Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A standby generator automatically powers your home during an outage. Unlike portable units, it runs on natural gas or propane, so there’s no refueling or extension cords. It keeps your lights, heat, sump pump, and appliances running — giving you peace of mind during storms or grid failures.

Costs vary depending on generator size, gas line requirements, and electrical setup. Most residential installations in the Capital Region range from $9,000–$12,000 turnkey, including the generator, pad, transfer switch, permits, and professional installation. We provide a free site survey and written quote before any work begins.

It depends on whether you want to power just essentials (fridge, sump pump, furnace, lights) or your whole home (AC, well pump, range, etc.). During your site survey, we’ll calculate your home’s load requirements and recommend the right size system — typically between 10kW and 26kW for most homes.

We are a Generac Authorized dealer and are certified by Generac for installation and as a service dealer for both air and liquid cooled units.

Most installations are completed in 1–2 days once permits and utility approvals are in place. From initial consultation to final inspection, the full process typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on your town’s permitting timeline.

Generally speaking, Yes. Most towns in the Capital Region require permit, with a few exceptions depending on the town and/or the scope of the work.  Further, each town has its own process for what it requires on a building permit application, some simple, some more complex.  We handle the entire process — drawings, applications, and inspections — so you don’t have to.

Local codes require generators to be installed outdoors on a concrete or other approved pad/surface, typically at least 5 feet from windows, doors, vents and openings. We’ll evaluate your property and recommend the best, code-compliant location.

Yes. We coordinate with propane providers or your natural gas utility to ensure safe, properly sized piping and regulators are installed.

Generac recommends an annual maintenance, or at specified time intervals, whichever comes first — oil & filter change, spark plugs, air filter, firmware updates, valve inspection/adjustment and a full system test. This keeps your warranty valid and ensures reliability.

Yes. We offer several different types of service plans to give you flexible options at keeping your generator up and running.   Our flagship and most popular option is our Annual Service Agreement, to include one scheduled maintenance visit per year, a mid-term on site check of the unit and battery test, priority service during storms, waived/reduced service call fees and discounted parts/labor.

Call us right away — we offer 24/7 emergency support for our customers. With stocked parts and factory-trained technicians, we can quickly get your system running.

Yes. As a Generac dealer, we offer flexible financing options to fit most budgets — including low monthly payments and deferred-interest programs (subject to credit approval).

Generac standby generators include a 5-year limited warranty. When you purchase a complete installation through us, we offer options for extended 7 and 10 year warranties.  

That depends on your chosen system size and transfer switch setup. Some customers choose “essential circuits only,” while others install a whole-home system. We’ll explain both options during your free in-home consultation.

Demand spikes after major outages, so wait times can be longer. The best time to install is before storm season. That way, you’re already protected when the power goes out.

We recommend service consistent with the Generac service schedule, which is generally annual or every 200 hours, whichever comes first — just like a car, your generator needs regular oil, filter, and plug changes, along with valve inspection/adjustments and other mechanical checks.  A yearly inspection ensures it’s ready when you need it most and keeps your manufacturer warranty valid.

Our standard maintenance visit covers the minimum requirements that Generac lists in their service manual.  If you choose a service that goes above and beyond the minimum to ensure peace of mind in the operation of your generator, our Premier Maintenance and Annual Service Contract Include:

• Oil and filter change
• Spark plug replacement
• Air filter replacement
• Battery test and anti-corrosion treatment
• Firmware/software update
• Valve inspection/adjustment
• Inspection of transfer switch and wiring
• General safety check of gas/electrical connections

Not always. If we have access to the generator location and your service agreement is on file, we can complete most maintenance visits without you home. For repairs or troubleshooting, we may need to speak with you directly.

First, check that the generator is in “Auto” mode and that your propane or natural gas supply is on. If it still won’t start, call us immediately — we provide 24/7 emergency support for our customers.

Some minor alerts (like maintenance reminders) can be cleared, but fault codes usually mean the unit needs professional service. Call us before resetting so we can ensure the issue is properly diagnosed.

Our Annual Service Contract includes one scheduled maintenance visit per year, a mid-term on site check of the unit and battery test, priority service during storms, waived/reduced service call fees and discounted parts/labor.  It ensures your system is always ready — and you don’t have to remember to call us each year.

Yes. We’ll transfer your agreement to the new homeowner, which you can use as a selling point that the generator is under professional care.

Emergency calls are billed separately, but plan members get priority scheduling and reduced rates on emergency service calls, parts and labor.

Keep the area around it clear of snow, leaves, and debris; check propane/natural gas levels before storms; and stick to your annual service schedule. With proper care, most standby generators last 15–20 years.

As long as it has a continuous fuel supply (propane or natural gas) and receives regular maintenance, your generator can run for days or weeks during extended outages.  With that being said, most generators require a unit shutdown for an oil check for every 24 hours of usage.