follow a detailed checklist for placement, wiring, gas or propane coordination, ventilation clearances, and final startup. The result is a clean, safe install that is built to perform.
Maintenance That Keeps Power Ready
Generators need periodic care to stay reliable. Our maintenance programs include inspection, oil and filter changes, battery checks, software updates for compatible models, and full test runs under load. We also verify transfer switch function and review error logs. A short visit keeps your backup power ready for the next outage.
A Simple, Proven Process
- Consultation and load review
- Model selection and written estimate
- Site preparation and permits
- Installation, fuel connection, and transfer switch setup
- Startup, testing, and homeowner walkthrough
- Ongoing maintenance reminders and service
We communicate clearly at each step so you always know what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about a generator but not sure where to start? These quick answers can help. If you do not see your question here, our team is happy to talk through details.
How big should my generator be?
Sizing depends on what you want to power. We calculate loads for essentials like heat, hot water, refrigeration, medical devices, and networking. From there, we recommend a model that meets those needs without overspending.
How long can a whole-house unit run?
With proper fuel supply and ventilation, many systems can operate for extended outages. Natural gas models run as long as utility gas is available. Propane run time depends on tank size. We can help you choose the right fuel plan.
Do I need permits in Newton?
Yes. Generator installations typically require electrical and, when applicable, fuel permits. VMA Electric handles the paperwork, coordinates inspections, and ensures the installation meets all local codes.
What kind of maintenance is required?
Most manufacturers recommend annual service, or after a set number of hours. Our maintenance visit includes oil and filter changes, battery testing, software updates where applicable, visual inspections, and a full operational test.
Will a portable generator work for my needs?
If you only need to power a few items and you are comfortable with a manual setup, a portable unit can be a smart, budget friendly solution. For automatic, whole-home coverage without manual steps, a standby system is the better choice.
Be Ready Before the Lights Go Out
Outages happen. Preparation is optional. Protect your home with a properly sized and professionally installed generator from VMA Electric. Contact us to learn more and keep your Newton home powered, comfortable, and safe in any season.