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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
I would recommend you visit the Generac forum at: http://www.zillerelectric.com/forums/
While I had a 20KVA unit installed 18 months ago (Honeywell - a Generac with a different tag on the outside), there are considerations based upon your fuel source (NG vs. propane) that will affect your output (NG is 5% less "voatile" - you will only get 18KVA out of your unit) and controls (I have four sheading controllers plus two lockouts) that will affect the price.
BTW, Generac now has a 22KVA unit (same powerplant as the 20KVA) which gives you an extra 2KVA and at the same time uses less fuel than the 20KVA. Your dealer may be trying to move his old inventory if he didn't bring up the 22KVA unit (which costs less than $200 more, I believe). It was designed to replace the 22KVA water cooled unit, which was double the price.
FWIW, I paid $9K for my unit, fully installed (did not include the permit). That included the unit, along with the services of an electrician/helper for four days and all the parts/materials needed for the install. Note that I did get a 10% discount on the unit itself since the HVAC service I used (same one since our house was built) was getting into the business. Your quote seems in the ballpark, IMHO.
OTOH, to have the underground propane tank (500 gal) installed, all the lines run to both the generator and replacing the bottle I had for my fireplace, along with landscaping and some other minor work done (including an underground sump pump line run to a storm drain) doubled the cost of the project. There is no NG available in my area.
Would I do it again? Absoutely. After losing electic multiple days two years in a row (October snowstorm of 2011 and Sandy in 2012) along with myraid outages throughout the year, I'm glad I've got this "insurance" for the future. I guess other folks have the same idea since there are five other units within a one block area of our home.
- Ron
While I had a 20KVA unit installed 18 months ago (Honeywell - a Generac with a different tag on the outside), there are considerations based upon your fuel source (NG vs. propane) that will affect your output (NG is 5% less "voatile" - you will only get 18KVA out of your unit) and controls (I have four sheading controllers plus two lockouts) that will affect the price.
BTW, Generac now has a 22KVA unit (same powerplant as the 20KVA) which gives you an extra 2KVA and at the same time uses less fuel than the 20KVA. Your dealer may be trying to move his old inventory if he didn't bring up the 22KVA unit (which costs less than $200 more, I believe). It was designed to replace the 22KVA water cooled unit, which was double the price.
FWIW, I paid $9K for my unit, fully installed (did not include the permit). That included the unit, along with the services of an electrician/helper for four days and all the parts/materials needed for the install. Note that I did get a 10% discount on the unit itself since the HVAC service I used (same one since our house was built) was getting into the business. Your quote seems in the ballpark, IMHO.
OTOH, to have the underground propane tank (500 gal) installed, all the lines run to both the generator and replacing the bottle I had for my fireplace, along with landscaping and some other minor work done (including an underground sump pump line run to a storm drain) doubled the cost of the project. There is no NG available in my area.
Would I do it again? Absoutely. After losing electic multiple days two years in a row (October snowstorm of 2011 and Sandy in 2012) along with myraid outages throughout the year, I'm glad I've got this "insurance" for the future. I guess other folks have the same idea since there are five other units within a one block area of our home.
- Ron
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
Ive had two generators installed (in a high COL area) and I don't think you can get one installed for much under say, 4000 for the installation part of it. You're paying more than that, but it doesn't seem that bad. The permits and fees at the bottom might be a little excessive, but thats out of your control if thats what the town charges.
I stayed away from Generac. I bought a Cummins Onan 30kw initially, and then a Kohler 38Kw on the next house. I wanted the GM engine (the only time I've ever wanted anything GM), and wasn't confident with the chinese engine from generic. Plus I wanted a provider who had other businesses and income rather than a company whose only business was generators. The idea being that if they end up with some edemic long term problem it could put them out of business.
The kohler and cummins have been good.
I stayed away from Generac. I bought a Cummins Onan 30kw initially, and then a Kohler 38Kw on the next house. I wanted the GM engine (the only time I've ever wanted anything GM), and wasn't confident with the chinese engine from generic. Plus I wanted a provider who had other businesses and income rather than a company whose only business was generators. The idea being that if they end up with some edemic long term problem it could put them out of business.
The kohler and cummins have been good.
