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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
We keep our generator installation process simple and transparent. The process is below.
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A whole home generator typically costs about $1 per hour when it is actively in use.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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: