Generac Purchase and Install Questions

[timc930]

Looking at a Generac 28kw air cooled generator. We had the generac 200amp transfer switch and propane port installed when we built the house. Called Generac and they sent one of their local reseller/installer out and he quoted us $15k for the generator and installation. This seems high considering I can buy the generator at Home Depot for $7k. He offered us 5% off if we signed up the day he was here telling us if we did not he might be hard to get in touch with. Sounds like a timeshare racket to me. Any reason not to buy the generator from HD and find a licensed Electrician/Plumber to install since the gas and Transfer box are already installed?

 

[manwithtools]

Any reason not to buy the generator from HD and find a licensed Electrician/Plumber to install since the gas and Transfer box are already installed?

Nope!

 

[The Cobbler]

he was here telling us if we did not he might be hard to get in touch with.

Ok, if you're too busy for me to think about it, I will call someone else that's not . thanks for your time.

 

[steves_001]

Costco has Honeywell generators (generac rebadge). I bought a 22kw for just under 5k delivered. Propane add on piping was 750 and the electrician was about 2 k and he had the special wire to run from transfer sw to genset.
When setup to the mothership (generac) it’s all the same start up process. Costco even had extended warranty. Works like a charm and a whole lot less money. Might be worth checking that out.

 

[shade]

Yep, racket.
Got my 22k generac off of Amazon. $5k including transfer switch.
Electrician wired it up for $1500.
Propane piping like $500 ish.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I bought mine from a Generac dealer two years ago for 6800 including a transfer switch and 2800 to a local electrician to install. Got the zero percent interest of the generator and got it paid off in 14 months.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Ok, if you're too busy for me to think about it, I will call someone else that's not . thanks for your time.

Yeah, call his bluff: "Ah no worries if you're that busy, maybe we can do business with you some other time." (not)

 

[Sumboodie]

What are you running in a house that you need 115 amps of power?

I have a 7.5kw and it's more than enough.
Heat, few lights, fridges/freezer, well pump... and still plenty left.

I can see around a 12-14kw if you have A/C and "need" it.

 

[moab11]

What are you running in a house that you need 115 amps of power?

I have a 7.5kw and it's more than enough.
Heat, few lights, fridges/freezer, well pump... and still plenty left.

I can see around a 12-14kw if you have A/C and "need" it.

Depends on outage frequency and duration. Bigger generators are liquid cooled, so handle long outages better.
If you get frequent long outages, then being able to cook and such becomes more important, and justifies the larger generator.

 

[Sbusmech]

Yikes! I've thinking about a back up generator for some time. I do hate the high pressure sales tactics though. I think I think I'll get a good generator at Harbor Freight then have an electrician get me a plug in to my power.

 

[My Old Tools]

If you're looking at 28kw, move up to a water cooled. Quieter, last much longer, more economical to run.

 

[jade97]

What are you running in a house that you need 115 amps of power?

I have a 7.5kw and it's more than enough.
Heat, few lights, fridges/freezer, well pump... and still plenty left.

I can see around a 12-14kw if you have A/C and "need" it.

So you're saying my 38kw is too large?

All electric house (4t heat pump w/electric back up, electric water heater, well, septic, electric appliances, electric fireplace....)

Not everyone's situations are the same

 

[Sumboodie]

So you're saying my 38kw is too large?

All electric house (4t heat pump w/electric back up, electric water heater, well, septic, electric appliances, electric fireplace....)

Not everyone's situations are the same

100 amp service is all we get.

 

[jade97]

I have a 400A service.

 

[My Old Tools]

So you're saying my 38kw is too large?

All electric house (4t heat pump w/electric back up, electric water heater, well, septic, electric appliances, electric fireplace....)

Not everyone's situations are the same

I love my 37kw water cooled. That Mitsubishi 4 cylinder just quietly chugs along.