Spectrum Electric

(303) 838-2166

Spectrum Electric

Frequently Asked Questions

It sure can. Our experts will help you determine what the right size generator is for your home and lifestyle. We want to ensure when you have a Generac generator installed, it provides the power you need during a standard outage or in an emergency.

During a utility power outage, an automatic backup generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator:

    • Automatic backup generators provide protection 24/7, whether you’re home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.

    • Whole home generators start automatically within seconds of a power outage, and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.

    • Generac standby generators automatically run an exercise cycle every week to ensure the battery is charged, oil levels are good, and the engine is ready to perform during an outage.

    • The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

    • With an automatic backup generator properly installed outside, your home is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators which are often run in a garage.

Running on the home’s natural gas or LP fuel supply, it is less expensive to run than gasoline and sources such as natural gas do not need to be refilled.

Spectrum Electric has been in business since 1984. Our employees have been with us for over a decade and are up to date on code changes and new technology. We are very involved in helping the community and are members of the Conifer Chamber of Commerce. We respect people’s homes, clean up, and show up when appointments are scheduled. Most of our success has been because of word of mouth and referrals.

We have installed thousands of generators in Colorado, and we visit our customers every year to perform over 2000 maintenance services.  If we install your generator, we work hard to earn your business and ensure your generator protects your home for decades to come.

General Services

Absolutely! We are a licensed Colorado Electrical Contractor (EC.0103105) and hold a Mechanical C certification (ICNON205483), allowing us to complete all aspects of a generator installation, which includes installing a new natural gas or propane line.  All of our projects are permitted and inspected by the appropriate jurisdiction.

We comply with all State and County Commercial General Liability insurance policy requirements.

Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Boulder, Park and Summit Counties, including the following cities: Conifer, Bailey, Evergreen, Genesee, Golden, Morrison, Littleton, Boulder County, Arvada, Lakewood, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Parker, Castlerock, Sedalia, Thornton, Westminster, Brighton, Broomfield, Jefferson, Fairplay, Como, Blue River, Alma, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Keystone, etc.

Project & Installation

Generator Maintenance and Service is our specialty – with a team of four factory trained Generac Service Technicians, we can expertly maintain your generator, and are authorized to perform diagnostics, repair and warranty work.

Yes, we work with many local homebuilders – involving us early in the building process can reduce the cost of an installation significantly.

We can install generators on any home as long as there is a code compliant location for the generator on the property, and local building code allows for standby generator installations. 

As a fully licensed electrical contractor, we can also help bring older electrical installations up to current code standards during the generator installation – this often includes updated grounding, panel upgrades, or fixing electrical service entrances.

Installation lead times vary between just a few days and several weeks, depending on permit requirements and our availability at the time.  Most projects are completed between 2 and 6 weeks after an estimate is accepted.

Most installations are completed within 1 day, with larger projects sometimes taking 2 to 3 days.

After an installation is completed, inspections are called and a final visit to commission the generator and connect the fuel supply will be scheduled within the next week or so.  

Cost & Estimates

Every project bid is tailored to your home and needs, and there are multiple levels of backup available. Common factors affecting cost are:

  • Generator location relative to gas and electrical service.
  • Size of the home, and amount of electrical load to be backed up (whole home or emergency circuits only).
  • Installation Complexity, which includes terrain, trenching, corrections needed to bring existing service up to code, etc.
  • Permit costs in the local jurisdiction

The following chart provides approximate all-in cost based on square footage of a home:

Backup Coverage

Square Feet Range

Generator Size

Approximate Cost

Whole Home Backup

1000 – 2000 sqft

14kW to 18kW

$14,000 – $16,000

2000 – 5500 sqft

18kW to 26kW

$16,000 – $22,000

5500+ sqft

26kW to 60kW+

$22,000 – $60,000+

Emergency Circuits Only

N/A

14kW to 24kW

$14,000 – $18,000

All of our estimates are offered free of charge, and we take pride in providing as much education as needed for all of our customers to feel confident with their purchase.

Yes, we offer 6, 12, and 18-month deferred interest financing through Synchrony Bank (formerly GE Capital).

Safety & Code Compliance

All of our projects are permitted and inspected. 

Licenced Master, Journeyman, and Apprentice electricians will complete your installation and inform you of any code deficiencies they encounter which may need correction.

Warranty & Satisfaction

We stand by our work – all Generac Generators and Transfer switches come with a 5-year warranty, extendable up to a 10-year warranty, which covers all parts, materials, and travel expenses for any manufacturing defects or malfunctions.  Spectrum Electric also covers all installations for workmanship for one year following installation.

The generator warranty does not cover damage from natural disasters such as lighting, fires and flooding, or consumable parts such as filters, oil, and batteries.

We do our best to ensure that every installation and service is completed to the highest standard, however if we miss anything we will endeavour to make it right.

We pride ourselves in supporting our customers – we are always a phone call away.  After hours calls are answered by a live receptionist who will take a message and relay it to the Spectrum team.

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