Standby Generator

[BAP]

We installed our 22kw going through Costco. After the various cash back & rebates, we ended up laying out about $8500 total. That included the extra costs associated with placement of the generator 75' from the 200 amp autoswitch, converting the house breaker panel from 3 wire to 4 wire, and trenching a propane line and adding/upgrading a total of 3 regulators through the local propane service folks (two existing regulators were 20 years old & I chose to update them).

If interested, a thread detailing the whole install process can be found here:
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/367609-getting-whole-house-genny-installed.html

Thanks for the link. Lots of great information there.

 

[coobie]

What have people paid for their generators with installation?

8 years ago my 17kw generac was $4650 installed.

 

[MossRoad]

My 4200W Coleman was $399 back in 1995....

 

[Doofy]

My 2000 watt Honda inverter generator was $899 and can do all I need it to do.

 

[stuckmotor]

My 2000 watt Honda inverter generator was $899 and can do all I need it to do.

People seem to love those Hondas.

 

[Doofy]

People seem to love those Hondas.

Yes, gas sipping and very quiet. Suitcase sized and easy to pack around.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

People seem to love those Hondas.

I love mine!

SR

 

[TheMan419]

My 6900 running watt was about $1k 5 years ago. Plus the cost of the electrician to install the interlock and sub panel.

 

[Doofy]

I would enjoy a "Whole House" generator but not very feasible where I live. The generator has to be kept in a heated garage to have any hope of ever getting started in the winter. That means no automatic start feature. Kinda defeats the purpose of a standby system.

 

[jaydee325]

I would enjoy a "Whole House" generator but not very feasible where I live. The generator has to be kept in a heated garage to have any hope of ever getting started in the winter. That means no automatic start feature. Kinda defeats the purpose of a standby system.

All of the manufactures I looked at had a cold weather kit available. Admittedly, the Generac kit was not very impressive as it consisted of a battery heating pad (good) and a heater wrap for the oil filter (not so good)! But, all it would probably take is a light bulb near the crank case to keep the oil warm. My generator also has a cold start monitor that under a certain outside temperature, there is a delay until the generator picks up load to allow the engine to build some heat and get oil circulating.

 

[Doofy]

All of the manufactures I looked at had a cold weather kit available. Admittedly, the Generac kit was not very impressive as it consisted of a battery heating pad (good) and a heater wrap for the oil filter (not so good)! But, all it would probably take is a light bulb near the crank case to keep the oil warm. My generator also has a cold start monitor that under a certain outside temperature, there is a delay until the generator picks up load to allow the engine to build some heat and get oil circulating.

At -30F and colder for extended periods of time the so called "cold weather kits" are a total joke. You would need a super insulated enclosure for a light bulb or pad heater to make much difference. Not saying it couldn't be done but at what expense? Guess I will have to stick with my little Honda that is kept warm in the garage 24/7.

 

[check]

The one on my 17 kw Kohler standby generator works just fine, and we have been near -40 up here at the cottage in the Great White North. Maybe you should check out the Kohlers?

 

[Doofy]

The one on my 17 kw Kohler standby generator works just fine, and we have been near -40 up here at the cottage in the Great White North. Maybe you should check out the Kohlers?

I've heard good things about the Kohlers and keep looking at them. At .28 per KWH is would sure get expensive trying to keep one warm enough to start.

 

[jaydee325]

At .28 per KWH

 

[Doofy]

Only $20 per month to run a 100watt light bulb! Good Times!

 

[goeduck]

At -30F and colder for extended periods of time the so called "cold weather kits" are a total joke. You would need a super insulated enclosure for a light bulb or pad heater to make much difference. Not saying it couldn't be done but at what expense? Guess I will have to stick with my little Honda that is kept warm in the garage 24/7.

Considering your climate, you are spot on having your Honda in the garage. Down here we may get into the +teensF from time to time on cold winters, normal cold to us is +25F. A simple light bulb or heat trace can keep things warm enough to prevent freezing. Starting a generator engine is seldom ever a problem on our coldest days.

 

[check]

I've heard good things about the Kohlers and keep looking at them. At .28 per KWH is would sure get expensive trying to keep one warm enough to start.

Well, my 17 kw Kohler uses a carb heater, so check out the specs and see how much electricity it uses.

 

[grsthegreat]

At -30F and colder for extended periods of time the so called "cold weather kits" are a total joke. You would need a super insulated enclosure for a light bulb or pad heater to make much difference. Not saying it couldn't be done but at what expense? Guess I will have to stick with my little Honda that is kept warm in the garage 24/7.

your alot colder up there to b e sure. Here in north idaho my auto start with cold weather kit works great. Ive started it in -20 and she fired right up. When i open the enclodure before firing it up, engine area was warmish. Gen sounded good...like it does starting up in summer. It used to sound real sluggish before i installed kit. Generac also now has a breather tube heater available for super cold climates.

 

[Doofy]

your alot colder up there to b e sure. Here in north idaho my auto start with cold weather kit works great. Ive started it in -20 and she fired right up. When i open the enclodure before firing it up, engine area was warmish. Gen sounded good...like it does starting up in summer. It used to sound real sluggish before i installed kit. Generac also now has a breather tube heater available for super cold climates.

Thanks for the info. I'll be checking in to the breather tube heater. Could possibly work for me too.

 

[rbtjr]

Good thread. We are about 20 miles southeast of Charlotte, NC (in the Marvin, Monroe, Waxhaw area). We are considering a whole-home natural-gas generator. We have a 3,765 square-foot house with the typical loads. We have natural-gas heat. We would consider a generator that would not be large enough to power the air conditioner but probably would want the whole house powered otherwise (or else we will just buy a smaller portable unit to power the critical things such as the refrig and freezer). We would appreciate any recommendations for brand, size and installer in our area. Thanks in advance for any feedback.