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
1. Generac engines are manufactured in the U.S.Boglegrappler wrote:<snip...>wasn't confident with the chinese engine from generic. Plus I wanted a provider who had other businesses and income rather than a company whose only business was generators. The idea being that if they end up with some edemic long term problem it could put them out of business.
2. Generac has been in business since 1959, with their commercial units. They started their home unit business in 1989. Being that they supply the vast majority of home units (they are #1 in the market), I doubt if they are readily going away.
- Ron
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
I like my Kohler. It is quieter than most, and when running, it's just a hum inside the house. We have 20kw also, which is enough to run the majority of our house. We have a manual switch which determines which AC to run; in retrospect we could probably have lived without this and just cooled the bedrooms.
Are you sure that you have enough gas service? We did not, and it added a LOT to our bill (new meter, digging under hard-scaping, running pipe from old meter access, etc.).
We have a 2x per year maintenance plan. Probably overkill, but one of our neighbors neglected his service, and his generator didn't start up for Sandy. Just saying.
After 7 days without power in 2011 and 8 days in 2012 (and no hotel would have taken us with our pets, no gasoline for cars, etc.), I will never again be without a generator. My wife was resistant after 2011 ("what are the odds of that happening again?"), but after 2012 I wasn't brooking any opposition (and didn't get any).
We had two brief (2 hour) outages since. If we never lose power again on the East Coast, you can thank me for installing a generator. I'm also available to bring an umbrella to make sure it doesn't rain.
Are you sure that you have enough gas service? We did not, and it added a LOT to our bill (new meter, digging under hard-scaping, running pipe from old meter access, etc.).
We have a 2x per year maintenance plan. Probably overkill, but one of our neighbors neglected his service, and his generator didn't start up for Sandy. Just saying.
After 7 days without power in 2011 and 8 days in 2012 (and no hotel would have taken us with our pets, no gasoline for cars, etc.), I will never again be without a generator. My wife was resistant after 2011 ("what are the odds of that happening again?"), but after 2012 I wasn't brooking any opposition (and didn't get any).
We had two brief (2 hour) outages since. If we never lose power again on the East Coast, you can thank me for installing a generator. I'm also available to bring an umbrella to make sure it doesn't rain.
I get the FI part but not the RE part of FIRE.
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
We finally had a Generac installed about a year ago now, after thinking and thinking about it.
Sandy really caught our attention, of course.
What tilted the scale for us was that we depend upon a sump pump to keep the finished garden level from flooding.
(And the insurance, even with flood insurance, would assume that DH and I just sling the sofas and beds and tables and dressers - not to mention heavy exercise equipment - over our backs and lug it all upstairs. Oh wait, most of that has to go out through the back door, around the house and then back in the front door, due to a tight turn at the bottom of the appropriate staircase, not that it matters.)
We realized our biggest exposure probably wasn't an ice storm in the winter, but a horricane (I'm going to let that typo stay, even though auto-correct tried to do its thing ) that both knocked out the electricity and also produced days of torrential downpours... THAT was the real problem.
We have NG, and the electrical panel was conveniently located near the best place to "hide" a generator anyway. We've put in a short row of bushes this summer, to hide the thing when the bushes grow a bit more.
I don't think we'd have done it if we had needed to get a portable generator out of the garage OR if gas or propane had to be added as used.
The NG piping and auto-start are necessary, given that we travel more and more. Our housesitter wouldn't like dealing with all of that any more than we would.
Our regular HVAC company brought in their electrician (they already work with NG all the time).
We selected a few key circuits (sump pump, obviously, one fridge, staircase and kitchen lights, and at least one outlet per floor, and the alarm system, but didn't need the extra power for ovens. We'd have one microwave and the gas cooktops to use.
We needed a cement pad installed, and had to remove some overgrowth in that area next to the house.
But the ballpark figure is about right. We were also a bit surprised at the total.
We figure the neighborhood owes us big time. Now that we've got it, there will probably never again be a power outage in this area
But we don't worry nearly as much when we hear about major storms that might be approaching.
RM
Sandy really caught our attention, of course.
What tilted the scale for us was that we depend upon a sump pump to keep the finished garden level from flooding.
(And the insurance, even with flood insurance, would assume that DH and I just sling the sofas and beds and tables and dressers - not to mention heavy exercise equipment - over our backs and lug it all upstairs. Oh wait, most of that has to go out through the back door, around the house and then back in the front door, due to a tight turn at the bottom of the appropriate staircase, not that it matters.)
