Why Choose a Generac Generator

The Most Trusted Home Standby Generator Brand Installed by TriStar Electric Inc.

When homeowners begin researching a home standby generator, one of the most common questions is: Which brand is the most reliable?

After installing and servicing generators for decades, TriStar Electric recommends Generac because of its proven reliability, technology, service network, and long-term manufacturer support.

Generac has become the industry standard in residential and light commercial backup power, and for good reason.

Generac Is the Industry Leader

Generac is the largest residential standby generator manufacturer in North America and holds roughly 70%–75% of the standby generator market.

That means approximately 7 out of every 10 standby generators installed are Generac.

By comparison:

Brand	Approx Market Share	Focus
Generac	70–75%	Residential & Commercial
Kohler	10–15%	Primarily Industrial
Other Brands	1–2% each	Limited distribution

Because Generac dominates the market:

• Parts availability is far better
• More trained technicians exist
• Faster technical support response
• Easier warranty processing
• Long-term manufacturer stability

Choosing a widely supported brand matters, especially 10-15 years from now when you need service or replacement parts.

Reliability Built From Real World Use

Millions of installed systems give Generac something competitors cannot match, massive real world testing data.

Generac generators are continuously refined using failure data, performance trends, and field feedback. This leads to:

• Higher start success rates during storms
• Fewer nuisance shutdowns
• Better cold weather performance
• More stable voltage for electronics

A backup generator is only valuable if it starts during an outage, reliability is the number one priority.

Smart Technology Other Brands Don’t Match

Generac leads the industry in residential generator automation and monitoring technology.

Automatic Operation

When utility power fails, a Generac standby generator:

1. Detects the outage
2. Starts automatically
3. Transfers power within 30 seconds
4. Restores power without homeowner action

No extension cords. No manual setup. No fuel refilling in the dark.

Smart Management Modules (Load Shedding)

Generac pioneered Smart Management Modules (SMMs).

These devices:

• Prevent generator overload
• Allow smaller, more affordable generators to be installed
• Automatically prioritize important circuits
• Keep the home powered instead of shutting down

Instead of installing an oversized generator, Generac intelligently manages power demand.

Mobile Link Remote Monitoring

Generac also leads in monitoring technology with the 4G Cellular Mobile Link monitoring device.

Homeowners and TriStar Electric can:

• Receive outage alerts
• Monitor generator status
• Detect maintenance issues early
• Diagnose problems remotely

Because it uses cellular communication, it still works when WiFi and internet are down.

Flexible Generator Options for Every Home

Generac offers more size choices than nearly any other residential generator manufacturer.

Air-Cooled Generators (10kW – 28kW)

• Most common residential systems
• Economical installation
• Typical lifespan: 15–20 years
• Lower maintenance cost

Liquid-Cooled Generators (20kW – 150kW+)

• Large homes and commercial buildings
• Higher continuous output
• Typical lifespan: 25–30 years
• Designed for heavy electrical loads

This range allows homeowners to match the generator to their home, not overpay for unnecessary capacity.

Fuel Flexibility: Natural Gas or Propane

Generac generators run on:

• Natural Gas
• Propane

This gives flexibility depending on utility availability, operating cost, and runtime expectations.

Strong Warranty and Nationwide Support

Because Generac is the most widely installed standby generator brand, it has the most developed service infrastructure.

Benefits include:

• Faster parts shipping
• Large dealer network
• Direct manufacturer support
• Reliable warranty claim processing
• Long-term parts availability

Choosing a lesser known brand can make repairs difficult years later, especially after storms when parts demand spikes.

Installed and Supported by TriStar Electric

Even the best generator depends on proper installation and maintenance.

TriStar Electric is a Generac Elite Dealer, meaning we are authorized for:

• Installation
• Maintenance
• Troubleshooting and Service
• Warranty repairs
• Manufacturer support coordination

Many companies can install generators.
Few are certified to fully support them afterward.

With TriStar Electric, you have one company responsible for your generator for its entire life, not multiple contractors passing responsibility.

The Bottom Line: Why Generac

Homeowners choose Generac because it provides:

• Proven reliability
• Industry leading technology
• Largest service network
• Strong warranty support
• Parts availability for decades
• Flexible sizing options
• Automatic operation
• Remote monitoring capability

When paired with professional installation, a Generac standby generator becomes a long-term home infrastructure upgrade, not just an appliance.

It Adds Value to your Home!

Consumer Reports has an article that explains that whatever you spend on the project for a whole house generator system, you can expect a 150% return in value added to your home. For partial home generator systems, you can expect a 50% return in value added to your home.

Considering a Generac Generator?

TriStar Electric installs and services Generac home standby generators throughout:

• Maryland
• Washington DC
• Northern Virginia

Contact us for a system evaluation and learn what backup power solution fits your home best.