Generac Home Standby Generator – Frequently Asked Questions

A Generac home standby generator is a permanently installed backup power system that automatically turns on when your power goes out.

Unlike portable generators, it:

• Runs automatically (no manual setup)
• Is connected directly to your home’s electrical system
• Runs on natural gas or propane
• Powers your home within seconds of an outage

Your generator works together with an automatic transfer switch (ATS).

When utility power is lost:

1. The transfer switch detects the outage
2. The generator automatically starts (within seconds)
3. Power is transferred from utility to generator
4. Your home continues running

When power is restored:

• The system switches back to utility power
• The generator shuts off automatically

Generator size depends on your home and electrical usage.

Typical sizes:

• 22kW to 26kW is most common for whole-home backup
• Smaller units for partial backup systems

We determine the correct size by:

• Performing a load calculation
• Reviewing major appliances (HVAC, water heater, etc.)
• Considering future needs

Most whole-home generator installations typically range:

• Starting around $17,000
• Common range: $20,000 – $25,000
• With propane tanks: $25,000 – $30,000+
• Larger homes or systems can exceed $30,000 – $60,000+

Final cost depends on:

• Generator size
• Gas line installation
• Electrical upgrades
• Site conditions

A complete turn key installation typically includes:

• Generator unit
• Automatic transfer switch
• Electrical wiring & connections
• Gas line installation (natural gas or propane)
• Generator pad installation
• Permits and inspections
• Startup, testing, and system walkthrough

At TriStar Electric, we provide turn-key installations from start to finish.

Generators must meet specific clearance requirements:

• Minimum 5 feet from doors, windows, and vents or any openings in the house/building.
• Minimum 18 inches from the home (rear clearance)
• Minimum 3 feet from electric and gas meters, AC units, and 3ft clearance on the left, right and front sides of the unit.
• Minimum 10 feet from propane tanks
• Minimum 5 feet from the top of the generator to the bottom (under side) of a deck

We help determine the best and safest location for your installation.

Most generator installations take:

• 1–3 days for electrical work
• 1-3 days for gas work
• Additional time may be needed for:
  • Gas utility company
  • Permits and inspections

From start to finish, most projects are completed within 2–6 weeks depending on permitting and scheduling. When the natural gas utility company needs to perform work, their schedule can be all over the place and it can sometimes take anywhere between 1 to 6 months in some cases.

Yes, that’s one of the biggest advantages.

Your Generac generator:

• Detects outages automatically
• Starts within 30 seconds
• Restores power without any action from you

Generac generators can run on:

• Natural Gas (most common if available)
• Propane (used when natural gas is not available)

We will help determine the best fuel option for your home.

Yes, regular maintenance is critical.

We recommend:

• 2 maintenance visits per year

Maintenance includes:

• Oil and filter changes
• Battery checks
• System testing
• Software updates
• We complete a 37 point checklist for your unit

We offer maintenance contracts to keep your system running reliably.

If your generator has an issue:

• It will display an error code or alert
• Our technicians can diagnose and repair the issue quickly

We offer:

• Generator repair services
• Emergency service
• Warranty repairs

Yes, Generac generators come with a manufacturer warranty, and it will be covered as long as you are still within the warranty period. We can look this up for you through the Generac Dealer database.

TriStar Electric also provides:

• Authorized Generac warranty repairs
• Assistance with warranty claims
• Ongoing support after installation

Yes, with proper sizing.

Options include:

• Whole-home backup (most popular)
• Partial backup systems (selected circuits only)

We design systems to match your needs and budget.

No, modern systems are designed to prevent overload.

We install:

• Smart Management Modules (SMMs)
• Load shedding systems

These automatically manage power usage and prevent system shutdown.

Yes, Generac offers a Cellular 4G Mobile Link Device that allows you, and TriStar Electric to monitor your generator, we check all of our customers generator daily.

TriStar Electric, and you, can:

• Check generator status
• Receive alerts
• Monitor performance

All from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Yes, a standby generator can:

• Increase home value
• Improve resale appeal
• Provide peace of mind for buyers
• A consumer reports article has stated that what you spend on a whole home generator installation will return 150% as value added to your home. For partial home generator installations, the return in value added to your home is 50% of what you spent on the project.

Generac generators are designed to be quiet.

• Comparable to a central AC unit when inside the home
• Comparable to a gasoline powered push lawn mower when standing next to it outside
• Installed outdoors with sound-reducing enclosures

• Generac Elite Dealer
• Factory-trained technicians
• Turn-key installation process
• Full service: install, maintenance, repair & warranty
• Thousands of satisfied customers
• Serving Maryland, DC & Northern Virginia for over 35 years

We perform a load calculation based on NEC guidelines and real-world usage. This includes:

• HVAC systems (AC, heat pumps, electric heat)
• Water heaters (electric vs gas)
• Kitchen appliances (ranges, ovens, microwaves)
• Laundry equipment
• Pumps (well, sump, sewage ejector, sprinkler)
• Miscellaneous loads (lighting, outlets, electronics)

We also account for:

• Starting (inrush) current vs running load
• Simultaneous vs non-simultaneous loads
• Future expansion capacity

In many cases, we incorporate load management (SMMs) to allow a properly sized generator to handle large homes without oversizing unnecessarily.

