Whole house generator pricing

[fireant911]

red-beard and CalPersFatCat,
Are either of you aware of a whole house backup generator that is variable speed? There was a 'Generac Synengy' model on the marketplace though it looks to be discontinued and I saw some pretty negative reviews about this model. This one was designed to run as low as 2,700 rpm with a reduced load rather than the constant 3,600 rpm. There are many portable inverter generators that do rather well but these are mostly smaller units. Is there such a thing as a whole house inverter generator available? Secondly, if there is, is there a particular brand or model that you would recommend?

[rfuerst911sc]

Update: heading over to generator company this afternoon to give them the deposit . They estimate the job will be completed in 3-4 weeks .

Spoke to my propane company they are coming out 8/8 to trench and install a 5/8 feed line and an additional regulator just for the generator . Full steam ahead ! 😁

[rfuerst911sc]

Over the falls now 😋 . Generator contractor just called the install is scheduled for 8/22 . It's nice to turn off research mode and just sit back and wait for the install to be completed .

[rfuerst911sc]

Another step closer . Today the propane company came out and trenched a new line . Old line was 3/8 copper the new line is 3/4 " plastic . Added a new regulator dedicated just for the generator .

I let the generator dude know it's all set on my end . So if all goes as planned the install will be completed on the 22nd of this month . Lights flickered a few minutes ago just to remind us the fragility of power 😋 . Also had them fill the tank yesterday as we took advantage of " summer rates " of $1.89 a gallon .

Part of today's new propane line install I asked them to install a tee under the existing tank . That way if/when I add a 2nd tank the hook up will be very easy . That's it for now .

[chuckr]

I just did Generac 24kw with 1000gl propane installed 17,500.
Love it ! Got the Wi-Fi link.

[stevej37]

My whole house gereator does a great job.

[CalPersFatCat]

Originally Posted by chuckr

I just did Generac 24kw with 1000gl propane installed 17,500.
Love it ! Got the Wi-Fi link.

The 24kw is made in S. Carolina at a new plant and has proven to be problematic. The 22kw or the 18kw are both bulletproof.

Make sure that you buy that 10 year warranty.

take care
DL

[rfuerst911sc]

Hey everyone ......... generator guys showed up a little before 8 this morning . I introduced myself to the crew of four ( owner + 3 ) . Then they started hauling out of their trailer the 500 lb + generator . That went as planned but then I noticed one of the guys and the owner talking and pointing to our house power meter . Uh oh . So I asked if there was a problem and the answer was yes . The owner when he came out to give the quote either didn't look or assumed or ??? but I don't have a cutoff switch on our house power meter .

So because of that the final electric hookup could not be completed today . Bummer but crap happens . The owner was very apologetic and owned up that he screwed up . Fair enough it is what it is . So the generator is installed and propane lines connected . All power lines coming out of the generator are in conduit and trenched just waiting to terminate at the transfer switch . We fired up the generator it sounds great/strong . So either later this week or next week the install will be completed . Here she is at her resting place

[rfuerst911sc]

We can consider this posting closed . Today there was a flurry of activity by the power company , the generator contractor and the county inspector . All went well with no issues . The generator is 100 % done and we ran on generator power for about an hour to break it in . I am happy to have this done and available when needed . Thanks to all that gave advice it was appreciated . Take care

[red-beard]

A few things to consider:

Most of these generators are designed to run for 4 days between oil changes (100 hours). Check your oil when running, top off and maybe you can go a week. But keep oil for a change handy.

The same goes for oil filters, air filters and spark plugs. You can get higher end plugs which will not have to be changed as often.

Not sure on your generator, but the Briggs unit I have can be a little messy to change the oil and filter. Keep rags handy. I also use a big plastic lid to help contain the oil leakage.

Finally, make sure you have your Air Conditioning people install soft starts on the condenser units. I do not mean a hard start capacitor.

https://eltwin-hyper.com/

[rfuerst911sc]

Red: yeah I plan on getting oil/filters/plugs to have on hand . The oil drain has a length of hose so draining should be clean . But the filter is upside down so I can see a potential Exxon Valdez episode 😋 .

They said to use 5w30 synthetic so that's what I will use . For oil filters I will either buy Kohler or Wix . Same for the air filter . I did talk to my AC dude and he said I already have a hard start capacitor and he didn't see the need for the soft start . He may be old school or not familiar with them . Will have to follow up with him . Thanks for all the advice 👍

[red-beard]

AC dude is WRONG! A hardstart capacitor does not reduce inrush current.

[red-beard]

A good short video on Hard Start vs Soft Start

https://youtube.com/shorts/iHYXQl4gVd8?si=Ix0bKjQwIaFxWseE

[red-beard]

[red-beard]

He never starts the size of the AC unit, but I suspect it is a 3 ton unit, that uses about 3000 Watts. Full load amps is about 12-13. He states that starting amps are about 77, which would match with a LRA of 6 times the running amps.

The soft start reduced the starting Amps to 17-19 Amps.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by red-beard

AC dude is WRONG! A hardstart capacitor does not reduce inrush current.

Got it . Thanks for the videos .

[latunabernie]

I have the Kohler 22 kw.
Changed the oil at 100 hrs.
It is real easy, pull side panels off and you have access to everything.
It has a drain hose with a petcock that goes straight into my recycle oil drain tank.
The oil filter is at the top and does not make a mess replacing.
The plugs are easy to get to and the air filter easy to get to.
I spend more time coding the Maintenace and the date it was done.
The unit will tell when it is time for your next service.
I get the Kohler kits from amazon cost about $70.00.
Unit kicked on 5 times in the last 2 weeks.

Bernie

[Evans, Marv]

Since they installed the huge steel, power poles in my area, we haven't had an outage. They also installed some diamond shaped spacers on some of the wires, which I'm assuming is to keep the wires from touching together in high winds. I don't remember exactly when we had our last outage, so I suppose I will keep limping along with my 10kW Generac for the forseeable future amd scrap my plans for a replacement generator.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by latunabernie

I have the Kohler 22 kw.
Changed the oil at 100 hrs.
It is real easy, pull side panels off and you have access to everything.
It has a drain hose with a petcock that goes straight into my recycle oil drain tank.
The oil filter is at the top and does not make a mess replacing.
The plugs are easy to get to and the air filter easy to get to.
I spend more time coding the Maintenace and the date it was done.
The unit will tell when it is time for your next service.
I get the Kohler kits from amazon cost about $70.00.
Unit kicked on 5 times in the last 2 weeks.

Bernie

Bernie that's great feedback thank you .

[Cairo94507]

We have a 22W Generac and it is wonderful. Never had any issues and it works flawlessly. Just had it serviced the other day, new spark plugs (2), air filter, oil and oil filter. Also cleaned the battery terminals. We are in the process of building anther home/garage on our property and will likely go with Generac's 24W generator on that home.