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Michigan weather is unpredictable. Between severe thunderstorms, ice storms, and heavy snowfall, power outages are a regular reality for homeowners across Oakland and Livingston Counties.
When the power goes out, your furnace stops running, your sump pump shuts off, your refrigerator warms up, and your family sits in the dark.
A whole house generator eliminates that problem entirely. Unlike a portable generator – which requires manual setup, gasoline, extension cords, and produces exhaust you need to keep away from your home – a standby generator is permanently installed outside your house and connected directly to your electrical panel and natural gas line. When the power goes out, it starts automatically within seconds — no action required from you.
HVAC Comfort Inc installs Kohler standby generators for residential homes throughout Michigan, including Clarkston, Howell, Southfield, and surrounding communities. As licensed HVAC and electrical professionals, we handle the full installation: from sizing and permits to gas line connection and electrical panel work.
Homeowners often ask whether they really need a whole house generator or if a portable unit will do the job. Here’s the honest answer from our team:
A whole house generator installation from HVAC Comfort typically costs between $17,000 and $20,000, fully installed. This includes the Kohler generator unit, all electrical work, gas line connection, permits, proper sizing, and the first year of maintenance.
Customers can also choose a smaller generator for partial home coverage — powering essential circuits like your furnace, refrigerator, sump pump, and a few outlets — but the price difference between a partial and whole-house system isn’t as large as most people expect. For most homeowners, the whole-house option makes the most sense.
We chose to install Kohler generators for one reason: the warranty.
Kohler offers a 5-year, 100% parts and labor warranty — meaning if anything goes wrong in the first five years, Kohler covers everything, including the labor to fix it. Most other generator brands offer a tiered parts warranty with no labor coverage from the manufacturer. That means you’d pay out of pocket for a technician to diagnose and repair the issue, even if the parts are covered.
For a $17,000+ investment, that warranty difference matters.
Kohler generators are also known for:
Here’s what happens from the first call to the moment your generator is running:
We visit your home to assess your electrical load, inspect your gas line and meter, evaluate placement options for the outdoor unit, and determine the right generator size. This ensures you get a unit that can handle your full home — or the specific circuits you want covered.
You receive a detailed, upfront quote with no hidden fees. Once approved, we pull all required permits — electrical and fuel connection — before any work begins.
If your current gas meter can’t support the additional load, we help coordinate the upgrade with your gas utility. You (the homeowner) are the account holder with the gas company, but we handle the contractor side — filing the paperwork and scheduling the meter change. The utility charge varies based on your home’s current gas usage.
This is the most involved part of the installation. Our electricians install the automatic transfer switch, connect the generator to your electrical panel, and wire the circuits you want backed up. The electrical work typically takes one to two days, depending on your home’s panel and wiring.
The HVAC side of the installation — setting the generator unit on its pad and connecting the gas line — takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. The unit is placed on a level concrete or composite pad outside your home in an approved location.
We test the full system — simulating a power outage to confirm the automatic transfer switch activates, the generator starts, and power is restored to your home. We walk you through how the system works, how to read the status panel, and what the weekly self-test sounds like.
How long does it take to install a whole house generator?
The full installation typically takes 2 to 3 days total. The electrical work (transfer switch, panel connections) takes 1–2 days, and the HVAC side (setting the unit, connecting gas) takes about 3–4 hours. Permit timelines can add a few days before work begins.
Do I need to upgrade my gas meter for a generator?
Possibly. If your current gas meter doesn’t have enough capacity to supply both your home’s existing gas appliances (furnace, water heater, stove, etc.) and the generator, your utility company will need to install a larger meter. We coordinate this process for you — the cost varies depending on your current setup.
Can I install a generator that only powers part of my house?
Yes. You can choose a smaller generator that covers essential circuits — furnace, sump pump, refrigerator, and select outlets. However, the price difference between a partial and whole-house system isn’t as large as most people think, so most customers opt for whole-home coverage.
What brand of generators does HVAC Comfort install?
We install Kohler generators. Kohler offers a 5-year, 100% parts and labor warranty — the best in the industry. Other brands typically offer parts-only coverage with no labor warranty from the manufacturer.
How does a standby generator start automatically?
The generator is connected to your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch (ATS). When the ATS detects a loss of utility power, it signals the generator to start. The generator reaches operating speed within seconds and begins supplying power to your home. When utility power is restored, the ATS switches you back to grid power and the generator shuts down — all automatically.
Does the generator run on natural gas or propane?
Our standard installations use natural gas, which is connected to your home’s existing gas supply. This means unlimited fuel — no refueling, no gas cans, no trips to the gas station during a storm. Propane options may be available for homes without natural gas service.
How loud is a Kohler whole house generator?
Kohler generators are designed for quiet residential operation. Most models operate at conversation-level volume — comparable to a central air conditioner running. The unit is installed outdoors, and Kohler’s corrosion-resistant enclosure helps dampen sound.
Will a whole house generator increase my home’s value?
Yes. A permanently installed standby generator is a home improvement that adds value, particularly in areas like Michigan where power outages are common. Many buyers view whole-home backup power as a significant plus.
Do I need to maintain my generator?
Yes. Like any engine, your generator needs regular maintenance — oil changes, filter replacements, and system checks. Your first year of maintenance is included with every HVAC Comfort installation. After that, we offer annual maintenance plans to keep your system in top condition.
What happens if the power goes out while I’m not home?
That’s one of the biggest advantages of a standby generator — it starts automatically whether you’re home or not. Your furnace keeps running, your sump pump stays on, your refrigerator stays cold, and your security system stays active. Many Kohler models also offer remote monitoring so you can check your generator’s status from anywhere.
HVAC Comfort installs Kohler generators for homeowners searching for whole house generators near me throughout southeast Michigan:
If you’re searching for generator installation near me or Kohler generator installer in Michigan, HVAC Comfort has you covered.
Rhoshonda Knox
“HVAC Comfort has always provided EXCELLENT, speedy, effective service! Will quickly diagnosed our problem and had it resolved. We’ve used them for tune-up service, maintenance and a humidifier replacement! Thank you Will and HVAC Comfort!”
West Bloomfield
Danita Hoover
“Very pleased with their service. Called and they were there same day. Technician Will was very knowledgeable and helpful with my issue. Would recommend them for all your heating and cooling issues and tune ups.”
Michigan
Sima Duato
“Will is always prompt, thorough, and very pleasant. He explains what he’s doing, what’s he’s seeing and how to fix whatever is wrong. There is never any upsell with this company. We’ve been using their services for nearly 8 years.”
Oak Park
