Buyers Guide: Choosing the Right Brand of Standby Whole House Generators | Generac, Cummings, Brigg, and Stratton, & Solar

Are you tired of being left in the dark during power outages? A standby whole-house generator is the best solution for a reliable backup power source. Choosing the right brand of standby whole-house generators can be overwhelming, but don't worry! We're here to help you choose. We have researched and gathered information about the top brands of standby whole-house generators to assist you in making the best decision for your home. You will learn about the features, benefits, and drawbacks of Generac, Cummings, Briggs and Stratton, and Solar standby generators. 

Generac

Generac is the leading brand in standby whole-house generators. It offers a wide range of models to fit different power needs and budgets. Generac generators are easy to install, operate, and maintain, making it an ideal choice for homeowners. The downside is that Generac generators can be louder than other brands, and some users have reported issues with their customer service.

Cummings

Cummings generators are known for their fuel efficiency. It offers a reliable backup power source without costing you an arm and a leg on fuel expenses. Cummings generators are also easy to install, operate, and maintain. The downside is that Cummings generators are limited in size and may not accommodate higher power needs. 

Briggs and Stratton

Briggs and Stratton's generators are renowned for their durability and reliability. It offers a wide range of power output capacities and fuel types, such as natural gas, liquid propane, and diesel. Briggs and Stratton's generators are also quiet and feature-packed with advanced safety features, including low oil shutoff and overload protection. However, it can be more expensive than other brands, and their installation may require professional assistance. 

Solar

Solar standby generators use the sun's energy to produce electricity and are an eco-friendly alternative to other standby generators. It is ideal for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring reliable backup power. Solar generators are low maintenance, and some models are portable, making them versatile and easy to use. However, it may not be suitable for areas with limited sunlight, and it tends to be less powerful than other types of standby generators. 

Choosing the right brand of standby whole-house generators is crucial for your backup power needs. It's essential have buyers guide to assess your power needs, budget, and lifestyle before making a decision. We provide our customers with top-quality standby whole-house generators from reputable brands. We are dedicated to helping you choose the right brand that fits your unique power needs. Contact us today, and we'll help you secure your home's power supply.

Maintenance Checklist for Your Standby Generator

A standby generator is a valuable investment for any homeowner looking to keep their home running during a power outage. However, like any mechanical system, your standby generator requires regular maintenance to ensure it runs efficiently. Neglecting your generator can cause it to fail when you need it the most. That’s why we’ve created this handy maintenance checklist to help you keep your standby generator working in tip-top condition.

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  • Inspect and Clean the Air Filter

    Regularly inspecting and cleaning your generator’s air filter is crucial to its performance. A dirty air filter can cause your generator to operate inefficiently, leading to increased fuel consumption and potential damage to the engine. Home Generator Pros of Chesapeake suggests cleaning the air filter every six months or after 100 hours of operation. Use a toothbrush or vacuum cleaner to clean the filter, and replace it every two years.

  • Check Fluid Levels

    Your standby generator’s fluid levels should be checked every six months or after 100 hours of operation. The fluids you should check include oil, engine coolant, and fuel. Running your generator with low fluid levels can cause serious damage to the engine and other components. If you’re unsure how to check your fluid levels.

  • Test the Battery

    The battery is an essential component of your standby generator, as it provides the power to start the engine. If your battery is weak or doesn’t hold a charge, your generator won’t start. Wwe recommend testing your battery every six months or after 100 hours of operation. If the battery is more than three years old, it may need to be replaced.

  • Inspect the Electrical Connections

    The electrical connections on your standby generator should be checked for tightness and corrosion. Loose or corroded connections can cause your generator to fail to start or shut down unexpectedly. We recommend inspecting the connections every six months or after 100 hours of operation. If you’re unsure how to inspect your electrical connections, contact us for assistance.

  • Run the Generator Under the Load

    Running your standby generator under load is essential to its performance. We recommend running your generator under a reasonable load for 30 minutes once a month. This helps to keep the engine components lubricated and prevents the buildup of carbon deposits, which can cause your generator to fail. If you’re unsure how to run your generator under load, contact us for assistance.

By following this maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your emergency backup generator is ready to keep your home running smoothly during a power outage. Neglecting your generator's maintenance can result in costly repairs and the risk of losing power when you need it the most. If you're in Chesapeake and need expert assistance with maintaining your standby generator, contact us. Our team of professionals can provide the necessary maintenance services to keep your emergency backup generator in optimal condition. Don't wait until it's too late. Regular maintenance is key to the longevity and reliability of your generator. Trust us to help you maintain your standby generator. We can also provide information about the average cost of a standby generator and guide you through any other concerns you may have.

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Advantages of Standby Generator Maintenance and Service

Having a standby generator at home is important, especially during power outages. It ensures that all the appliances in the house keep running without any interruption. However, just like any other machine, standby generators require regular maintenance and service to keep them functioning properly. Neglecting maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. We’ll discuss the advantages of regular standby generator maintenance and service.

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  • Increased Lifespan of the Generator

    Regular maintenance and service can significantly increase the lifespan of your standby generator. This means that you can enjoy an uninterrupted power supply for a long time. During regular maintenance, the technicians perform a thorough check on the generator. It replaces parts that are damaged or not functioning properly. This helps to prevent major breakdowns that could lead to a complete shutdown of the generator.

  • Improved Efficiency

    Regular maintenance and service of your standby generator help it run at optimal efficiency. During maintenance, the air and oil filters are replaced, and the spark plugs are cleaned or replaced. All these contribute to the generator running smoothly, reducing fuel consumption, and producing adequate power.

  • Safeguard against Malfunctions

    Regular maintenance and service also help to safeguard your generator against malfunctioning. The technicians check the generator's electrical components to ensure that it is working correctly and that the battery is charged. This is important in ensuring that the generator is always on standby mode in case of an emergency.

  • Cost Savings

    Regular maintenance and service of your generator can help you save on costs. Neglecting maintenance and service can result in unexpected breakdowns, and you might have to pay a lot of money for repairs or replacement. Regular maintenance, on the other hand, can help prevent major breakdowns and prolong the lifespan of the generator. It's more affordable to maintain your generator than replace it.

In summary, regular maintenance, the average cost of a standby generator, and service are essential for the proper functioning of your standby generator. It improves efficiency, safeguards the generator against malfunctioning, and increases its lifespan. We offer comprehensive maintenance and service packages for all types of standby generators. Contact us today for more information on our services.

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