Whole home generators

[LarsenNET]

Anyone have a whole home generator? I'm looking into it and it appears the most popular is the Generac. The reviews are all over the place so I'd like to hear some more first hand experiences. Also if Generac isn't the way to go any other recommendations that I should be researching?

I'll need it to support natural gas and produce around 20kW.

[CatFan]

The Generac aren't bad. My neighbor has a wifi enabled one that lets him check on the status from his phone and I think notifies him if something goes wrong with the test run or if the generator is powering the house.

When sizing, realize you don't have to run everything all the time. When pricing, you need to realize you may need to add a couple of thousand for the transfer switch and installation.

One thing to consider about natural gas is that in the event of a significant disaster in your area like a big tornado or earthquake they might shut the gas off to control the leaks at houses that have been damaged. More likely to stay on than being able to get gas or Diesel in a disaster, but not as guaranteed as you might think. You still need to think about a backup for the backup.

[Bob G.]

I notice a lot use a dedicated propane tank. Be sure to size the tank to last how long you expect to run the generator.

[bzbrent]

We looked at that when we built. Oklahoma springs are notorious for power outages. Decided instead to have the vital areas of the home (master br/bath, kitchen and refer, kids rooms and br, and main room and tv) wired to a separate breaker box that feeds o a 220v outlet. The electrician then made a pig tail that I can plug my 2200 w generator into and I have backup power. It's not instant, it's quit noisy, but it's damn near free.

-b-

[LarsenNET]

I hear you on natural disasters but I'll play the odds on gas availability. Never been without in 20 years and my parents live down the road and never lost it in over 40 years. Power is another story.

Thanks

[ericm]

I'm having a 20KW installed next month. I already have the transfer switch and and gas line run (installed when house was built in 2016). The 20KW unit will support an average size house just fine provided you don't go nuts during outages.

[Bob G.]

You can support a normal sized house with a 5500w/7000w generator. I can run everything in my house except for the electric dryer. I'm on city water and don't have a well/well pump.

[BIGFLAT]

We had a Generac 17KW installed about 6-7 years ago. Our town power supply has a habit of going out on a regular basis and living in south Louisiana, we get our share of hurricanes. Lights go out and 15 seconds later, we're got our own power. Can truthfully say,as seniors, best money we ever spent...BF

[Bestnews]

I checked into both General and Kohler for a previous house but left before moving. Both seemed fine but I preferred Kohler. They're definitely worth checking.

[Wedgestank]

I have worked for a Kohler and a General dealer for many years both in field service and sales. I had a ten kw Kohler at my last house and a 16kw General at the new place. Both work great. Can’t go wrong with either.

[Disciple]

Just had a Generac installed last year. Get a few few quotes; prices can very a lot.
Most of the gas companies can connect you to someone for the install.

[Whiteboat]

You can support a normal sized house with a 5500w/7000w generator. I can run everything in my house except for the electric dryer. I'm on city water and don't have a well/well pump.

That unit is too small for central AC but then it is not needed in Vermont.

Generac and Kohler are the big players. Go with who has the best service

[berudd]

I notice a lot use a dedicated propane tank. Be sure to size the tank to last how long you expect to run the generator.

I have a portable that peaks at just under 10kW that runs on either gas or propane. The power output it a little less on propane. I think it is supposed to run about 8 hours on a 15lb bottle.

[Bandwagon]

We have a Generac on gas, its 5 years old now and just put about $500.00 into it this winter. Have it on a weekly schedule to run 15 min every Wednesday.

[Nowater2shallow]

bought one for mom and dad for christmas from generac and found a guy that could install and keep that warranty, bought it from place online and saved money. if i could do it over to save time i would look for an installer not a dealer and work with them to figure out what you need then move forward

[Bob G.]

That unit is too small for central AC but then it is not needed in Vermont.

Generac and Kohler are the big players. Go with who has the best service

I have a 16k BTU window type air conditioner permanently mounted in the wall and can run that with my generator along with everything else needed during the summer like the fridge and freezer. Our normal concern is an ice storm during winter knocking out power and need heat. We can rough it without AC 10 to 11 months of the year!

[sawguy]

I have a Generac 20kw we installed 10 yrs ago. Hasn't missed a beat except for 1 new cranking battery. Runs on propane or NG ( we have propane). Exercises weekly for 15 min. Lets you know when to change oil, plugs, air filter,etc. I bought the cold kit also which includes a heated mat for the battery and a heat wrap for the oil sump. Pretty quiet also. Bought through Electric Generators Direct. The package included the transfer switch.

[billspence]

I have a 15kw Generac on natural gas. It was on propane before and we converted. I can run literally my whole house on it, like the power never went out. Everything.

It does burn about a quart of oil a day so having some of that around is important as it will shut down when it gets low.

[Corkpuller]

We have a Generac on gas, its 5 years old now and just put about $500.00 into it this winter. Have it on a weekly schedule to run 15 min every Wednesday.

Curious on what that $500 was spent on.

[Bob G.]

I have a 15kw Generac on natural gas. It was on propane before and we converted. I can run literally my whole house on it, like the power never went out. Everything.

It does burn about a quart of oil a day so having some of that around is important as it will shut down when it gets low.

Baaaaaaaaa!!!!