We realized our biggest exposure probably wasn't an ice storm in the winter, but a horricane (I'm going to let that typo stay, even though auto-correct tried to do its thing ) that both knocked out the electricity and also produced days of torrential downpours... THAT was the real problem.
We have NG, and the electrical panel was conveniently located near the best place to "hide" a generator anyway. We've put in a short row of bushes this summer, to hide the thing when the bushes grow a bit more.
I don't think we'd have done it if we had needed to get a portable generator out of the garage OR if gas or propane had to be added as used.
The NG piping and auto-start are necessary, given that we travel more and more. Our housesitter wouldn't like dealing with all of that any more than we would.
Our regular HVAC company brought in their electrician (they already work with NG all the time).
We selected a few key circuits (sump pump, obviously, one fridge, staircase and kitchen lights, and at least one outlet per floor, and the alarm system, but didn't need the extra power for ovens. We'd have one microwave and the gas cooktops to use.
We needed a cement pad installed, and had to remove some overgrowth in that area next to the house.
But the ballpark figure is about right. We were also a bit surprised at the total.
We figure the neighborhood owes us big time. Now that we've got it, there will probably never again be a power outage in this area
But we don't worry nearly as much when we hear about major storms that might be approaching.
RM
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
I have a Kohler 20 kw as well. About 6 years old. Reliable and quiet.
I think your quote is probably in the ball park. It's a pretty big project to install. I think mine was about 9k installed 6 years ago. Runs the whole house, often we don't even realize it kicked on.
I have it serviced once a year now. Was originally doing it twice a year. This is not inexpensive. It's somewhat like servicing your car. Needs oil and filter changes, load testing, battery maintenance, etc. I'm very happy with it, but it is an ongoing cost. It's not really something you do yourself - a technician needs to come out. I would budget at least $200/yr for this.
I think your quote is probably in the ball park. It's a pretty big project to install. I think mine was about 9k installed 6 years ago. Runs the whole house, often we don't even realize it kicked on.
I have it serviced once a year now. Was originally doing it twice a year. This is not inexpensive. It's somewhat like servicing your car. Needs oil and filter changes, load testing, battery maintenance, etc. I'm very happy with it, but it is an ongoing cost. It's not really something you do yourself - a technician needs to come out. I would budget at least $200/yr for this.
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
Wow, you guys have pretty big units. We live on Cape Cod and after too many outages installed a Generac 12.5kw unit (March 2008). Powered by propane, a 250 gallon buried tank. Should have gotten a 500 gallon unit but it's working out. Last night it kicked on around 5pm due to a motor vehicle accident which took down a pole. So, we had all our services while our neighbors were in the dark. Outage lasted until the wee hours, thus was a non-event for us (I shut the generator off when we went to bed). Two years ago we were in AZ when a midwinter snow storm knocked out power in town for over two days. Our generator kicked on and the house never lost heat.
The generator is pretty loud, even in its sound deadening box. I've set the weekly test run to noon Wednesdays.
The price quoted you sounds like it's well within the ball park.
Rich
Oh, our house is around 1,900 sq ft. As started above, you should do a yearly maintenance.
The generator is pretty loud, even in its sound deadening box. I've set the weekly test run to noon Wednesdays.
The price quoted you sounds like it's well within the ball park.
Rich
Oh, our house is around 1,900 sq ft. As started above, you should do a yearly maintenance.
Rich Cape Cod/AZ
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
My only comment is to shop around. Find the brands you are interested in and look at their websites for dealers.
My parents were in the market for a whole house stand-by unit. They went to a few of the local dealers who primarily sold generators and received quotes which were comparable. Me being more frugal, asked if they looked at the manufacturers websites for other dealers. Upon doing that, we found out the HVAC company who just installed their new furnace for a very good price and did an excellent job also was a generator dealer, they just didn't advertise it since it is not their primary focus. Needless to say, their price difference was significantly lower.
My parents were in the market for a whole house stand-by unit. They went to a few of the local dealers who primarily sold generators and received quotes which were comparable. Me being more frugal, asked if they looked at the manufacturers websites for other dealers. Upon doing that, we found out the HVAC company who just installed their new furnace for a very good price and did an excellent job also was a generator dealer, they just didn't advertise it since it is not their primary focus. Needless to say, their price difference was significantly lower.
