What does a backup generator sound like when it's running?
A generator is powered by a natural gas engine similar to a tractor engine or an automobile engine.

The weather enclosure surrounding the system is acoustically designed to lower the sound levels. In addition, automotive style mufflers are installed to further reduce noise. However, they do still make sound like any engine would.

During a power outage, most of the residential line of generators we carry produce between 62dB and 72dB (decibels) of sound, that being the engine running at a steady speed. This is measured at a distance of 7 meters (23 feet) from the generator.

However, Generac now makes several models that are now are equipped with a "Quiet Test" feature which allows the system to run at a slower engine speed during it's weekly test that it performs (typically lasting about 12 minutes, does not affect house power during this time). This reduces the sound level. The chart below shows what the decibel levels are for typical every day noises:

Many manufacturers have made improvements over the years with respect to the design of the enclosure, or 'housing' of their generators, as well as to the exhaust and muffler systems, to reduce noise levels. These systems are designed to be in a residential setting, and are within the sound ordinances (if any) in most communities. We have additional information if your community requires it.

How long does it take for the system to turn on when a power outage occurs?
Your power system will start and switch power to your home within 10-20 seconds. You will observe that the generator actually starts and runs for a few seconds before switching over. This so that the generator is allowed to adequately warm up and stabilize voltage before the load of the electrical system is placed on it.

How long does it take to turn off after the power comes back on?
As a precautionary measure, the generator will continue to run for an additional 1 to 3 minutes after the power comes back on to ensure that the utility power is stable, as well as to allow the engine in the system to cool down before completely shutting off.

Will this product increase the value of my home?
In most cases, having a generator installed not only will it pay for itself but it will increase the value of your home by several thousand dollars. Not to mention the money it can save you in basement repair costs - imagine that there's a heavy rain and your sump pump has stopped working because you've lost power! At minimum, a generator provides great security from such an unfortunate occurance.

Generators can be extremely attractive to an informed buyer. In fact, many new home builders are now offering backup power systems as an optional item.

What size generator do I need for my home?
See our How Much Power Do I Need section.

How long will my system run in the case of an extended power outage?
Standby generators are designed to handle power outages lasting several hours at a time, and have in some cases kept the power going for days and even weeks in extreme situations where power lines were seriously damaged from severe storms, etc. Generators can be a life saver! However, it is not designed to be run as a primary power source for these kinds of time periods without a little maintenance in between.

The amount of time that it's been running since the last maintenance interval directly coincides with how much time you have left until maintenance is needed once again. Generators do not have odometers to track maintenance - they are tracked by the hours of operation, similar to a pleasure boat. They can run for approximately 48-72 hours straight, before they must be shut down for a brief oil change servicing and to check for adequate air flow (for cooling), spark, ignition, power quality check, and some other items directly related to the power production. In a power outage situation, we can shut the unit down for maintenance and have it back up powering your home within 10-20 minutes. This of course is just to keep you going, it would not be a full maintenance job.

See our Preventive Maintenance Program Options for further information.

What do I have to do to take care of my power system once it is installed?
It is critical that your power system be properly maintained if it is to deliver the level of performance and reliability that you expected when you purchased it.

Just like your automobile, the power system needs to be maintained with a simple mechanical maintenance schedule which includes oil changes, filter changes, battery maintenance, as well as checking a variety of electronic components and other items, much like an automobile checkup.

We recommend that you have routine maintenance performed at minimum annually, or every 100 hours of operation, whichever comes first. Gen-X offers several maintenance programs that vary in the frequency of visits, as well as some of our options offer discounts on any repairs that are not covered by warranty. All of our maintenance options include our Auto Dialer Service at no additional charge (for this accessory, see our Products section). Properly maintaining your power system will ensure that it is ready to work when you need it the most.

How much does a completely installed system cost?
Please see our Products section for our listed start prices for Generac - if you would like a quote for another brand, or have a generator that you just need an installation quote for, we'd be happy to provide this as well.

There are two things that affect the price of a completely installed system - the size of the generator needed and the complexity of the installation. For estimating purposes, most residential systems range between $400 and $600 per kW, fully installed. This includes the generator, the transfer gear, and all electrical and gas work - everything for a complete installation. However, as you get into the larger generators, this range lowers slightly because of the economics involved.

Our lead times are typically 1 to 2 weeks from receiving a signed contract with a deposit of 1/3 down, to a completely installed system.