Generator FAQs for Houston Homeowners
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Generac generatorsHow Does a Standby Generator Work?
A home standby generator is a permanently installed generator that turns on by itself when the power goes out. Here is what happens behind the scenes.
What is a home standby generator?
A home standby generator sits outside on a pad, much like an AC condenser. It runs on natural gas or propane from your home's supply, so there is nothing to refill with gasoline. It connects to your electrical system through a transfer switch. Unlike a portable generator, you do not roll it out, start it or run cords. It is there and ready whenever the grid fails.
What happens when the power goes out
The transfer switch watches the power coming from the utility. When it sees an outage, it signals the generator to start. Once the engine is running at the right speed, the switch moves your home off the utility line and onto the generator. Lights, AC and appliances come back on without anyone touching anything, whether you are home or not.
What happens when the utility power comes back
When utility power returns and stays steady, the transfer switch moves your home back to the grid. The generator keeps running for a short cool-down period without load, then shuts off and returns to standby. You may hear it running for a few minutes after the lights flicker back. That is normal. If the generator does not shut off or shows an alarm after the power returns, write down the message and call (713) 467-1125.
The weekly exercise cycle
A standby generator starts itself on a set schedule and runs briefly to keep the engine lubricated, charge the battery and confirm everything works. This is called the exercise cycle. Your house stays on utility power while it runs. We can set the day and time so it does not run during dinner or early in the morning. If it misses an exercise, check the display.
Generator Interlock Kits for Portable Generators
If you own a portable generator, an interlock kit is one of the safest ways to power part of your house with it. These are the questions we hear most.
What is a generator interlock kit?
A generator interlock is a mechanical plate or slide installed on your main electrical panel. It makes it physically impossible to turn on the main breaker and the generator breaker at the same time. Paired with a dedicated generator inlet outside, it lets you feed selected circuits from a portable generator without running extension cords through the house. It costs less than a full transfer switch in many homes.
How does a generator interlock work?
With the main breaker on, the interlock blocks the generator breaker from being turned on. To use the generator, you turn the main breaker off, slide the interlock and turn the generator breaker on. That sequence keeps generator power from flowing back onto the utility lines, where it could injure line workers or damage your equipment when the grid returns.
How to use a generator interlock kit safely
Set the generator outside, well away from doors and windows, and plug its cord into the inlet. Start the generator, turn off the main breaker, slide the interlock and switch on the generator breaker. Then turn on only the circuits you need, a few at a time. Reverse the steps when utility power returns. We walk you through it on the day we install it.
What affects the cost to install a generator interlock kit
Cost depends on your panel brand and whether an approved interlock exists for it, the size of the generator breaker and inlet you need, the distance from the panel to the inlet location and the permit. Some older panels need changes before an interlock can be used. Every house is different; a free visit gets you a written estimate.
Running a Portable Generator Safely
Portable generators save a lot of Houston households during outages. They are also behind serious injuries every storm season when they are used the wrong way.
Can you run a generator in your house?
No. Never run a portable generator inside the home, in an attached garage, in a shed or under a carport, even with doors open. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which you cannot see or smell and which can kill in minutes. Keep the generator outside, far from doors, windows and vents, and have working carbon monoxide alarms inside. Test those alarms before storm season.
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet
Connecting a generator to a household outlet with a double-ended cord, sometimes called a suicide cord, sends power backward through your wiring. It can electrocute utility workers, start a fire and destroy the generator when the grid comes back. Use extension cords rated for the load or have a licensed electrician install an interlock or transfer switch. It is never worth the risk.
How to start a portable generator
Every model is a little different, so follow your owner's manual. In general, check the oil and fuel, move the generator outside, make sure nothing is plugged in, open the fuel valve, set the choke if your model has one and start it with the pull cord or electric start. Let it run for a moment before you connect loads one at a time.
Starting, Testing and Resetting a Standby Generator
A standby generator is meant to run on its own, but owners sometimes need to start it by hand, test it or clear an alarm. Here is what that looks like.
How to start a standby generator manually
Most standby generators have a controller with Off, Auto and Manual settings. Selecting Manual starts the engine, though on many systems the house stays on utility power unless the transfer switch sees an outage. Use this only if you understand your model, and always return the controller to Auto afterward. A generator left in Off or Manual may not respond to the next outage.
How do I reset my Generac generator?
When a Generac generator shuts down on an alarm, the controller shows a message. Write it down first. On many models you clear the alarm by turning the controller to Off, then back to Auto. If the same alarm returns, stop resetting it and call us, because repeated resets can hide a real problem or cause damage. Your owner's manual explains the steps for your model.
Is there an app for Generac generators?
