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FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions What is an automatic standby generator? What will it power? Why should I buy an automatic standby generator instead of a portable generator? Do they have to be maintained? What is the advantage of an aluminum enclosure? What is Quiet-Test? How do I select a generator that's right for me? How long does it take to install an automatic standby generator? How much fuel does an automatic standby generator use? What is the cost of a service/maintenance contract? What is an automatic standby generator? An automatic standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates whether you are at home or away. It automatically supplies power to essential circuits of your home within seconds of a utility outage. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and awaits the next outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit. What will it power? Generac® standby generators supply electricity to the electrical panel circuits of your home through a built-in load center. You select the number of circuits you want to protect and match it to the appropriate generator system. Everything on that circuit will be protected. Generac also powers furnaces, air conditioners, well pumps, water heaters and other appliances that are hard wired into your electrical panel. Why should I buy an automatic standby generator instead of a portable generator? While portable generators do supply power, an automatic standby generator produces a higher quality of electricity. It operates automatically and runs a weekly self-test to ensure proper response to your needs. There are no extension cords to plug in and no gas tanks to fill. It operates automatically so it protects your home even when you're away. When utility power returns, the standby generator shuts itself off. Do they have to be maintained? Just like your car's engine, generators need periodic oil and filter changes. Many customers rely on Generac preventative maintenance kits to satisfy routine maintenance requirements. Refer to your owner's manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules. Kits can be purchased through the business that sold you your Generac generator. Forever Ready can provide you with all of the maintenance needed on your generator. What is the advantage of an aluminum enclosure? Aluminum is corrosion resistant, so it prolongs the life and look of the generator, particularly in salt air communities. What is Quiet-Test? Quiet-Test is a feature that reduces noise by up to 50% during the generator's weekly self-test cycle. That makes it as quiet as a car idling in your driveway. The generator starts up and operates at a reduced speed, lowering sound output by as much as 12 decibels for units that normally run at higher speeds under load. This allows for near-silent operation in test mode and satisfies all known sound ordinances. How do I select a generator that's right for me? The easiest way is to contact us so we can consult you on the exact right system for your needs at (847) 940-1448. The most accurate way is to size a generator for any application is to measure the total amount of electricity required to power the circuits or appliances that will operate with emergency backup power. In addition, certain appliances such as central air conditioners can require up to five times as much power to get them started as they will use when running. When selecting a generator, that additional starting requirement must be taken into consideration. Generac recommends that you consult a qualified electrician to ensure your generator is correctly sized for your specific requirements. Generac's 10, 14 or 16 circuit pre-wired systems make sizing easy for customers who only want to back up a few essential circuits. You simply connect the circuits you want to back up to matching circuits in the pre-wired transfer switch. For customers concerned with air conditioning, you will need to make sure the kW rating of the generator and the size of the circuit breakers in the transfer switch will meet the A/C startup power requirements. The new 20 kW model, when matched with the PowerManager LTS transfer switch, offers the most affordable whole house protection on the market. For larger homes that need Generac liquid-cooled models, a licensed electrician must perform a site survey to determine the size and voltage of the unit to meet your backup power needs. How long does it take to install an automatic standby generator? Generac home standby and QT Series generators offer the easiest installation in the industry. Our air-cooled models are shipped with a tough composite mounting pad and can often be installed in as little as four hours. Because of their additional weight, liquid-cooled units must be installed on a stronger mounting surface such as a concrete slab. Our liquid-cooled QT Series generators can normally be installed in 14 hours or less. Note: Time estimates are based on typical applications. Additional time may be required to run gas conduit or gas piping or to place the unit far from the incoming gas or electrical service. How much fuel does an automatic standby generator use?
Note: Figures are based on continuous operation at full load. It is unlikely that the generator will run at full load for an extended period, therefore, consumption decreases accordingly. What is the cost of a service/maintenance contract? Costs are determined by the installing dealer and are based upon service levels. Cost will also vary based on hourly labor rates in your local area. Top
Forever Ready Generator Solutions | 7514 Abbey Rd, Gurnee, Il
60031 | (847) 223-2315
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