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
The only thing that is odd is the gas regulator for 225. You already have a regulator on your gas line now, is this replacing the original, I don't believe you need a second and the first should be checked so that you get your 7"wc.
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
We got a 13KW Generac in 2007 after a severe storm knocked out power again. Naturally no outages of consequence since installation, but it is great peace of mind. We paid $6-7000, and including a long run from the electrical box and cement pad. The advice to get several bids is of course a good one. I would go to the Generac site, and look up their list of recommended installers. The neighbor across the street bought his at Lowes and had a local electrician install it. I'd feel more comfortable with a factory authorized technician doing the work, but there are obviously other options. Good luck with your decision.
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
I cant really help with the OP question, though I expect this is a specialized business with higher margins than others.
I have a $500 pull cord generator.
I could periodically use it to pump septic system or run fridge/freezer to recharge. But leaving them shut does wonders also. I have gas to cook with and don't mind eating cold beans from a can.
For $10,000 or anything close, I can travel 100 nights for AC, buy several freezers full of food, or hire out septic pumping 33 times.
In other words, I self insure. I view the base rate of failure beyond the ordinary as small.
I have a $500 pull cord generator.
I could periodically use it to pump septic system or run fridge/freezer to recharge. But leaving them shut does wonders also. I have gas to cook with and don't mind eating cold beans from a can.
For $10,000 or anything close, I can travel 100 nights for AC, buy several freezers full of food, or hire out septic pumping 33 times.
In other words, I self insure. I view the base rate of failure beyond the ordinary as small.
Pale Blue Dot
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
What do you have and how do these things work? Do you just take it to what you want to run and plug that in? How do you deal with ventilation issues?4nursebee wrote: I have a $500 pull cord generator.
I could periodically use it to pump septic system or run fridge/freezer to recharge. But leaving them shut does wonders also. I have gas to cook with and don't mind eating cold beans from a can.
For $10,000 or anything close, I can travel 100 nights for AC, buy several freezers full of food, or hire out septic pumping 33 times.
In other words, I self insure. I view the base rate of failure beyond the ordinary as small.
I looked a little bit at stand alone generators after Sandy, but it looked like I would have to make constant trips to the gas station to refill them. That isn't going to work with winter power failures with unpassable roads.
I am fine with no power, except in the winter the pipes and I would freeze. The heating in my house is baseboard water, heated by gas, but its pump is electric.
I am loathe to spend $10k on a system for a house that will be uninhabitable due to rising sea levels in a couple of decades. The latter has really made me think in temporary, much more frugal terms for house upgrades.
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
I suggest getting 2 additional quotes if possible, then compare. Are they similar? If so you're in the ballpark.
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
In 2006 we lost power after a storm in our area and on the second day I decided to go to Home Depot and buy a 5kw generator to power the fridge, well pump and a few circuits. They were sold out and I bought an 8kw (13kw starting) generac/briggs & stratton with electric start for $1,200. More than I planned but I was stuck. I keep it in our garden shed. For a year or two when we lost power I would roll it out of the shed and use extension chords. I then decided to hire an electrician to install a plug on the side of the house wired to a disconnect switch (will not back feed) sub panel with 8 circuits on it. I paid him $900.
My setup is not an automatic standby. If the power is out I call electric company and get their "estimated" restore time and then decide if I will wheel the generator out and plug it into house and throw the disconnect switch. It runs about 10 hours on a tank of gas and I do have to make daily trips to get gas.
I service it (change oil) myself.
I paid more and got more than I originally planned but it has worked out well. I always believe everything for a reason.
My wife nicknames everything. The generator is Sparky.
My setup is not an automatic standby. If the power is out I call electric company and get their "estimated" restore time and then decide if I will wheel the generator out and plug it into house and throw the disconnect switch. It runs about 10 hours on a tank of gas and I do have to make daily trips to get gas.
I service it (change oil) myself.
I paid more and got more than I originally planned but it has worked out well. I always believe everything for a reason.
My wife nicknames everything. The generator is Sparky.
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
Is it natural, forgive the pun, to go with natural gas if available vs propose or diesel? Also, why would one not choose NG?
