Generators
Generator Installation & Service in Anchorage, Alaska
Moore Heating installs and services standby and portable generators throughout Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. When a winter wind storm, ice event, or earthquake takes the grid down, an automatic standby generator keeps your furnace, well pump, freezer, and lights running without you having to touch a thing. We’re a factory-trained Generac dealer with technicians on call 24/7. Call (907) 561-1500 to schedule a free sizing consultation.
- 24/7 emergency service, 365 days a year
- Factory-trained Generac sales & service dealer
- Serving Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley
- Licensed, bonded, and insured in Alaska
- Automatic transfer switches and remote monitoring
- Family-owned, serving Alaska since 1974
Why Do Alaska Homeowners Need a Backup Generator?
Power outages in Alaska are not a minor inconvenience. A windstorm in the Anchorage Hillside, an ice event in the Mat-Su, or a wildfire taking down transmission lines can leave neighborhoods dark for hours or days. In summer, that means a freezer full of salmon, halibut, and moose at risk. In winter, it means the furnace or boiler stops, the well pump stops, and indoor temperatures begin a steady slide toward frozen pipes, sometimes within hours when outdoor temperatures are well below zero.
An automatic standby generator solves all of that without any action from you. When the utility power fails, the automatic transfer switch detects the outage within seconds, starts the generator, and transfers your home’s critical circuits (or the entire panel) to generator power. When the grid comes back, it transfers back and shuts the generator down. You can be at work, on a hunting trip, or in Hawaii and your house stays warm.
What Size Generator Do You Need for Your Anchorage Home?
Sizing depends on what you want to keep running and how your home is wired. The most common configurations we install in Southcentral Alaska:
- 14–18 kW, essential circuits: furnace or boiler, well pump, fridge, freezer, lighting, a few outlets, and a small microwave. Fits most modest homes on natural gas.
- 22–26 kW, whole-home coverage for typical 2,000–3,500 sq ft Anchorage and Mat-Su homes. Runs the heating system, well, kitchen, laundry, and most receptacles simultaneously.
- 32–48 kW (liquid-cooled), large custom homes, homes with electric ranges and dryers, hot tubs, heated garages, or shop loads.
- Portable 7–12 kW, cabins, remote properties, or homeowners who want manual backup for the essentials only.
We run a load calculation based on your actual panel and equipment, not a rule of thumb, so you don’t overpay for capacity you don’t need or undersize a unit that will trip out under heavy winter load.
What Generac Generator Models Does Moore Heating Install?
- Generac Guardian 14, 18, 22, and 26 kW, air-cooled residential standby units running on natural gas or propane. The Alaska workhorse.
- Generac Protector Series (32–48 kW liquid-cooled), for larger homes, light commercial buildings, and properties with heavy electric loads.
- Generac automatic transfer switches, 100A, 200A, and whole-service models, with smart load management to make the most of a smaller generator.
- Generac PWRcell battery backup, lithium-ion battery systems for short outages, solar pairing, or homes where a fuel-burning generator isn’t practical.
- Mobile Link remote monitoring, Wi-Fi or cellular monitoring so you (and our service team) see runtime, fuel pressure, and fault codes from anywhere.
What Fuel Should an Alaska Generator Run On?
In Anchorage and most of the Mat-Su, natural gas is the easy choice, the gas line keeps flowing during electrical outages, so the generator runs as long as it needs to. For homes without natural gas service (rural Mat-Su, cabins, parts of the Kenai), propane is the standard alternative, with a dedicated tank sized for several days of continuous runtime. We install both and will help you compare fuel availability, tank sizing, and cold-weather starting performance.
How Much Does a Standby Generator Cost in Anchorage?
Installed pricing depends on generator size, the transfer switch (essential circuits vs. whole-house), distance from the gas meter or propane tank, distance from the electrical panel, and any concrete or composite pad work. An 18–22 kW Guardian with a 200A automatic transfer switch is the most common install we quote. Request a free estimate and we’ll measure on site and give you a fixed installed price.
What Happens During a Moore Heating Generator Inspection?
Our 21-point generator inspection keeps your standby unit reliable through the seasons it’s most needed:
- Inspect generator enclosure, vents, and snow clearance
- Check engine oil level, color, and condition
- Inspect oil filter and change per service interval
- Inspect air filter and replace as needed
- Inspect and gap spark plugs
- Check battery voltage, terminals, and electrolyte (where applicable)
- Test battery charger output and float voltage
- Inspect fuel lines, regulator, and connections for leaks
- Verify natural gas or propane pressure under load
- Inspect exhaust system and clearances
- Check coolant level and condition on liquid-cooled units
- Inspect block heater operation and amp draw
- Test automatic transfer switch operation in both directions
- Verify ATS contactor condition and torque on lugs
- Run generator under load and verify voltage and frequency
- Confirm exercise schedule and update firmware as needed
- Verify Mobile Link / remote monitoring connectivity
- Review fault history and clear resolved codes
- Inspect grounding and bonding connections
- Check enclosure paint, hinges, and rodent intrusion
- Document findings and walk through recommendations with you
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does an automatic standby generator come on?
Typically within 10–20 seconds of the utility power dropping. The transfer switch detects the outage, signals the generator to start, lets it stabilize, and transfers your home’s circuits over. You may notice the lights flicker, but the freezer, furnace, and well pump pick right back up.
How often does a standby generator need service?
Generac recommends an annual service for most residential standby units, with oil and filter changes based on runtime hours. Homes that experience long outages or frequent exercises may need service more often. We offer scheduled maintenance plans so you don’t have to track it.
Will my generator start at -30°F?
Yes, when it’s properly equipped. We spec battery warmers, block heaters, and cold-weather oil for Alaska conditions. We also verify exercise cycles run year-round so the unit isn’t sitting cold for months at a time.
Can I install a generator myself or use a portable with extension cords?
Running extension cords from a portable generator is allowed for limited use, but it’s never safe to back-feed a generator into your home’s panel through a dryer outlet, that can electrocute lineworkers and damage your equipment. Permanent generator installations require a licensed electrician, a permitted automatic or manual transfer switch, and a gas hookup by a licensed installer. We handle the whole package.
Will a generator power my entire house?
It can, if it’s sized correctly. Many homeowners choose a slightly smaller generator combined with a smart load-management transfer switch, it shed loads like the dryer or hot tub when other large loads are running. That delivers whole-home convenience without paying for a much larger generator.
Do you service generators you didn't install?
Yes. We service Generac and most major brands of residential standby generators across Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, and Fairbanks, whether or not we installed the unit originally.
Ready to Keep the Power on Through the Next Outage?
Request your free, no-obligation generator estimate. A licensed Alaskan technician will size the right unit for your home and fuel.