What kind of generator do I need?
It will depend on what sort of application (marine/residential/small business) and the space available for the generator. If you are looking to power your home or business in the event of a power outage, then an automatic backup power solution from Kohler will be correct. If you are looking for a generator for your powerboat or sailing vessel, a Kohler or Fischer Panda diesel marine generator will work.
How do I go about getting a generator for my boat, home or business?
Give us a call and we will schedule a technician to come out and discuss options with you on what kind and size generator you will need, the best placement of the generator to access the gas and electric utilities, where the electrical transfer switch will be located, the capacity of your current gas delivery system and whether the meter, regulator, and/or gas piping needs to be upgraded, and how many electrical items you want to work when the power goes out other than the necessities such as the furnace, sump pump, and refrigerator/freezer.
Is the generator loud?
Generators are powered by an internal combustion engine so they do generate some vibration and noise but these are greatly deadened by the enclosure that the generators come in. Portable generators run with barely an audible whisper while automatic backup generators will only be heard as a slight hum inside the home or building.
How long does it take to have a generator installed?
The process will depend on several factors including:
How much room do I need outside for my residential or small business generator?
Most standby generators are about the size of a central air conditioning unit. But standby generators will need a minimum of 5 feet of clearance out the back of the unit for the hot exhaust. If landscaping, sidewalks, animal pens, or other delicate items are placed closer than 5 feet then they risk being damaged or destroyed. Otherwise generators will need 3 feet of clearance on the other three sides to be able to access the unit for its routine maintenance and any other service needs throughout the lifetime of the unit.
What maintenance does a generator need?
At a minimum a generator will need to have it's oil, air filter and spark plugs replaced once a year. If you experience an extended power outage then it is best to replace these items once power is restored so the next time you need the generator it is ready to use.
What is included with the generator?
For most residential and small business applications, the generator itself is just the starting point. You will most likely also need a transfer switch, a starting battery, a pad to set the generator on which can be concrete or a formed area or landscaping rock, an electrician to change over the wiring, add the transfer switch, add the service disconnect if needed, a plumber to extend the gas line to the generator, a gas regulator if needed, miscellaneous plumbing supplies to connect the gas line to the generator itself, a technician to install the generator, start up the unit, and program it for its exercise cycle.
What other costs may I experience with my generator installation?
Depending on your specific installation you may also have special permits that need to be obtained, landscaping that needs to be changed, removed, or modified, delivery and installation costs for setting the unit if the access to the site is difficult, costs to change out or modify your gas supply system including a new tank, new regulator, new gas meter, or fees to the gas public service to even determine if you need an upgrade, a site plan for state approval, etc. Every installation can have its own set of variables that need to be analyzed by our technicians to be certain what all may be involved.
It will depend on what sort of application (marine/residential/small business) and the space available for the generator. If you are looking to power your home or business in the event of a power outage, then an automatic backup power solution from Kohler will be correct. If you are looking for a generator for your powerboat or sailing vessel, a Kohler or Fischer Panda diesel marine generator will work.
How do I go about getting a generator for my boat, home or business?
Give us a call and we will schedule a technician to come out and discuss options with you on what kind and size generator you will need, the best placement of the generator to access the gas and electric utilities, where the electrical transfer switch will be located, the capacity of your current gas delivery system and whether the meter, regulator, and/or gas piping needs to be upgraded, and how many electrical items you want to work when the power goes out other than the necessities such as the furnace, sump pump, and refrigerator/freezer.
Is the generator loud?
Generators are powered by an internal combustion engine so they do generate some vibration and noise but these are greatly deadened by the enclosure that the generators come in. Portable generators run with barely an audible whisper while automatic backup generators will only be heard as a slight hum inside the home or building.
How long does it take to have a generator installed?
The process will depend on several factors including:
- The short answer is that a generator project can typically be finished from signed contract and deposit received to generator installed and up and running in approximately 3-6 weeks depending on the variables. Our staff will be able to give you a much more detailed timeline once we understand the details and your needs.
- Is the generator in stock or readily available?
Some units are in higher demand that others and can run in short supply especially if there is a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado that causes accelerated buying among the general public and low inventory. - Does my gas service need to be upgraded?
Sometimes the gas meter, gas regulator, and gas pipe sizing needs to be upgraded before the generator is installed adding several weeks to the timeline. - How accessible are the utilities?
If the gas line needs to be trenched a long distance or more wire needs to be pulled to tie the transfer switch into the electrical service then it can add time to the project.
How much room do I need outside for my residential or small business generator?
Most standby generators are about the size of a central air conditioning unit. But standby generators will need a minimum of 5 feet of clearance out the back of the unit for the hot exhaust. If landscaping, sidewalks, animal pens, or other delicate items are placed closer than 5 feet then they risk being damaged or destroyed. Otherwise generators will need 3 feet of clearance on the other three sides to be able to access the unit for its routine maintenance and any other service needs throughout the lifetime of the unit.
What maintenance does a generator need?
At a minimum a generator will need to have it's oil, air filter and spark plugs replaced once a year. If you experience an extended power outage then it is best to replace these items once power is restored so the next time you need the generator it is ready to use.
What is included with the generator?
For most residential and small business applications, the generator itself is just the starting point. You will most likely also need a transfer switch, a starting battery, a pad to set the generator on which can be concrete or a formed area or landscaping rock, an electrician to change over the wiring, add the transfer switch, add the service disconnect if needed, a plumber to extend the gas line to the generator, a gas regulator if needed, miscellaneous plumbing supplies to connect the gas line to the generator itself, a technician to install the generator, start up the unit, and program it for its exercise cycle.
What other costs may I experience with my generator installation?
Depending on your specific installation you may also have special permits that need to be obtained, landscaping that needs to be changed, removed, or modified, delivery and installation costs for setting the unit if the access to the site is difficult, costs to change out or modify your gas supply system including a new tank, new regulator, new gas meter, or fees to the gas public service to even determine if you need an upgrade, a site plan for state approval, etc. Every installation can have its own set of variables that need to be analyzed by our technicians to be certain what all may be involved.