re: Educate me about standby generators

quote:

---

Gigantic waste of money. Use a portable you can backfeed into house for emergencies

---

This. Just this.

I have a outlet with a special breaker that locks out the main when it's on, so no backflow. I hook a special plug to that outlet and I can power everything but the central air. I hav a portable AC and a window unit and it gets us through. Have two generators, main one is Gas, the untested one is Natural Gas and hooks up from the water heater gas line.
Total cost for all equipment both generators and wiring was maybe $1100. Takes me about ten to fifteen minutes to wheel generator out and gas it up and plug it in. So I generally only bother if power has been out more than a hour. (most of the time it's back quick)

Next house I may mount in a 6500 KW system, but I just do not see the need to pay $12000 for something I may only use for a total of a few hours a year.

Generacs are crap compared to most any other brand out there.

I had a 15kw Generac, it had several problems along the way. Problems ranged from the gas regulator (the one inside the generac case), to the transfer switch, to the motor itself. Got rid of it and put in a 20kw Kohler. So far so good on the Kohler.

Norwall Power Systems is a good outlet to buy them.
LINK /

quote:

---

Do you need a new gas line?
Maybe thats part of the cost.

---

Standby generators also need a transfer switch - I presume OP's quote included one, but some of the internet ads don't include this (and they're not cheap).

OP never said what brand he was quoted. The "good" ones will cost more than the Generacs. I have Kohler air cooled - had it for 8-9 years. I'll never go back to the portable/backfeed/extension cord stuff.

When our power goes out (maybe 6 times a year - longest period was 8 days after Gustav), my power comes on in ~ 10 seconds.

Do you have a breakdown on pricing?

How much was the unit?

quote:

---

Have fun sitting in line for gas next hurricane

---

you don't gas up your vehicles before a storm?

usually, i'll stock up a bunch of gas cans just cause during the summer regardless.

quote:

---

you don't gas up your vehicles before a storm?

usually, i'll stock up a bunch of gas cans just cause during the summer regardless.

---

I always keep two five gallon jerry cans full of ethanol free for the equipment and around storm season I try to keep all four filled and may even bust out the 2 gallon cans.
After Katrina I had two plastic barrels I kept full of gas. (actually drove it to my house from Houston in the back of my pick-up, probably not the smartest idea, lol)

Even then, one of the generators I put a natural gas carburetor on. That guy just didn't read that line.

That's way too expensive and 16kW is probably way overkill.

I run my whole 1500sqft house minus the AC on 7kW.

quote:

---

Do you have a breakdown on pricing?

How much was the unit?

---

Actually just received the email:

Listed below is what all is included in the proposal:
1. File all permits as needed for the installation
2. Order a brand new generator from Generac
3. Generac generator will be properly sized as per your power requirements the utility power is not available
4. Supply and Install new Generac whole house outdoor automatic transfer switch
5. Install new Generac Air Cooled Automatic Standby Generator
6. Supply and Install wires from meter to transfer switch
7. Supply and Install wires from transfer switch to the existing main breaker panel
8. Generator to be installed on a platform (premium option) and will be installed on cinderblocks on the
(standard option)
9. The generator will be installed on the side of the house or on the rear corner as the electric meter
10. Supply and Install new schedule 80 PVC conduit from new transfer switch to generator for power
11. Supply and install new wire through conduit to generator. This will run down the side wall and then to
where the generator is located
12. Supply and install new ¾” sch. 80 PVC conduit for communications for generator to transfer switch
13. Supply and Install new circuit for charging battery in generator
14. Supply and Install new dedicated gas line to generator to run up the side, through the attic, and then down
the side or rear wall of the house, and then connected to the generator from the gas meter. (The gas line will be
sized to code and equipment manufactory specifications).
15. Supply and Install new ball type gas shut off next to generator
16. Supply and Install new ball type gas shut off next to gas meter
17. Supply and Install new battery (sized to equipment manufactory specifications)
18. Start up (break in) procedure as per manufactory specifications by a certified tech 2 to 4 hours
19. Register generator with Generac for full warranty
20. File permits for all required permits (Building (if needed), Electrical, & Gas permit required)
21. Includes all labor, materials and taxes
22. Includes working with the local gas company to install the proper size gas meter for the house
23. Labor warranty is 5 years
24. Parts warranty is 5 years

quote:

---

Premium options. Option One. Total investment for the 20 KW Air Cooled Generac Generator Complete Installation … $15,738.00 or $158.00 per month Option Two. Total investment for the 16 KW Air Cooled Generac Generator Complete Installation … $14,566.00 or $146.00 per month Standard options. Option Three. Total investment for the 20 KW Air Cooled Generac Generator Complete Installation … $13,400.00 or $134.00 per month Option Four. Total investment for the 16 KW Air Cooled Generac Generator Complete Installation … $12,416.00 or $125.00 per month

---

Not the breakdown I was expecting to get.

I would get a competing quote. You want liquid cooled and the prices quoted are what most places are selling liquid cooled rather than air cooled.