Generac or Koehler whole house generator?

[sixdogs]

We're thinking it's time for a whole house automatic generator. The local electrician I have known for decades will do the whole thing and works with Koehler and General. I think he favors Koehler. This will run on propane and I'm thinking 15K in size and we have a modern ranch 2300 ft farmhouse.

Koehler or Generac?

I'm thinking about quality, reliability, lifespan and pros and cons. Looking for commentary. Thank you in advance.

 

[Duds13]

I have a 22kw Generac, on the 4th year or so with it. No issues at all, but ever since we got it we're only lost power for a couple hours, lol.

I was going to look at Kohler but in my area the dealer was pretty far away so that factored into my decision to go with Generac.

I think it's one of those things you'll drive yourself crazy researching.

 

[Tpondel]

We have the Generac but think Koehler is equally good. I’d go with best price.

We have the annual maintenance contract. It’s set to start every Saturday around 8am. It’s next to barn so don’t hear anything. I spend time with the maintenance guy since I haven’t a clue how these things work. Was surprised it’s actually a car engine complete with battery. The batt was changed out after four years.

Five years, no issues.

 

[drssg]

I also bought a 22kW Generac about six years ago, and I've been happy with it. Our longest power outage has been three days.

Their standard process is to have two local installers come out and provide an estimate. You can choose a more idiot-proof approach that only activates some of the circuits in the house, or you can just switch everything over to generator power. With the latter approach, it is up to the user to have some common sense and not overload the generator.

 

[ericm979]

In some places the electrical code requires that a whole home generator be able to power everything or that there are automatic load shed devices on some large loads. Generac makes load shed devices that don't need low voltage wiring to the generator and that work with any generator.

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm also curious about what is the better choice for a home house generator. A local guy is selling Cummins, and then you install and maintain it yourself. I like the Cummins name, but I don't know anything about it to say it's better or worse then the other brands.

The Cummins is 20kw for $6,250

I think it's a little small, but it's the only link that I have

https://www.etexcustomauto.com/details/new-2024-cummins-generator-20kw/59736176

 

[jyoutz]

I'm also curious about what is the better choice for a home house generator. A local guy is selling Cummins, and then you install and maintain it yourself. I like the Cummins name, but I don't know anything about it to say it's better or worse then the other brands.

The Cummins is 20kw for $6,250

I think it's a little small, but it's the only link that I have

https://www.etexcustomauto.com/details/new-2024-cummins-generator-20kw/59736176

Cummins (Onan) generators are top notch. You see them installed at commercial buildings. I’ve also seen Generac installed in commercial applications.

 

[Torvy]

I'm also curious about what is the better choice for a home house generator. A local guy is selling Cummins, and then you install and maintain it yourself. I like the Cummins name, but I don't know anything about it to say it's better or worse then the other brands.

The Cummins is 20kw for $6,250

I think it's a little small, but it's the only link that I have

https://www.etexcustomauto.com/details/new-2024-cummins-generator-20kw/59736176

Generac is the top, widely available generator company. As with tractors, there probably isn't a huge difference.

From what I have seen, it will cost about the same to have the generator installed as it will to buy it. I'm looking at the 22kwh dual fuel (propane and diesel) option. I think it was about 10k, but the guys in Tyler wanted another 10k to install.

 

[Racer4]

I'm also curious about what is the better choice for a home house generator. A local guy is selling Cummins, and then you install and maintain it yourself. I like the Cummins name, but I don't know anything about it to say it's better or worse then the other brands.

The Cummins is 20kw for $6,250

I think it's a little small, but it's the only link that I have

https://www.etexcustomauto.com/details/new-2024-cummins-generator-20kw/59736176

The Cummins generators I’ve seen have Briggs engines in them. They have had problems. One the transfer switch went bad and only switched the one leg of the power coming in. Then the battery charger went bad twice. The other Cummins had control board issues.

 

[jyoutz]

The Cummins generators I’ve seen have Briggs engines in them. They have had problems. One the transfer switch went bad and only switched the one leg of the power coming in. Then the battery charger went bad twice. The other Cummins had control board issues.

I imagine they have both homeowner and commercial grade. The Cummins dealer where I get oil filters and other parts for my truck have Cummins generators with small Cummins engines.