Generac Frequently Asked Questions

We all have questions about the things we don't know about. Here at Townsend Energy, we have your home backup generator solutions!

What Is An Automatic Backup Generator?

It is a backup electrical system that’s designed to run and operate, proving your home power whether you are home or away. It automatically delivers power to the electrical circuit breaker in your home in just a few seconds of a power outage. Once utility power is restored, the generator will automatically shut off to patiently wait for the next power outage. It is typically positioned outside the exterior of your home, just like your air conditioning unit.

Why Choose Generac?

Generac has been around for close to 60 years and during that time, the company has become known for reliability, superior generator solutions, and offers consumers a huge variety of systems to suit any situation or need you may have.

Power generation is what Generac is best known for. From the company’s top of the line product development to an in-house customer service team, to a network of highly experienced dealers, Generac’s commitment and focus to providing reliable power supply solutions is simply unmatched in the industry.

How Do I Correctly Size A Generator For My Home?

Having the correct generator size for your home and lifestyle is very important to ensure that your essential and needed equipment/appliances will stay running at an optimal level without the need for power supplied from your utility company.

Here is what you need to do to properly size a backup generator for you and your family:

1. Make a list of any and all items that you know will be drawing power from the generator in case of an electrical outage.
2. Write down the starting and running wattage of the items you identified in your list. This can be checked by looking at the identification plates of the equipment or the owner’s manual. The amount of electricity required to run specific appliances are given in the form of amperes. Yet you cannot use that to determine your wattage requirements alone. Use the formula: Wattage= Amperes x Volts
3. Calculate the total power requirements in watts you need by using the figures obtained in the above step.
4. Download our wattage worksheet to help with sizing or call us for a free in-home consultation.

Can I Install The Generator Myself?

Some generator manufacturers such as Generac usually have prepackaged and prewired systems that already come with very comprehensive installation instructions.

You can decide to do site preparation steps because they may be simpler and hire a professional to secure the fuel and electrical panel connections for safety reasons. You can always decide to complete the entire installation yourself if you’d like. When it comes to selecting and preparing a site, it is always best to follow the guidelines of the installation manual that comes with your generator.

For safety reasons and to ensure strict adherence to the state, local, and national electrical codes, generator manufacturers like Generac usually recommend using an authorized dealer like Townsend Energy or another licensed contractor. Especially for any non-pre-wired or larger systems.

Do Generators Have To Be Maintained?

Yes, some simple maintenance of your generator is necessary and it is recommended to be performed annually. If you’re using your generator more frequently, it might be beneficial to have a semi-annual service. Just like cars, all generators require there to be a periodic inspection done.

Oil and filters to be changed, as well as other routine maintenance help to ensure maximum performance, reliable service, and a product you can count on when mother nature cuts off your electricity for a long time.

There are preventative maintenance kits available and many Generac dealers often offer annual maintenance contracts. This helps to provide you with a worry-free backup generator experience. You should refer to the owner’s manual for routine, semi-annual, or annual maintenance schedules and procedures or best to contact Townsend Energy with any maintenance-related questions.

Why Should I Invest In An Automatic Backup Generator Rather Than A Portable Generator?

An automatic backup generator has a plethora of advantages over a portable generator during a utility power outage. It turns on automatically, whether you are home, away, or on business and will turn off automatically once power is restored to your home. This means that you won’t have to monitor the unit in case of a power outage.

By having an automatic backup generator installed outside, you keep your home protected from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a real risk with portable generators. Home backup generators run on propane or natural gas, which makes it way cheaper to operate and doesn’t require you to do the refilling.

Having an automatic backup generator allows your power to start as soon as there’s a power outage, which eliminates the need to move a portable generator outside or having to run messy extension cords all over your home to keep the power flowing.

What Differences Exist Between Automatic Air-Cooled Generators And Automatic Liquid-Cooled Generators?

Air-cooled generators cool the engine by using fans to force air across the engine, while the liquid-cooled generators are more similar to that of an automobile because they use an enclosed radiator and water pump for cooling.

In the liquid-cooled generator, with help of the thermostat, the pump cycles controlled liquid coolant to the engine block through hoses while heat from the engine is transferred to the coolant. The heated liquid then goes into the radiator where the air is being used to cool it.