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FAQs

How much does a backup generator cost?

The cost will depend on the specific brand and power output of the generator. It can also vary depending on the complexity of installation. Fully installed, partial home generators start around $6,000. Whole home generators typically start around $8,000.

 

Generator Cost and Sizing Information Page

Does NWI Generator offer financing?

We offer financing through our partner Synchrony. Some of the most popular options include 18 months same-as-cash and longer-term 7.99% financing. Click here to apply for Synchrony financing for a specific project with NWI Generator.

How do backup generators work?

In short, a generator uses natural gas or propane and turns it into electricity. When the power goes out, a transfer switch is triggered. This switches the home power source over to the backup generator instead of utilities. A generator can then run indefinitely on natural gas, or it can also use propane sources that are available. The gas source is converted to electrical energy within the generator, and this is then transferred to the home.

Where is the best place to put my generator?

Modern generator designs are sleek and don’t disrupt the aesthetics of your home, regardless of where they are placed. The most important factor is that the generator should be in a place accessible for maintenance. NWI Generator also has unique concrete pads that we use for installation to allow the generator to rest on level ground. There are also a few rules about home generator locations. The generator must be:

  • 5 feet from windows or doors
  • 18 inches from any walls
  • On the ground (cannot be on a deck)
What is the difference between “whole home” and “partial home” backup systems?

With a whole home generator, everything in your home will operate as if the power never went out. Everything in your home will be powered as normal using the generator instead of your typical utilities. With a partial home generator, only select circuits are powered. This may include certain appliances (such as a refrigerator or sump pump), outlets, lights, etc. Partial home generators also work well for essential powered items, including water supply, life support necessities, and elevators.

In short, whole home generators power the ENTIRE house, whereas partial home generators power only what is selected.

What is “load management”?
Load management is meant to prevent overload on the generator. This process ensures that bigger electrical loads, such as air conditioners, do not bog down the generator during a power outage. In the event of an outage, load management allows certain high-power loads to be turned on and off to prevent overload on the generator so that essential circuits continue to receive electricity.
What is the process for generator installation?

We keep our generator installation process simple and transparent. The process is below.

Contact us to schedule a consultation.

  1. Consultation: We will come to your residence and discuss your needs. We will also assess and measure to determine the best installation location and process for you.
  2. Scheduling: Once we have your signed contract and your generator in stock, we will reach out to you promptly to schedule the soonest installation date.
  3. Permitting: Rest easy knowing that we will take care of getting all the permits necessary from your town of residence!
  4. Install: Our team is specialized in generator installation (it’s all we do!). This means we are trained and experienced to install your generator in one day in most cases! NWI Generator also takes pride in our quality installation. We want your generator to look beautiful and operate at top quality, so we make sure every installation is of the highest standard. The installation will also be completed with cleanup of the site and testing of the generator.
  5. Walk-Through: As soon as your installation is complete, our professional team will explain everything you need to know about the operation and maintenance of your home generator while making sure to answer every question you have.
  6. Regular maintenance: Our team is trained and experienced in the upkeep and repair of home generators. We will send you a reminder for your annual maintenance, though you are not obligated to have this performed yearly from our company. If you have a problem or are approaching the annual maintenance time for your home generator, contact NWI Generator to answer any questions or provide any services you need!
How much does it cost to run my backup generator?

A whole home generator typically costs about $1 per hour when it is actively in use.

What are the warranty options for my generator?

For Generac generators, you will be given a 5-year standard limited warranty. There are also options to upgrade to 7- or 10-year extended warranties for your home generator.

Will I have to upgrade my gas meter?

With partial home generators, most homes do not need to upgrade their gas meter. With whole home generators, around half of homes do require an upgrade. To determine if you will need an upgraded gas meter, contact your utility company:

  • NIPSCO: 844-809-8921
  • NICOR: 708-300-3788
  • Michigan Gas Utilites: 800-401-6402
  • Semco: 800-624-2019
How long do generators last?
With proper maintenance and upkeep, home generators typically last between 15 to 20 years. Without the appropriate maintenance, generators may need repairs or replacement sooner than this.
What is the ongoing maintenance like on a backup generator?
Like your vehicle, regular preventative maintenance allows the generator to operate for longer without needing repairs. Once a year, the generator needs an inspection and routine maintenance. This includes changing the oil, testing the batteries, checking the spark plugs, and replacing filters. NWI Generator can provide these annual services as well.
Will my backup generator connect to WiFi?
Generac generators rated at 10kW or higher will connect to wifi. The 7.5kW models will not. Connecting to wifi allows you to monitor the generator, see when it is running, and determine if there are any issues that will prevent it from working properly in the event of a power outage.
How do I find my AC Size?
Finding the tonnage of your AC unit is often as simple as walking outside and reading the label on the condenser unit. Most of the time, manufacturers don’t list tons, though; they list BTUs instead. Simply divide the BTUs by 12,000 to calculate the tonnage of your unit. For example, if your air conditioner is 36,000 BTUs, you have a 3 ton unit. Most manufacturers bury tonnage or BTU information in their model numbers. Look for an even, two-digit number between 18 and 60. Or, you might see a three-digit number starting with 0. If you find one of those numbers, chances are good it’s the unit’s BTUs:
  • 018 = 18,000 BTUs = 1.5 tons
  • 024 = 24,000 BTUs = 2 tons
  • 030 = 30,000 BTUs = 2.5 tons
  • 036 = 36,000 BTUs = 3.0 tons
  • 042 = 42,000 BTUs = 3.5 tons
  • 048 = 48,000 BTUs = 4.0 tons
  • And So On.
If you can’t find the BTUs on your condenser, you can get a very rough estimate by square feet cooled. In Northwest Indiana, there are usually about 800 square feet per ton of AC capacity. So if you have a 2400 square foot home, chances are you have a 3-ton AC unit. In larger homes with multiple condenser units, apply the square footage covered by each condenser to estimate in the same way. Divide your square feet by 800 to find the AC tonnage.
  • 1600 square feet = 2.0 tons
  • 2000 square feet = 2.5 tons
  • 2400 square feet = 3.0 tons
  • 3000 square feet = 3.5 tons
  • 3600 square feet = 4.0 tons (may be 2 separate condensers)
  • 4200 square feet = 4.5 tons (usually 2 separate condensers)
  • 4800 square feet = 5.0 tons (usually 2 separate condensers)
  • 5400 square feet = 5.5 tons (usually 2 separate condensers)