Generac offers remote monitoring for many of its home standby generators through its own app and connectivity accessories. With it, you can see whether the generator is ready, when it last exercised and whether it has an alarm, from your phone. Ask us which monitoring option works with your generator and whether yours is already set up for it. Monitoring helps you catch problems before an outage.
Choosing a Whole House Generator: Sizes, Brands and Sound
Once you decide on a standby generator, the next questions are about which one. Here is how we think about it.
What sizes do Generac generators come in?
Generac makes home standby generators in a range of sizes, from compact air-cooled units for essential circuits to larger air-cooled and liquid-cooled models for big homes and heavy loads. The right size depends on what has to run at the same time, especially central AC, not just the square footage. We size from your panel and appliances on a free visit.
What is the best whole house generator?
The best whole house generator is the one sized right for your home, installed correctly and maintained on schedule. Brand matters, but installation and service matter as much. We are a Generac Prestige Dealer, so Generac is what we install and know best, and we service other brands too. You can see units in person at our Tomball showroom. Come hear one run before you decide.
Generac vs Kohler: which is quieter?
Sound depends more on the specific model, its enclosure, its size and where it sits than on the brand name. Both Generac and Kohler make units designed to be quieter than older generators, and many models run their weekly exercise at a lower speed. Placement and distance from bedrooms and neighbors make a real difference. The best test is to hear a unit running.
How to Get a Generator Installed
Installing a whole house generator is a project with several trades and an inspection. Here is how the process usually goes from first call to first start.
The site visit and sizing
It starts with a free visit. We look at your panel, your gas meter or propane tank, where the generator could sit and what you want to run during an outage. From that we recommend a size and a transfer switch setup and give you a written estimate. You do not need to know anything technical before we come out.
Permits, HOA and placement
Most cities and counties in the area require a permit for a standby generator, and many neighborhoods have HOA rules about placement and screening. We pull the permit under our license. Check with your HOA early, and we can provide the information they usually ask for. Placement also has to meet clearance rules from windows, doors and property lines.
Installation, inspection and startup
On install day, the generator is set on its pad, the gas line is connected and the transfer switch is wired into your electrical system. After the inspection passes, the generator is started, tested under load and set to exercise on a schedule. Before we leave, we show you the controller, explain what normal looks like and answer your questions.
At a glance.
Get answers to common questions about generator installation.
Do I need a permit to install a generator?
Every area in Texas has different requirements when it comes to home renovations. Our team knows these requirements and is skilled in pulling permits for your installation to take the stress off your back. Home Owners Associations will have specific guidelines that may differ, so be sure to check with your neighborhood HOA as well.
How often does my generator need maintenance?
Like many other modern day conveniences, generators need consistent maintenance to ensure proper functionality. We recommend scheduling generator maintenance once a year, ideally before hurricane season, and a check after a long run during a storm. Schedule generator maintenance .
What is the difference between maintenance and troubleshooting?
Maintenance includes routine service such as replacing the oil and all filters as well as testing the functionality of electrical components. There are annual and bi-annual service options available and the prices vary depending on the size of the generator. Troubleshooting is necessary when the generator ceases to run properly and a certified technician is needed to determine what is causing the issue. If your generator is not under warranty, there is a trip charge for troubleshooting.
Does a whole house generator qualify for an energy tax credit?
Credits and incentives change over time and depend on your situation, so we do not quote them. Ask a tax professional and your utility what applies. We provide a written estimate and invoice you can show them.
How much does it cost to run a standby generator?
It depends on the generator's size, how much of your house it powers, how long outages last, your fuel type and local fuel rates, plus the short weekly exercise and regular maintenance. Every house is different; a free visit gets you a written estimate for the install and an idea of what to expect.
Is an interlock kit or a transfer switch better?
An interlock is a simple, code-approved way to use a portable generator with your panel when your panel supports one. A transfer switch is required for a standby generator and offers more options. We recommend what fits your panel and generator.
Will a portable generator run my central AC?
Most portable generators cannot start and run a central AC system. They are better for the refrigerator, lights, fans and a few outlets. If you want AC during outages, a properly sized standby generator is usually the answer.
Can I see a standby generator before I buy?
Yes. Visit our showroom at 13910 Alice Road in Tomball to see units in person. Call (713) 467-1125 first if you want someone to walk you through them.
Do I need a permit for a generator interlock kit?
In most of the area, yes, because it is a change to your electrical panel. We pull the permit and handle the inspection as part of the job.
Can a standby generator power my water heater and well pump?
Yes, if the generator is sized for them. Electric water heaters and well pumps are large loads, so tell us about them on the visit. We include them in the sizing.
$2,000 off a generator install. While supplies last.
It only comes off the units on our floor, so when they're gone, it's gone. New air-cooled Generac installs come with a free 10-year warranty, and financing is there if you want it. Permit timing depends on your city or county. The install itself is usually one day.
Talk to us about your generator.
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