1) Invest you must 2) Time is your friend 3) Impulse is your enemy 4) Basic arithmetic works 5) Stick to simplicity 6) Stay the course. (Plagiarized, but worth stealing)
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
We use NG because we've already got it in the house, and where it enters the house wasn't too far from the electrical panel where we'd have the generator (on the outside of that wall, of course). And there was a grate-covered window there, for easy access for wires/pipes.airahcaz wrote:Is it natural, forgive the pun, to go with natural gas if available vs propose or diesel? Also, why would one not choose NG?
The final decision was, in part, because it was automated. No switch to flip, no need to refill fuel, and no need to roll something out of the garage and connect it...
If we are away from home, it should (emphasis on "should") all work fine.
We'll see, although it would be nice if we never really needed to find out.
RM
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
Because you don't have it available on your street - as in our case. All homes in my area are all electric - I would assume due to the "kickback" the developer (not the builder) received from the local electric company when they took the raw land and put in the streets/utilities.airahcaz wrote:<snip...>why would one not choose NG?
In the case of living in the country (e.g. "in the sticks") I would expect NG lines would not be run.
Anyway, the smaller units (e.g. managed backup vs. whole house units - 25KVA and above) run on NG/LP vapor supplied only. It's only when you get into the larger whole house area (water cooled) will you get into diesel units.
A side note; most/all smaller (e.g. 20/22 KVA units) run with "load sheading" capabilities; that is that they are not able to supply full backup power like the larger water cooled units. A 20KVA unit will supply 83.3 amps (regardless of brand). While you may never use the 200 amps your home is wired for (or 300 amps for a "palace"), you have to manage how that available amperage is allocated.
My 20KVA running on LP (LNG would be 5% less power, or 18 KVA due to fuel - along with less amperage). We did a stress test during the install (March 2013) and it handled all designated loads without sheading any of the four controlled circuits (microwave/oven, cooktop, clothes dryer, hot water heater). However, I also have two 220v circuits "locked out" during emergency power (basement baseboard heaters and heat pump emergency backup - which comes on rarely but still draws 65 amps at full load).
- Ron
Last edited by Ron on Sun Aug 31, 2014 9:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
I think everyone has different circumstances. I resisted getting a generator despite my wife's interest in having it. My point was that, although we had rather frequent outages, the most serious one had only lasted from Saturday midnight to early Monday morning, or less than 48 hours.I view the base rate of failure beyond the ordinary as small.
I finally relented and since installing the generator(s) we've had more than five outages that lasted over three days, with the most serious being eight days. That one took out the phone and cable connections too, and led me to improvise an over-the-air TV antenna, which I hadn't used in decades. It worked remarkably well and I could get all the networks and a number of other channels too.....mostly PBS, which isn't my cup of tea.
After they install the units, it seems installers in our area want you to sign up for their maintenance program, which costs about 400-500 annually, and consists of them coming once a year to inspect the unit and to change the oil and filter. If you're handy you can do that yourself with one of those vacuum pumps that extracts oil through the dipstick. Any actual service is either under warranty, or you pay for it in addition to the maintenance. I've never taken the maintenance contract and so far the only service I've needed was just after installation, under warranty. I have my fingers crossed on that one, but so far so good. One problem with the generators is that when yours breaks down, a lot of others are breaking down too and the service people tend to be understaffed for it. They're set up to collect the annual maintenance fee and provide emergency service calls to isolated homeowners in small area outages. If there is a big storm and a big outage, they're overwhelmed.
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
So it my view of weighing costs and benefits, spending $10,000 to purchase an insurance policy that requires $400-500 a year in extra expenses in order to guarantee my castle has power at all times is not worth it.
My generator comes from nationwide chain store, can run a long time on 5 gallons of gasoline. 30 minutes or so once a day on a zero degree freezer and a cautiously used fridge can easily be done with extension cords, running the unit outside on the porch. Heck, for another $500 I could buy a window AC unit for a "safe room" for everyone to huddle in. There is no need to "constantly" go get fuel. It is prudent use, not wasteful use. Heck, I could even carry it to the neighbors to share. I run it every couple of months and use quality fuel.
I can dress warmer if it gets cold. I can undress if I get hot. I can also get in my vehicle and go somewhere else...
