Generators Buyer’s Guide
Pre-Purchase Information
What are the upfront costs for Generac generators?
The total investment for a Generac home standby generator system typically ranges from $7,000 to $15,000+ depending on:
Generator size and model
Installation complexity
Local permit requirements
Electrical panel upgrades (if needed)
Fuel source connections
We provide clear, detailed quotes with no hidden fees during the consultation process. Seasonal promotions and financing options are available.
Are there financing options available?
Yes. During your consultation, we’ll walk through your best options.
We offer multiple financing options with competitive rates and flexible terms through our financing partners:
0% interest plans (for qualified buyers)
Low monthly payment options
No down payment required in many cases
Easy online application process
Quick approval decisions
How long does installation typically take?
Most residential installations are completed in 1–2 days. Weather, permitting, and panel upgrades may affect this timeline.
The process includes:
Day 1: Concrete pad installation, generator placement, and fuel line connection
Day 2: Electrical connections, transfer switch installation, and system testing
What permits are required for installation?
Our team handles all permitting and inspections for you.
Permits vary by area, but often include:
Electrical permits for transfer switch and wiring
Mechanical permits for gas or propane connections
Zoning permits for placement, sound, and setbacks
Do I need site preparation before installation?
If your property needs extra prep, we’ll review it during your consultation.
Standard installation includes:
Leveling the ground
Installing the concrete pad
Basic landscape adjustments
Fuel line trenching
Electrical planning and prep
Installation Process
What’s involved in a typical Generac installation?
Our installation process includes:
Site Evaluation — We assess your power needs and identify the best location for your generator
Permit Acquisition — We handle all required permits and local code compliance
Site Preparation — A level concrete pad is installed and the site is cleared if needed
Generator Placement — The unit is carefully set and secured in place
Fuel Connection — We connect to your home’s gas line or install a propane tank
Electrical Integration — The transfer switch is installed and wired to your panel
System Testing — The entire system is tested for proper startup and shutdown
Customer Orientation — We walk you through how everything works and answer any questions
Where should my generator be placed on my property?
Our team will recommend a location based on these factors and your property’s layout. Generator placement depends on safety codes, functionality, and your preferences:
Code Requirements: Must be at least 5 ft from doors/windows and 18 in from the structure
Efficiency: Shorter runs to the panel and fuel source reduce cost and complexity
Noise: We recommend placing the unit away from bedrooms and neighboring structures
Access: At least 3 ft of clearance is needed on all sides for service and maintenance
Aesthetics: Placement can be adjusted to reduce visual impact or incorporate landscaping
How is the generator connected to my home’s electrical system?
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is installed next to your main panel. It works like this:
ATS monitors utility power
If power is lost, it signals the generator to start
Once ready, it transfers your home’s electrical load from the grid to the generator
When grid power returns, it switches your home back and shuts the generator down after a cooldown
This transition happens automatically. You don’t need to do a thing.
What fuel options are available for Generac generators?
Natural Gas:
Connects to your home’s existing gas line
No refueling required
Lower operating cost
Fewer maintenance needs
Works well in areas with natural gas service
Liquid Propane (LP):
Stored in tanks above or below ground
A good option for properties without gas service
Clean-burning fuel
Tank sizes typically range from 250–1,000 gallons
Runtime depends on tank size and usage
Dual-Fuel:
Some models support both gas and propane
Offers flexibility depending on supply
Select models switch automatically between fuels
We’ll help you choose based on what’s available on your property and how you plan to use the system.
Maintenance & Opperation
How often does a Generac generator need maintenance?
Generac recommends the following service intervals:
Monthly: Visual inspection and self-test run (automatically performed by the unit)
Every 6 months or 200 hours: Oil and filter change, battery check, overall system review
Annually: Full inspection including spark plugs, fuel system, cooling system, and electrical connections
We offer service plans to keep everything running reliably, so you don’t have to track schedules or handle it yourself.
What maintenance can I do myself versus requiring a technician?
DIY Maintenance:
Inspect for pests, debris, or damage
Check oil levels (when cool)
Keep the area around the unit clear
Listen for unusual sounds during self-test
Clean the exterior
Professional Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes
Spark plug service
Fuel system inspection and cleaning
Battery testing or replacement
Transfer switch servicing
Software updates and diagnostics
Homeowners with technical experience can handle basic upkeep, but professional service helps protect your warranty and keeps the system working the way it should.
How loud are Generac generators during operation?
Most Generac home standby units run at about 60–70 decibels, similar to a central AC unit. During weekly test mode, the generator runs even quieter (57–60 decibels) to limit disruption. Factors that affect noise include:
Generator size – Larger units may run louder
Power load – More demand can raise volume
Placement – Walls and windows can reflect or absorb sound
Optional add-ons – Sound-reducing enclosures are available
How quickly does the generator activate during a power outage?
Here’s what happens when the power goes out:
Utility loss is detected immediately
The generator starts up within 5–10 seconds
It reaches a stable output in another 10–15 seconds
The automatic transfer switch flips your home over to generator power
Total time to restored power: around 30 seconds
We recommend using surge protectors for sensitive electronics during this brief handoff.
What’s included in your maintenance packages?
