Owning a century home in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) comes with charm, character—and challenges. While these homes offer architectural beauty and historical appeal, many were built long before today’s electrical demands. With rising power outages across Ontario due to aging infrastructure and severe weather, one question keeps coming up: Should you install a generator or a battery backup system?

At Murtex Electric, we specialize in modern electrical solutions for older homes. If you're weighing your options for backup power, here's what you need to know.

Why Backup Power Is Critical for Older Homes

Older homes often have:

• Outdated wiring
  
  
• Small or overloaded electrical panels
  
  
• No surge protection
  
  
• Critical appliances like sump pumps or older heating systems
  
  

A power outage in an older home isn’t just inconvenient—it can lead to flooded basements, spoiled food, frozen pipes, or complete heating loss. These homes typically don’t have the insulation or efficiency of newer builds, so keeping them powered is essential, especially in GTA winters.

Backup Power Options: A Quick Overview

1. Standby Generator Systems

These are permanent, gas- or propane-powered units that automatically turn on when the power goes out.

Pros:

• Powers large loads, including HVAC, sump pumps, and full-home circuits
  
  
• Automatic start-up (you don’t need to be home)
  
  
• Ideal for longer outages
  
  
• Long lifespan with regular maintenance
  
  

Cons:

• Requires natural gas or propane hookup
  
  
• Higher upfront and installation cost
  
  
• Requires outdoor space and permitting
  
  

2. Battery Backup Systems

Battery systems (like Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem) store electricity from the grid (or solar, if installed) and automatically switch on during an outage.

Pros:

• Quiet and emission-free
  
  
• Can be installed indoors
  
  
• Ideal for shorter outages or powering critical circuits (e.g., fridge, lights, sump pump)
  
  
• Can integrate with solar for energy savings
  
  

Cons:

• Limited capacity (may not run HVAC or large appliances)
  
  
• Higher cost per kilowatt-hour than fuel-based systems
  
  
• May require electrical upgrades to integrate safely
  
  

What’s Best for a Century Home in the GTA?

The answer depends on several key factors:

1. Size of Your Electrical Load

If your home depends on high-load appliances like electric heating, a generator may be better suited. However, if your priority is keeping critical systems (fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, sump pump) running for a few hours at a time, a battery system might be enough.

2. Panel and Wiring Age

Some older homes still run on 60–100 amp panels or knob-and-tube wiring. These systems may not safely support a generator or battery installation without upgrades. Murtex Electric can assess and upgrade your system to ensure compatibility and safety.

3. Frequency and Duration of Outages

In areas of the GTA where blackouts are frequent or last several hours, a standby generator provides peace of mind. If outages are rare and short, a battery backup may offer quieter, cleaner power without ongoing fuel costs.

4. Space and Local Bylaws

Battery systems are compact and silent—ideal for tighter lots or neighborhoods with strict noise or zoning rules. Generators, while more powerful, require outdoor space, ventilation, and in some cases, municipal permits.

Hybrid Systems: Best of Both Worlds?

Some homeowners are opting for hybrid setups—a battery backup for short outages and a generator for extended blackouts. This combination can provide flexibility and optimize both cost and reliability.

Let Murtex Electric Help You Choose the Right System

Whether you live in a Victorian semi in Toronto, a farmhouse in Caledon, or a lakeside property in Durham, we understand the unique electrical needs of century homes. Our licensed electricians can:

• Assess your home’s current capacity
  
  
• Recommend generator or battery options
  
  
• Upgrade your panel or wiring if needed
  
  
• Handle full installation, permitting, and ESA inspection
  
  

We’re also available for 24/7 emergency electrical service—because power issues don’t wait for business hours.

Ready to Protect Your Home from the Next Outage?

Don’t wait until you're left in the dark. Contact Murtex Electric today for a backup power consultation and find out which solution is right for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.