I already use only an over the air antenna.
So, for the OP, to ask about the costs of a 8k vs 10K system, perhaps I would say that if money is a concern, save your money, get a small generator, a fuel tank, and some power cords.
If peace of mind, ease of use are worth the extra premium then what difference would another estimate make?
My generator comes from nationwide chain store, can run a long time on 5 gallons of gasoline. 30 minutes or so once a day on a zero degree freezer and a cautiously used fridge can easily be done with extension cords, running the unit outside on the porch. Heck, for another $500 I could buy a window AC unit for a "safe room" for everyone to huddle in. There is no need to "constantly" go get fuel. It is prudent use, not wasteful use. Heck, I could even carry it to the neighbors to share. I run it every couple of months and use quality fuel.
I can dress warmer if it gets cold. I can undress if I get hot. I can also get in my vehicle and go somewhere else...
I already use only an over the air antenna.
So, for the OP, to ask about the costs of a 8k vs 10K system, perhaps I would say that if money is a concern, save your money, get a small generator, a fuel tank, and some power cords.
If peace of mind, ease of use are worth the extra premium then what difference would another estimate make?
Pale Blue Dot
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
We put in a generator (Generac 17 KW) a couple of years ago and we got three price quotes. They varied by almost 100 percent for no reason we were able to figure out. We went with the cheapest one. The company had installed generators for several of our neighbors and they were all very satisfied with the work. I don't remember the exact cost, but it was between $8,000 and $9,000. In addition to that cost, we had to pay the gas company to upgrade our gas meter.
We did it after being snowed in for four days with over two feet of snow and no electricity. The house went down to 32 degrees by the second day and there was no way we could get out of here. (We have gas heat but it requires the electric fan to run.) We are almost a mile back from a major road and there was no way we could walk through more than two feet of snow for a mile. Plus we have pets. I'm fine with outages when I can get out of my house, we've survived several four and five day outages in the summer without a generator , but that winter outage with snow scared me. If you can get out of your house in an outage, it's probably cheaper to go to a hotel and just lose the contents of your refrigerator.
We did it after being snowed in for four days with over two feet of snow and no electricity. The house went down to 32 degrees by the second day and there was no way we could get out of here. (We have gas heat but it requires the electric fan to run.) We are almost a mile back from a major road and there was no way we could walk through more than two feet of snow for a mile. Plus we have pets. I'm fine with outages when I can get out of my house, we've survived several four and five day outages in the summer without a generator , but that winter outage with snow scared me. If you can get out of your house in an outage, it's probably cheaper to go to a hotel and just lose the contents of your refrigerator.
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
While I agree with you concerning the ease of oil change, filter (both oil & air), I don't know why you would pay for a service contract.Boglegrappler wrote:After they install the units, it seems installers in our area want you to sign up for their maintenance program, which costs about 400-500 annually, and consists of them coming once a year to inspect the unit and to change the oil and filter <snip...>
For instance, routine maintenance on the Generac unit I have calls for oil/filter changes after two years or 200 hours of running. Normal maintenance is as easy as changing the oil/filter on my lawn tractor.
Of course, I purchased my unit from an authorized sales/service (my HVAC dealer, who also handles both Generac and Kohler automatic backup units). If you're the kind of person who wants to save and buy a unit from Cosco or Amazon and have it installed (either on your own or through your contracted electrician), then I could see where you may be put on the bottom of the list if an emergency does turn up.
FWIW,
- Ron
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
I live in the sticks. Some of the streets here have natural gas lines, some don't. The gas company runs a line down the street when someone on the street wants natural gas badly enough to pay for the installation at their property and the street line extension. That's what I was told anyway, by my nearby relative who lives on a no natural gas street.Ron wrote: In the case of living in the country (e.g. "in the sticks") I would expect NG lines would not be run.
Sometimes if the town has to tear up a street for some reason, they coordinate with the gas company and if the gas company is feeling nice that day, a street line is put in.
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Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
Every electrician I know runs for the hills at the name Generac being mentioned. I would spend a little more for a better unit, and while I think the labor/fee side of your quote is high, I can't say it's high for your area. As with any significant construction project, you're silly if you don't get at least 3 quotes to compare and make sure you vet the experience/history of the electrician that will be doing the install. A bad install can fry all electrical devices in your house and even cause a fire.