Basic Plan:
Wifi Dealer Monitoring
Annual maintenance visits
Annual software updates
General inspection
Oil and filter service
Priority scheduling
10% off repair parts and labor
Premium Plan:
Wifi Dealer monitoring
Twice-a-year maintenance visits
Twice-a-year software updates
In-depth system testing
Full fluid and filter changes
Priority emergency service
15% off repair parts and labor
Annual transfer switch check
Battery replaced every three years
Ultimate Plan:
Everything in the Premium Plan
24/7 Cellular Monitoring by Dealer
24/7 Emergency Response
10-Yr Extended Warranty on eligible equipment
Free loaner generator during extended repairs
Warranty & Service
What warranty coverage comes with a Generac generator?
As an authorized Generac dealer, we handle all warranty-related service in-house using factory-certified technicians and original Generac parts.
Generac home standby generators come with:
5-Year Limited Warranty – Includes parts, labor, and travel for the first two years, and parts-only coverage through year five
10-Year Extended Limited Warranty – Optional upgrade that covers parts and labor for ten years
Transferable Coverage – Warranty can transfer to new homeowners if you sell your home
What’s covered under the warranty versus what’s not?
We'll go over the full warranty details during installation so you know exactly what to expect.
Covered:
Manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship
Generator control systems and core components
Engine and alternator assemblies
Transfer switch (if purchased with the generator)
Labor and travel (first 2 years of standard warranty)
Not Covered:
Routine maintenance items (oil, filters, spark plugs)
Damage from neglect, misuse, or improper installation
Cosmetic issues that don’t affect performance
Battery after the first year
Weather or environmental damage outside operating limits
How do I schedule service or maintenance?
You can schedule service by:
Calling our service line at 970-769-6343
Emailing us directly at info@stonepeakpower.com
Filling out the service request form on our website
If you’re enrolled in a maintenance plan, you’ll receive priority scheduling. Emergency service is available by phone 24/7.
What’s the expected lifespan of a Generac generator?
Many of our customers' systems are still running strong after two decades thanks to regular service.
With regular maintenance, most units last:
15–20 years for residential standby models
20–25 years for commercial-grade systems
Lifespan depends on:
How often and how long it runs
Maintenance habits
Fuel source and storage
Exposure to weather
Electrical load handling
Emergency Preparedness
How much fuel storage do I need?
Fuel needs depend on the generator’s size and what you plan to power. We’ll calculate your expected usage and fuel needs during your site evaluation.
Natural Gas:
Tied into a utility line, so no on-site storage required
Your meter must support both household and generator usage
If a meter upgrade is needed, we can work with your gas provider directly
Propane (LP):
A 500-gallon tank usually runs 7–10 days at full load
At half load, that same tank can last 14–20 days
For longer outages or heavier loads, larger or multiple tanks may be recommended
How long can a Generac generator run continuously?
Standby generators are built for long runtimes. We factor these into your maintenance plan to avoid disruption during extended outages.
Natural Gas Systems:
Can run as long as the fuel line stays connected
Propane Systems:
Runtime depends on tank size — typically 1 to 3 weeks on a residential tank
All units require short service intervals during extended use:
Brief self-check every 24 hours
Oil changes every 200 hours of operation
What items/appliances can I power during an outage?
It depends on the generator size and how much you need to run.
10–14kW Systems:
Essentials only — fridge, freezer, sump pump, furnace, well pump, lights, and electronics
16-26kW Systems:
Most of a mid-size home — includes central AC (smaller units), stove, washer/dryer, and convenience outlets
26-80kW Systems:
Whole-home coverage — supports large homes, multiple HVACs, EV chargers, and everything else
We’ll help you build a load plan based on your priorities and the power systems in your home.
Can a generator power my entire home or business?
Yes, with the right setup, your whole property can be powered. We’ll walk you through the options during your consultation and recommend the best setup based on your budget and goals.
Homes:
Smaller homes may need 16kW+
Larger homes may need 22–48kW
Businesses:
Depending on use, commercial properties typically need 25–150kW
For properties with larger demands, we can design:
Load management systems that prioritize key systems
Dual-generator solutions
Generator + battery backup combinations
FAQ's
What size generator do I need for my home?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s exactly why we start every project with a complimentary site visit. Generator sizing depends on more than square footage. We look at your home’s electrical load, what appliances or systems you want to power, and whether you’re using propane or natural gas. Most homes in our region fall in the 10–26kW range for air-cooled units, but we also offer larger liquid-cooled models when more power is needed.
How does Generac compare to other brands?
Generac is the only generator brand we carry, not because it’s trendy, but because it works. They’ve been refining their residential standby systems for over 60 years, and we’ve spent more than 15 of those years working on them directly. Their engines are purpose-built for standby use, not repurposed from other machines. That means better reliability and less stress on your system during power outages.
Why does Stone Peak Power only work with Generac?
We chose Generac for a reason: they specialize in home standby generators. We’re a certified dealer and service provider, which means we can offer support, install new units, and even handle warranty work directly. There are no third-party delays, no long phone trees. Our team trains directly through Generac’s factory network, and we keep parts in stock for faster turnaround when something goes wrong.
What’s the difference between a standby generator and a portable generator?
Standby Generators
Permanently installed and turn on automatically during an outage
Connect directly to your home’s electrical panel
Run on natural gas or propane
Can power either selected circuits or your whole home
Quieter and more reliable over time
Portable Generators
Gas-powered and require manual setup
Must be refueled regularly and used with extension cords or a manual switch
Better suited for occasional use or limited power needs
Louder, and not designed for whole-house coverage