If you haven’t heard, Heartland REMC has rolled out a new generator purchasing program. This program is offering discounts for our members when purchasing a new Generac whole home generator. Heartland REMC is partnering with GenSolar. They are a great local company, and we are excited about this partnership. Over the next few months, I will provide articles discussing different aspects of the program and generators in general. Today, I wanted to focus on some frequently asked questions:

HOW DOES A GENERAC GENERATOR WORK?

Generac generators are automatic and turn on when your home loses power. They monitor the electrical feed from the utility company and are installed outside your home, similar to a central air conditioning unit.

WHAT FUEL DOES A GENERAC GENERATOR USE?

Generac generators can run on natural gas or liquid propane. The propane tank size you need depends on how long you want the generator to run. A 100-gallon tank lasts one to two days, while a 500-gallon tank lasts seven to 10 days.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RUN A GENERAC GENERATOR?

The fuel cost varies by location and model, but running the unit in exercise mode shouldn’t cost more than $4 to $5 per month. During a power outage, you can expect to pay around $20 to $30 per day for gas usage.

HOW LOUD IS A GENERAC GENERATOR?

Generac generators are designed to be quiet, with an average rating of 66 decibels at 3 meters. This is similar to the sound of an air conditioner running.

CAN A GENERAC GENERATOR POWER MY ENTIRE HOME?

A Generac generator can power everything in your home, but there are limitations. For example, finding a large enough model might be difficult if you have an all-electric home. However, you can install modules to cut power to unnecessary appliances.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I MAINTAIN MY GENERAC GENERATOR?

A certified technician should change the oil in your Generac generator once a year. The generator also runs a self-diagnostic test once a week for 5 minutes.