Why should I buy an automatic backup generator instead of a portable generator?
During a utility power outage, an automatic backup generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator:
- 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.
- 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.
- They 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.
- They 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.
How Long Does Installation Take?
A day. After a home consultation, you should know everything you need to about your home generator. The home consultation technician should have picked out an acceptable location for the generator. Knowing this ahead of time, your generator installation should be complete in a day.
How Much Does Installation Cost?
Many factors determine cost of generator installation. In some cases, there may be preliminary preparations you can take care of to reduce the cost. A qualified member of our Generac certified team will be your installation technician, so a home consultation will estimate the total cost.
What’s the advantage of an aluminum enclosure?
Generac is one of the few companies to offer premium aluminum enclosures for its residential backup generators. Aluminum enclosures are naturally rust and corrosion resistant. For salt air or high humidity conditions, aluminum is highly recommended to ensure decades of worry free service.
Can You Install Your Generator Yourself?
For safety reasons and to ensure adherence to all local, state and national electrical codes, particularly for non pre-wired or larger systems, Generac recommends you use an authorized Generac dealer or licensed contractor, like Promise Electric.
What Type of Oil Should I Use?
An SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, similar to your car. Refer to your owner’s manual for details.
Does my Whole House Need to Be Rewired?
Generally, we recommend a whole house safety check before making that decision. The most important factors are age of wire, condition of wiring, and the safety of the home. Homes with cloth wiring or without a grounding system are examples of homes that we recommend for rewiring.
How Long Does It Take To Rewire a House?
Usually, we can rewire an entire house in about a week. This includes the necessary inspections and work. Larger homes can take two weeks or more.
I Have Two-Prong Outlets, Can I Just Replace The Outlet?
No, just replacing the outlets will not help. The third prong is the most important – the ground. Without a ground wire to attach with, the new outlets are illegal. The only way to improve your outlet is to run new wiring to each outlet. This provides a ground wire to connect to your new outlet.