Having a standby generator keeps your home running like normal no matter what weather hits the local power grid. For being an efficient home barrier against sudden blackouts, it begs the question, “How does a Generac generator work?”
The expert electricians from Charles Stone have the complete generator breakdown for those wanting reliable backup power.
What is a Standby Generator?
Standby generators are backup electrical systems that operate automatically in response to a property’s main power being disrupted. A transfer switch senses the lost power and switches the electrical load to the generator, which begins supplying power to your home’s electrical circuit.
How Does a Generac Generator Work?
A Generac generator uses an external unit that is directly connected to your home’s electrical system. When your home’s power is running as usual, the generator will be in a standby mode, where it continues monitoring the house’s power status.
If the generator senses a power disruption, such as a blackout, the unit leaves standby mode and connects to the power line. This is where it will continue supplying backup energy until your primary power is restored.
What Powers a Generac Generator?
The majority of Generac home generators are powered by gas fuel, which is either linked to a natural gas or propane supply. You won’t have to worry about keeping your unit fueled in time for a blackout, unlike a portable generator.
How Long Can a Generac Generator Run For?
The run time of a Generac home generator is directly linked to the fuel supply being used. If the unit is using a natural gas line, there shouldn’t be an instance where the backup power is disrupted as long as there is nothing wrong with the unit or the supply.
If you are using a fuel supply like a propane tank—even if the supply is not constant—the run time can be several days to weeks, depending on what electronics and appliances the unit is powering.
Factors That Can Affect Generator Run Time
Fuel Source
A gas generator can run indefinitely if it’s hooked up to your home’s natural gas supply. So for those extended blackouts, your natural gas supply will refuel the generator as needed to keep your power on.
If you’re using propane, you’ll need a tank to store the fuel. A propane-fueled generator can last a long time due to standard tanks having anywhere between 250 to 1,000 gallons of fuel. In other words, one tank can keep the lights on for weeks.
Fuel Tank Size
If you are using your home’s fuel tank for your supply, the size can range between 250 to 1,000 gallons. Generac systems typically only burn 2 to 3 gallons for a single hour of power—so the bigger the tank size, the better the backup power.
Amount of Load or Wattage
When having a generator installed, it is best to select a model that can handle the required wattage of your
appliances, as the higher power amount needed can heavily impact how long your unit runs. If you are looking to conserve your fuel and run time, avoid high-wattage items unless they are a necessity.
Keep Your Home Powered with a Reliable Generac Generator
For potential Generac buyers, Charles Stone electricians are ready to assist with our comprehensive generator services. From thorough installation to maintenance and repairs, our team doesn’t leave you in the dark. Secure your home’s power and your daily comfort with a reliable Generac generator by calling Charles Stone today at (931) 342-1149 or by scheduling online.
Maintaining the various systems in your home can quickly add up in cost. By calling Charles Stone for your home service needs, you will receive a wide range of specials and discounts. Whether it’s keeping your HVAC system running efficiently or upgrading your old units to modern alternatives, our team is dedicated to providing premium quality service at an affordable price.
FAQs About Generac Generators
How much does a Generac generator cost for a 2,000-square-foot house?
The pricing for a Generac generator depends on multiple factors, including the model type and the unit’s capacity. Your exact cost can also be influenced by professional installation, which factors in labor rates and the complexity of your home’s set.
A general range to keep in mind is that the unit costs around $ 3,500 to $7,500 for just the generator unit, but it also costs around $1,500 to $3,000 for the installation process.
How loud is a Generac generator?
Generac models typically run on the quieter side while still providing reliable backup power. For those seeking the quietest model, Generac’s Guardian series home generators produce 58 dBA (Decibels), equivalent to a low refrigerator hum.
How far does a Generac generator need to be from the house?
According to Generac, a generator should be:
- At least 5 ft away from all doors, windows, and vents
- 18-24’’ off the nearest siding exterior of the house’s foundation at minimum
- 3’6’’ off the front of the power company meter base
- A minimum clearance of 3 ft. for both the front and back sides from items like decks, fences, or shrubbery, which allow for proper intake, exhaust, and needed maintenance
