Standby Generators - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Permanent standby generators are designed to operate in all weather conditions including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Their weather-resistant enclosures protect the engine, alternator, and electrical components from moisture...

Most residential well pumps require a generator with at least 3,000 to 5,000 starting watts, though the pump is rarely the only load you need to power. A 1 HP...

Yes. A permanently installed standby generator increases home value by an estimated 3% to 5%, according to real estate industry data. On a $400,000 home, that translates to $12,000 to...

For reliable work-from-home backup power, a standby generator of 16kW to 22kW provides whole-house coverage including your home office, internet router, HVAC, and lighting. A standby generator with an automatic...

A standby generator uses approximately 2 to 4 gallons of propane per hour at full load, depending on the generator size. A 22kW generator consumes roughly 3.5 gallons per hour...

A typical residential sump pump (1/3 HP to 1/2 HP) requires 800 to 1,300 running watts with a starting surge of 1,300 to 2,700 watts. While a small portable generator...

A cold weather kit is recommended for standby generators installed in climates where temperatures regularly drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). The kit typically includes a battery warmer,...

Natural gas is preferred if your home has an existing gas line because it provides unlimited fuel supply with no tank to refill. Propane is the standard choice for homes...

The best time to buy a standby generator is before you need it. Generator prices increase and inventory shortages occur after major storms and widespread outages when demand surges. Ordering...

A 1,500 square foot house typically needs a 14kW to 22kW standby generator. A 14kW with load management covers essentials and moderate AC use. A 16kW to 20kW handles the...

Yes. A whole house generator is worth the investment for most homeowners. It adds 3% to 5% to home value (often recovering most of the cost at resale), prevents thousands...

Yes, Generac generators are reliable. Generac is the number one selling home standby generator brand in the United States with millions of installed units. Their Guardian Series offers proven performance,...

Generac offers the best value, widest model selection, and largest dealer network. Kohler offers quieter operation, heavier build quality, and premium engineering. For most homeowners, a Generac 22kW provides excellent...

A standby generator prevents the most expensive winter outage disasters: frozen and burst pipes ($5,000 to $20,000+ in damage), furnace shutdown leading to dangerous indoor temperatures, sump pump failure during...

A standby generator of 16kW to 22kW with an automatic transfer switch is the recommended solution for homes with medical equipment. Automatic operation is critical because patients using oxygen concentrators,...

Yes. You can purchase your generator and transfer switch online from IB Lighting at competitive pricing with free freight shipping, then hire a local licensed electrician for installation. Many homeowners...

During a week-long outage your home faces $500 to $800 in spoiled food, potential frozen pipe damage ($5,000 to $20,000+), possible basement flooding from sump pump failure ($3,000 to $15,000+),...

Generac Mobile Link is a WiFi-enabled remote monitoring system that lets you check your generator status from a smartphone app. It reports real-time operating status, utility power status, maintenance reminders,...

The Generac Guardian series is designed for residential whole-house backup from 10kW to 26kW with air-cooled engines. The Generac Protector series is built for commercial and large residential applications from...

Essential Generac accessories include a maintenance kit matched to your model, a cold weather kit (for climates below 32F), a whole-house surge protector, a composite or concrete mounting pad, and...