Frequently Asked Questions
Installing a Generator
Your generator should meet your minimum needs and still be within your budget. A whole-house generator may be comfortable, but consider which circuits you could live without for several days in the worst-case scenario, and which are absolutely necessary. Choose the kiloWatt rating of the generator that can support those absolutely necessary circuits first, and then add more circuits as your budget allows. See our articles page for more information.
From the time the contract is signed until the time final town inspections are obtained averages about 2-4 weeks.
Once you choose a generator that meets your needs, we apply for all the permits required in your town. When your standby generator runs on natural gas, we add the plumbing from your existing gas feed line to the unit. For diesel generators, we install the tank and pipes connecting it to your engine. We also install a transfer switch that automatically diverts your served circuits from your power utility feed to the generator at the onset of a power outage. Finally, we add a new electrical sub-panel to house the generator-supported circuits when your generator is not whole-home.
In residential areas without access to natural gas lines, generators must be fueled by liquid propane. For these projects, we provide a list of licensed propane tank specialists. These professionals install the fuel tank and all necessary plumbing to ensure compliance with local zoning and ordinances. Meanwhile, our team takes care of installing the generator, transfer switch, and all associated electrical and mechanical components.
You can start with the form on our “Contact Us” page — simply fill out the form and indicate the service you are looking for in the drop down menu. The link appears in the banner menu at the top of this page.
Financials of Generator Ownership
The cost of a generator installation varies depending on the scope of the project, type of equipment and systems being installed, and the days of labor to install the generator, plumbing, electrical, and transfer switch. For example, an installation will cost less the closer the generator is positioned to your home’s gas meter. The proximity of the electric meter to the gas meter will also reduce cost. Furthermore, an air-cooled system will be less expensive than a liquid-cooled one; however, air-cooled systems may not be suitable for very large homes.
Yes, we provide free estimates for both installation and maintenance services. You can schedule one by going to the “Contact Us” link in the menu above and filling out the form on the page.
We accept cash, personal or bank check, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
Not at this time.
Warranties on the generator and transfer switch vary depending on the manufacturer. You can also buy extended warranties at the time of purchase. These cover any defective parts provided you maintain your generator regularly. Our generator installation work is backed by a one-year limited warranty.
Yes, there is a service call fee, which covers the technician’s time and travel. However, if you decide to move forward with repairs, the service fee is often credited toward the cost of the repair.
Generator Maintenance
Yes we do — see our maintenance plan options under the “Services” tab in the banner menu above.
Regular maintenance includes oil changes, air filter replacements, and load bank testing for commercial units. We offer maintenance plans to take care of this for you, and we recommend this while your system is under warranty. This will ensure that your warranty will be honored.
We recommend having your generator serviced at least once a year, or more frequently if it’s used regularly or under extreme conditions. Properties close to the water should be maintained at least twice per year due to the increased likelihood of corrosion from salt air.
Warranties on the generator and transfer switch vary depending on the manufacturer. You can also buy extended warranties at the time of purchase. These cover any defective parts provided you maintain your generator regularly. Our generator installation work is backed by a one-year limited warranty.
We will send you an email about one month before your contract expires. It will give you the option to log onto our portal to renew online. You can also call us and we will set that up for you.
Generator Troubleshooting and Repairs
All of the generators we install perform a self-test weekly and provide results in an app. Many also send monthly status reports to your email. If these self-tests detect a problem, please notify us. We can view your trouble report and make any needed repairs. We can also monitor your unit in real time for an additional fee. If you are interested in this service, let us know.
There are several potential reasons why your generator might not start, such as a dead battery, lack of fuel, or an issue with the starter motor. It’s best to have one of our technicians diagnose and fix the issue.
If your generator is over 10-12 years old, frequently breaks down, or no longer provides the necessary power output, it may be time to consider a replacement. Our technicians can assess its condition and provide guidance.
Yes, we provide repair services for most major generator brands. Whether it’s a minor issue or a more complex repair, our technicians are ready to help.
Should this happen, call to schedule an appointment with us. We will fix the problem and file the warranty claim with the manufacturer on your behalf.
You can check your warranty status by referring to the documentation you received at the time of purchase or installation. If you can’t find it, one of our team members can help verify the warranty for you.
If your generator fails during an outage outside our normal business hours, please call our office and we will have a repair person to you as soon as possible. For non-emergencies, please leave us a message and we will call you back during typical business hours.
Yes, we offer 24-7 emergency generator repairs. If you need an emergency repair now, please call our office. You do not need to be an existing maintenance customer. However, during outages we prioritize our maintenance contract customers.
Our response time depends on the nature of the emergency and our technicians’ availability. In most cases, we aim to respond within 2 hours for emergency repairs.
Yes, there is typically a service fee for emergency repairs. The exact fee will depend on the nature of the issue and the time of day. We will provide a clear estimate before proceeding.