Generator FAQs

A generator is powered by an engine that is designed similarly to a tractor engine or an automobile engine, only it operates on natural gas for its fuel source.
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 sounds 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 equipped with a “Quiet Test” feature which allows the system to run at a slower engine speed during its weekly test that it performs (typically lasting about 12 minutes, does not affect house power during this time). This reduces the sound level.
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.

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 is so that the generator is allowed to adequately warm up and stabilize voltage before the load of the electrical system is placed on it.

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.

It varies by the model and kilowatt rating of the particular generator, but generally, it is about 2 feet deep by 4 feet across, by roughly 2 1/2 feet in height, roughly to the area that a central air conditioning unit takes up. Many times it is installed directly next to the A/C unit because there is usually adequate room there, and also this is often in close proximity to the electric meter and/or gas meter which is ideal.

In most cases, having a generator installed will not only pay for itself but it will also 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 heavy rain and your sump pump has stopped working because you’ve lost power! At a minimum, a generator provides great security from such an unfortunate occurrence.
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.

See our How Much Power Do I Need? section.

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 lifesaver! 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 airflow (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 Brochure for further information.

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 a minimum annually, or every 100 hours of operation, whichever comes first. GenX 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. Properly maintaining your power system will ensure that it is ready to work when you need it the most.