When the snow piles up in Ann Arbor and the power lines start to hum, most homeowners don’t think about their furnace—until it stops running. The truth is, even a gas furnace can’t operate without electricity. Its blower, ignition, and control board all depend on power. That’s where a generator for your furnace comes in.
A whole-house standby generator paired with an automatic transfer switch (ATS) restores power instantly when the grid goes down—keeping your home warm, your pipes safe, and your family comfortable. At Robertson Morrison, we specialize in turnkey solutions: assessment, right-sizing, permitting, installation, and ongoing maintenance. When Michigan’s weather turns harsh, you can trust that your comfort (and your heating system) are protected.
Why a Generator for Your Furnace Matters
Michigan winters aren’t just cold—they’re unpredictable. Between ice storms, heavy snow, and overloaded power lines, outages are more common than ever. During a winter power outage in Michigan, even a short loss of heat can lead to frozen pipes and thousands in water damage.
A standby generator takes the worry out of the equation. Unlike portable generators that require manual setup, fuel management, and extension cords, a home standby system turns on automatically. That means no scrambling in the dark or venturing outside in freezing weather. It’s comfort, safety, and reliability wrapped into one seamless system.
And for many Ann Arbor homeowners, that peace of mind is worth every penny.
What Actually Keeps the Heat On: Standby vs. Portable Generators
Let’s clear up a common misconception: all generators aren’t created equal.
Standby Generators
Installed permanently outside your home (much like an air conditioner), these systems connect directly to your natural gas or propane line. When an outage occurs, the automatic transfer switch (ATS) senses the loss of power, starts the generator, and restores electricity to your furnace and other essential systems—usually within seconds. You don’t have to lift a finger.
Portable Generators
While more affordable upfront, portables require manual setup, refueling, and safe placement away from the home to prevent carbon monoxide hazards. They can keep some essentials running, but usually not your entire heating system unless wired to a dedicated transfer switch.
For homeowners serious about comfort and convenience, a whole-home standby setup is the smarter long-term investment.
Can a Generator Run My Furnace? (Yes—Here’s How)
Yes, and it’s simpler than you might think.
Your furnace only needs enough electrical power to run the blower motor, ignition system, and control board. Even mid-sized standby generators can handle that load easily—often with room to power other essentials like your refrigerator, sump pump, Wi-Fi, and lighting.
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) ensures safe operation by isolating your home from the utility grid. That means no backfeeding risk and no chance of harming linemen working to restore service. Once grid power returns, the ATS switches your home back seamlessly and shuts down the generator automatically.
Right-Sizing Without Overpaying
Bigger isn’t always better—especially with generators. The right system balances performance with efficiency.
Robertson Morrison starts every installation with a furnace load calculation and a review of your essential circuits. We look at what really matters during an outage—heating, refrigeration, water, lighting—and size your generator to handle those priorities. This ensures you’re protected without paying for unnecessary capacity.
Our experts also help with generator sizing for furnace systems, matching your specific heating setup and voltage requirements to the generator’s output.
Extra Comfort for Winter
A tune-up is the first step, but a few extras can make winter living even easier:
- Smart thermostats. These learn your routine and adjust heating automatically, helping you stay comfortable while saving energy.
- Whole-home humidifiers. Say goodbye to dry air, static shocks, and sore throats — humidity makes your home feel warmer and healthier.
- Duct sealing. If warm air is escaping through leaky ducts, your furnace has to work harder. Sealing them keeps more heat where you need it.
- Indoor air quality checks. Winter means closed windows, so pollutants can build up. Air quality testing helps make sure you’re breathing cleaner air.
Fuel Choices and Winterization Tips
In Ann Arbor, many homeowners prefer natural gas standby generators because they run indefinitely without refueling. However, if you live in a rural area without gas service, propane is a reliable alternative—just remember to keep your tank filled before the first big freeze.
Winterization also matters. We recommend:
- Cold-weather kits to keep your generator’s engine warm and ready.
- Battery warmers to ensure quick starts in sub-zero temps.
- Monthly exercise cycles to keep all components in peak condition.
Robertson Morrison’s maintenance plans include regular testing and winter readiness checks, so your system works exactly when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
That depends on your furnace’s wattage and the number of additional circuits you want to power. Most homeowners find that a 10–14kW standby generator comfortably handles heat, refrigeration, and lights.
Usually within 10–15 seconds. The automatic transfer switch detects the power loss instantly and restores electricity without you lifting a finger.
Natural gas is more convenient if you’re connected to city lines. Propane works well for homes without access to natural gas but requires a tank and monitoring.
That depends on your budget and needs. Many Ann Arbor homeowners opt for essential-circuit systems to cover heating and refrigeration, while others prefer full coverage for ultimate convenience.
Yes, but don’t worry—Robertson Morrison handles all permitting and coordination with the city to ensure your installation meets local codes.
Stay Warm. Reserve Your Winter Install.
Don’t wait until the first blizzard hits to think about backup power. Generator installations surge every winter, and priority scheduling fills up fast. Robertson Morrison offers home standby generator installation in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas, with flexible options to fit your home’s layout and fuel type.
Stay ahead of the storm—reserve your winter install now to lock in a guaranteed service window before temperatures drop.
Stay Warm. Reserve Your Winter Install.
Don’t wait until the first blizzard hits to think about backup power. Generator installations surge every winter, and priority scheduling fills up fast. Robertson Morrison offers home standby generator installation in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas, with flexible options to fit your home’s layout and fuel type.
Stay ahead of the storm—reserve your winter install now to lock in a guaranteed service window before temperatures drop.
Final Thoughts
Winter power outages are stressful enough without worrying about frozen pipes or a freezing home. A generator for your furnace ensures that when Michigan’s weather turns rough, your comfort stays constant. With Robertson Morrison, you get more than just equipment—you get an experienced local partner who manages everything from sizing and permits to service and maintenance.
Before the next deep freeze hits, reach out and schedule your assessment. You’ll be glad you did when your lights (and heat) stay on while the neighborhood goes dark.