Exploring New Standby Generator Features

The Future of Convenient, Reliable Power

When the power goes out, standby generators transform from a luxury into a necessity for homes and businesses. With severe weather, aging infrastructure, and rising energy demands, a reliable backup power solution is no longer optional. At Tower Generator, we stay at the forefront by offering standby generators equipped with the latest technological advancements. In this article, we explore the newest features that make modern standby generators more capable, efficient, and intelligent than ever before.

Infographic saying, Severe Storm Causes Widespread CT Outages Nearly 50,000 Eversource Customers Lost Power On June 27, 2024. Source: News12 Connecticut

The Growing Importance of Standby Generators

As climate change fuels increasingly frequent and severe weather events—including hurricanes, winter storms, heatwaves, and wildfires—the risk of prolonged power outages continues to grow. Aging electrical grids, surging energy consumption, and regional blackouts compound these challenges for homeowners and businesses alike. For example, as reported by Newsweek, as of June 27, 2024, over 300,000 people in the Northeast were without power due to severe weather, with Connecticut and New York among the hardest hit, each reporting more than 40,000 outages.

For homeowners, extended outages mean more than inconvenience; they can lead to spoiled food, frozen or burst pipes, compromised security systems, and serious health risks for individuals dependent on medical devices. For businesses, downtime can cause lost revenue, damaged inventory, compromised data, and reputational harm.

This growing demand has driven rapid innovation in standby generator technology, resulting in a range of features designed to address the evolving needs of both residential and commercial customers.

1. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): Seamless Power Transitions

At the heart of modern standby generators is the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), which continuously monitors the utility power supply. When an outage occurs, the ATS instantly detects the loss of power and automatically activates the generator, transferring the electrical load without any manual intervention. Once utility power is restored, the ATS seamlessly switches back. This hands-free operation offers peace of mind for homeowners and ensures uninterrupted business operations, protecting vital assets, systems, and data.

2. Automatic Operation: Hands-Free Backup Power

Modern standby generators activate automatically within seconds of detecting an outage. This eliminates the need for manual startup during a storm or emergency. Fully automatic operation is especially crucial for facilities where even brief interruptions are unacceptable, including hospitals, data centers, and manufacturing plants.

3. Diverse Fuel Options: Flexibility for Every Situation

Today’s standby generators offer a variety of fuel sources, including natural gas, propane, and diesel. Property owners can select the fuel type that best suits local availability, building codes, and personal preferences. Natural gas and propane are popular for their clean-burning properties and continuous supply, while diesel offers strong reliability in remote areas or regions prone to gas supply disruptions.

4. Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics: Control from Anywhere

Remote monitoring represents one of the most significant advancements in standby generator technology. With integrated apps and online dashboards, users can:

• Check system status in real time
• Receive maintenance alerts and diagnostic notifications
• Schedule service proactively
• Access performance reports and historical data

This remote visibility allows homeowners and businesses to monitor generator performance from any device. For commercial operations with multiple units across different locations, centralized fleet management ensures consistent oversight and operational readiness. Industry leaders such as Generac, Briggs & Stratton, Cummins, Rehko, and Asco continue to enhance these remote monitoring capabilities.

5. Weather-Resistant Enclosures: Built to Last

Standby generators are engineered to withstand harsh conditions. Weather-resistant enclosures, constructed from corrosion-resistant aluminum or composite polymers, protect internal components from rain, snow, ice, and extreme temperatures. In coastal or flood-prone areas, elevated platforms and specialized coatings guard against saltwater exposure. Beyond durability, these enclosures are often designed to blend into residential or commercial properties for a visually unobtrusive appearance.

6. Power Management Systems: Prioritizing Essential Loads

Advanced power management systems allow property owners to prioritize which circuits receive power during an outage. Critical systems such as HVAC, refrigeration, medical equipment, or IT servers can remain operational while non-essential loads are temporarily deferred. This intelligent load management allows smaller, more efficient generators to power larger facilities without requiring oversized and costly units.

7. Eco-Mode and Inverter Technology: Efficient, Quiet Operation

Eco-mode and inverter technology have revolutionized standby generator efficiency. By dynamically adjusting engine speed based on power demand, these systems:

• Reduce fuel consumption
• Lower operating noise levels
• Minimize wear and tear on engine components

Inverter-equipped models deliver clean, stable power essential for sensitive electronics like computers, entertainment systems, and medical devices. This makes modern standby generators suitable for residential neighborhoods and commercial settings where quiet, environmentally responsible operation is important.

