FAQ

How long can you run a whole house generator?

As long as there is a fuel supply of natural gas or propane and it is well-maintained, a backup generator should run 24 hours a day for over a week.

How often do generators have to be maintained?

All generators require periodic maintenance, such as oil and filter changes to ensure maximum performance for years of reliable service. We recommend you have your unit serviced every 6 to 12 months by an authorized service dealer. Refer to the owner’s manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.

What size generator is needed to power a house?

It depends on the size of your home and what the space needs. We recommend you start at 10-20 kilowatts as that will give you enough flexibility to power your home.

Why should I buy an automatic backup generator instead of a portable generator?

During a 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.

What is the difference between an automatic air-cooled generator and an automatic liquid-cooled generator?

The engines! Air-cooled generators come with engines that use fans to force air across the engine for cooling, while liquid-cooled generators use enclosed radiator systems for cooling, similar to an automobile. Generally, liquid-cooled engines are used on larger kW generators due to higher power output.