• Sizes typically: 10kW to 28kW
• Lower cost
• Ideal for most homes
• Simpler installation and maintenance

• Sizes: 20kW to 150kW+
• Better for large electrical loads
• Quieter under heavy load
• Longer duty cycles and lifespan

We recommend liquid-cooled units for:

• Homes over 6,000–8,000 sq ft
• High electrical demand properties
• Fully electric homes

Load shedding prevents generator overload by automatically managing large electrical loads.

We install Smart Management Modules (SMMs) that:

• Monitor generator load in real time
• Temporarily turn off lower-priority circuits
• Restore loads after capacity becomes available

Example:

• Generator reaches capacity, so it shuts off electric dryer
• Load drops, and the dryer automatically restarts

This allows:

• Smaller generator sizing
• More efficient system operation
• Code compliant installations

Some homes require electrical upgrades to safely support a generator:

• Main panel upgrades or reconfiguration
• Grounding and bonding corrections
• Installation of transfer switch (service-rated or non-service rated)
• Subpanel integration (if partial backup system)

For larger homes, we may:

• Reorganize loads across panels
• Add load management systems
• Coordinate multiple distribution points

Proper gas sizing is critical for performance. That’s why for natural gas installation, we always submit an application with the utility company, because they are the ones who will tell us if the gas service is sufficient to handle the existing gas appliances and the new generator. If not, they can make recommendations on upsizing the gas meter, or the gas service line from the street. In some cases, a larger gas service is not available at all and you must resort to propane. As far as propane goes, you at a very minimum need a 420# tank, or it is also referred to as a 100 gallon tank, not a 100lb tank, a 100lb tank is too small.

It is calculated based on:

• Generator BTU demand
• Distance from gas source
• Existing gas load in the home
• Pipe size and material

Typical considerations:

• Upsizing gas piping may be required
• Utility always needs to confirm gas meter capacity and perform a calculation
• Long runs may require larger diameter piping

For propane systems:

• Tank sizing (100, 250, 500, 1000 gallon)
• Vaporization rates in cold weather
• Dual tank setups for higher demand

• Acts as the main disconnect
• Installed at the service entrance, upstream of the main electrical panel
• Installed between the electric meter and the main panel
• Required for whole home generator systems

• Installed downstream of main panel
• Used in retrofit applications
• Requires existing main disconnect, which your main panel qualifies as

Choosing the correct type depends on:

Yes, this is very common in larger homes.

Options include:

• Feeding multiple panels through one transfer switch
• Most times, one transfer switch is installed for each main electrical panel
• Using subpanels for backed-up loads

For complex systems:

Generac generators use an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) to maintain stable output.

This ensures:

• Consistent voltage is sent to sensitive electronics
• Protection for appliances and HVAC systems
• Reliable performance under changing loads

Standby generators use a standard 12V starting battery.

Maintenance includes:

• Regular testing
• Replacement every 2–7 years (Honestly, this depends on luck)
• Ensuring proper charging system function

A failed battery is one of the most common reasons a generator won’t start.

Generac generators perform a weekly self-test (exercise cycle).

• Runs for 5–10 minutes
• Is set to a day and time, for example Tuesdays at 3 p.m., or Fridays at 11 a.m.
• Verifies system readiness

Mobile Link allows remote monitoring of your generator.

It provides:

• Real-time system status
• Maintenance alerts
• Run history
• Fault notifications

This is especially useful for:

• Second homes
• High-value properties
• Proactive maintenance
• Closer dealer support

Common issues include:

• Battery failure
• Lack of maintenance
• Fuel supply issues (natural gas pressure, propane levels)
• Faulty sensors or insect infested control boards

Regular maintenance significantly reduces failure risk.

Generator installations typically require:

• Electrical permit
• Gas permit

We handle:

• Permit applications
• Scheduling and attending inspections
• Meeting all local code requirements

Site prep includes:

• Determining proper generator location
• Installing a composite or concrete pad
• Ensuring proper clearances
• Planning trenching routes for:
  • Electrical
  • Gas lines

Modern Generac generators:

• Use sound-dampening enclosures
• Operate at levels comparable to AC units or small lawn mowers

We also:

• Strategically place the generator
• Consider proximity to bedroom windows and neighbors

Yes, but it requires planning.

We evaluate:

• Total electrical demand
• Simultaneous usage scenarios
• Load prioritization

In many cases:

• Load shedding is required
• Larger or liquid-cooled generators could be recommended

A premium installation includes:

• Proper system sizing (not guesswork)
• Load management integration
• Clean, professional workmanship and layout
• Optimal generator placement
• Full permitting and code compliance
• Long-term service and support