8. Exercise Mode: Routine Testing for Readiness

Modern standby generators feature weekly self-test cycles to maintain readiness. These tests keep engines lubricated and verify system functionality, providing assurance that the generator will perform during an actual outage. Many newer models allow users to schedule self-tests at convenient times and adjust test frequency. For businesses, automated testing logs simplify compliance with emergency power regulations.

9. Safety Features: Protecting People, Property, and Equipment

Safety is paramount in standby generator design. Today’s generators are equipped with advanced safety features, including:

• Automatic shutdowns for overheating, low oil pressure, or electrical faults
• Surge protection for sensitive electronics
• Fire-resistant enclosures and fluid containment systems
• Compliance with NFPA 110, UL 2200, CSA C22.2, and other stringent safety standards

Continuous system monitoring allows for early detection of potential issues, minimizing the risk of costly repairs or hazardous conditions.

10. Increased Property Value: A Smart Investment

Beyond reliability and peace of mind, standby generators can enhance property value. Homebuyers often consider generators a premium feature that protects against outages and safeguards property investments. For commercial property owners, reliable backup power can also lead to lower insurance premiums and increased operational continuity.

The Impact of Standby Generators Across Industries

Standby generators play a critical role in supporting operations across a range of industries:

Data Centers:

Protect IT infrastructure and sensitive data, preventing costly downtime and safeguarding digital assets with seamless power transitions.

Government & Emergency Services:

Ensure continuous operation of public safety systems, communication networks, and disaster response infrastructure during crises.

Healthcare Facilities:

Maintain power for life-saving equipment, surgical suites, and patient care systems. Ensure full compliance with emergency preparedness regulations.

Hospitality & Retail:

Preserve perishable inventory, maintain guest safety and comfort, and prevent revenue loss from business closures during outages.

Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities:

Protect production lines, maintain environmental controls for product quality, and prevent costly production halts due to sudden power loss.

The Crucial Role of Standby Generators in Business Continuity

At Tower Generator, we partner with the industry’s most trusted manufacturers to deliver best-in-class generator solutions tailored to every client’s needs. Our extensive selection includes:

Cummins®

Synonymous with uncompromising quality, Cummins delivers industry-leading reliability, particularly for heavy-duty commercial applications where consistent, robust power is non-negotiable.

Rehlko®

With a legacy of excellence, Rehlko (formerly Kohler®) is renowned for its premium residential and commercial generator systems, combining sophisticated design with unparalleled performance.

Generac®

A true pioneer in the field, Generac is celebrated for its cutting-edge air-cooled models, such as the widely popular Guardian Series, and robust commercial liquid-cooled solutions designed for diverse applications.

Briggs & Stratton®

Renowned for their dependable engineering, Briggs & Stratton provides a range of powerful residential and light commercial models, offering peace of mind through consistent performance.

Asco®

As specialists in transfer switches and advanced control systems, Asco ensures seamless transitions and intelligent management for your backup power, maximizing efficiency and protection.

Residential generator outside of a house

Is It Time to Upgrade?

If your standby generator is over 10 years old, you may be missing out on substantial advancements in performance, efficiency, and safety. Upgrading can provide stronger protection, improved reliability, and greater long-term savings. Read our post: Is It Time to Replace Your Standby Generator? to learn more.

Why Choose Tower Generator?

Tower Generator has earned its reputation for excellence by offering:

Expert generator sizing and customized installations

Comprehensive preventive maintenance and responsive repair services

Deep product expertise across leading manufacturers

Personalized consulting for both residential and commercial needs

Turnkey project management from initial design through final commissioning

24/7 emergency response and technical support

Our experienced team simplifies the complexities of standby power solutions, allowing clients to feel confident that their properties are fully protected.

Your Partner for Comprehensive Power Outage Solutions

For nearly 30 years, Tower Generator has been the trusted standby generator specialist for homeowners and businesses across Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and eastern New York. We’re proud to offer 100% of the project, 100% of the time – from initial consultations and installations to ongoing maintenance and system replacements. As authorized dealers for industry leaders like Rehklo (formerly Kohler), Cummins, and ASCO, we maintain one of the region’s largest inventories, ensuring faster installation timelines and minimizing operational disruptions for your home or business.

Whether you're exploring the newest features in standby generators for your family's safety or to safeguard your business's continuity, Tower Generator has the unparalleled experience, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering dedication to deliver reliable backup power solutions. We have the expertise, resources, and 24/7 responsiveness to handle projects for residential and commercial facilities with precision. Our comprehensive preventive maintenance programs and round-the-clock emergency service ensure your operations remain protected at all times.

Don’t leave your home or business vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of power outages. Contact Tower Generator today to schedule your free consultation or commercial site assessment and discover how the latest standby generator features can provide tailored, robust backup power solutions for your operations.

Contact Tower Generator

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