As for the comments on the portable generators, you can generally buy aftermarket NG conversions kits for just about any generator. I bought a 7KW portable generator that came with dual fuel capability (gas and LP), and then added on NG capability for $200. For $700 total, I have a 7KW tri-fuel generator that will pretty much run my entire house...
As for the comments on the portable generators, you can generally buy aftermarket NG conversions kits for just about any generator. I bought a 7KW portable generator that came with dual fuel capability (gas and LP), and then added on NG capability for $200. For $700 total, I have a 7KW tri-fuel generator that will pretty much run my entire house...
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
Three quotes should solve your concern. The quote given sounds high, I'd let other competitive bids validate the one you have. My home is in South Fla where local authorities promise prompt service after the storm but don't or can't deliver. We've experienced three hurricanes with power out for up to a week. Our GENSET and transfer switch has paid for itself many times over. You're doing the right thing.
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
At ~$10,000 initial costs, and ~$500/year, that's $20K that can actually appreciate if invested, versus depreciate.4nursebee wrote:So it my view of weighing costs and benefits, spending $10,000 to purchase an insurance policy that requires $400-500 a year in extra expenses in order to guarantee my castle has power at all times is not worth it.
My generator comes from nationwide chain store, can run a long time on 5 gallons of gasoline. 30 minutes or so once a day on a zero degree freezer and a cautiously used fridge can easily be done with extension cords, running the unit outside on the porch. Heck, for another $500 I could buy a window AC unit for a "safe room" for everyone to huddle in. There is no need to "constantly" go get fuel. It is prudent use, not wasteful use. Heck, I could even carry it to the neighbors to share. I run it every couple of months and use quality fuel.
I can dress warmer if it gets cold. I can undress if I get hot. I can also get in my vehicle and go somewhere else...
I already use only an over the air antenna.
So, for the OP, to ask about the costs of a 8k vs 10K system, perhaps I would say that if money is a concern, save your money, get a small generator, a fuel tank, and some power cords.
If peace of mind, ease of use are worth the extra premium then what difference would another estimate make?
Does seem hard to justify even of one is lacking power two days a year or 10 days in ten years.
Hmm, is peace of mind worth this cost?
Does a generator add to the price of a home, or add selling points to the next buyer?
1) Invest you must 2) Time is your friend 3) Impulse is your enemy 4) Basic arithmetic works 5) Stick to simplicity 6) Stay the course. (Plagiarized, but worth stealing)
- TomatoTomahto
- Posts: 17107
- Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:48 pm
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
On our cul de sac of homes, 6 of the 8 have installed generators. My neighbor, who is selling his house, says that the realtor told him that in our town, which loses utility power often, there is either a generator or the buyer makes a mental note of it. I guess if they're from out of town, they might not know, thoughairahcaz wrote:Does a generator add to the price of a home, or add selling points to the next buyer?
Homes around here are expensive. Nobody paying that kind of money expects to spend a week or more, two years running, in the dark and cold, with spoiled food.
I get the FI part but not the RE part of FIRE.
Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote
Posted on a similar thread, but relevant and hopefully helpful here:
Install Generac model 6551 22KW standby generator with Automatic transfer switch.
This includes the following
1. Permit Cost
2. Plumbing
Run 1'/4" Gas piping from Gas Meter to unit
3. Install Concrete Pad for Generator to sit on
4. Install Generac 200Amp Service Rated Transfer Switch
5. Run 2" Conduit from transfer switch to Generator. Run Generac Composite Cable in Conduit to unit and connect.
6. Run and Test Unit.
$10,800
Install Generac model 6551 22KW standby generator with Automatic transfer switch.
This includes the following
1. Permit Cost
2. Plumbing
Run 1'/4" Gas piping from Gas Meter to unit
3. Install Concrete Pad for Generator to sit on
4. Install Generac 200Amp Service Rated Transfer Switch
5. Run 2" Conduit from transfer switch to Generator. Run Generac Composite Cable in Conduit to unit and connect.
6. Run and Test Unit.
$10,800
1) Invest you must 2) Time is your friend 3) Impulse is your enemy 4) Basic arithmetic works 5) Stick to simplicity 6) Stay the course. (Plagiarized, but worth stealing)