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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nService<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initial cost of a generator is one thing\u2026how much it costs over the years to keep it running well is quite another. If the unit is made in the USA, parts will not be a problem. It is very important to use a factory-authorized dealer and certified engine technician to make repairs and to perform routine maintenance. They will have the tools, knowledge and training to keep your unit running well. The alternative (unit bought through a Home Center, or installed by a non-factory authorized dealer ) will leave you holding the bag should you run into repair issues. These ARE NOT LAWN MOWERS, so don\u2019t treat them like one. The engine going round so the blade on the mower goes around are infinitely less complicated that an engine turning an alternator with an isosynchronous governor system needing to create a perfect electrical sine wave to run sensitive electronics found in modern homes. Stick with a qualified professional. WARNING\u2026electricians are not necessarily qualified professionals. There is a big difference between installing wiring and adjusting a generator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Installer<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you know your installer is a factory-authorized installer (the only kind of installer that the Manufacturer recognizes and instructs you to use)? Look on the manufacturer\u2019s website. Factory authorized dealers and service providers will be listed there. I have been hired to repair hundreds of generators that were installed by people claiming to be factory authorized. ( I often hear customers say, \u201d he said he put in lots of generators\u201d. Its up to you to check them out. The difference can be dramatic. Factory-trained persons always follow all of the manufacturer\u2019s rules and instructions. When you have to file a warranty claim, you will find out the value of this. It is important to note that only factory-trained individuals can make the necessary adjustments that have to be made at installation. The adjustments are not public knowledge for a reason. Only factory-trained technicians possess that skill. If your generator is not installed and adjusted correctly, there is a strong possibility that it will not be running well from the start. This can, and usually does shorten the life of the generator. I can not stress this enough\u2026 the quality of the initial installation effects the longevity of the generator!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My advice is to deal with a factory-authorized and servicing dealer, not a Home Center or the internet. The internet may save you tax\u2026big deal. Those savings won\u2019t console you when you run into your first problem. This can come in a number of forms. Defect in manufacturing, shipping damage, damage it sustained sitting in a warehouse, or maybe just a plain old case of not being able to get the unit to perform correctly. In all of the above scenarios, you are most likely on your own unless you have purchased through a factory-authorized dealer. You may also run into a situation where the installation does not meet the manufacturer\u2019s standards and they will not honor your warranty claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to purchasing a generator, as it relates to value, its about initial cost, how long the unit will last, then adding the cost of ownership over its expected lifespan. Think long term and don\u2019t be pennywise and pound-foolish!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s do some math. Let\u2019s assume you buy a standby generator and the installed cost is $7,500.00. The quality of the generator is such that it will last 8 years (this is what you can expect from some well-known but cheaply-built generators), if it is installed correctly, initially adjusted properly, and well-maintained over the years, you will probably need to replace it after 8 years (for an additional $7,500.00. Now look at another example. Lets assume you spent $8,900.00 on a US-made , heavy duty product that has a 2,000 hour warranty ( about 15 years of use, remember\u2026its all, about the engine and alternator) It is obviously designed to last that long. And it was installed and adjusted well, and maintained properly. Lets assume it lasts 15 years. Which is the bargain ? Obviously, the $8,900.00 generator is the better value. After 15 years, it has cost you $8,900.00 (plus maintenance costs). The lesser quality unit has cost you $15,000 (plus maintenance costs) over the same period of time. Cost over ownership ($8,900.00\/15 yrs. =) $593.00\/yr.+ maintenance costs for the higher quality unit. vs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
($15,000\/15 yrs.=) $1,000.00\/yr. for the lesser machine. Obviously, the better value was the better-built product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion\u2026you get the most for your money by purchasing a quality, USA-made generator from a local, factory-authorized sales and service dealer, following the maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturer. Don\u2019t trust contractors who say they have experience\u2026go with a proven installer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I am sometimes bewildered when I receive feedback from potential customers or from folks who consult with me regarding the reasoning behind decisions that were made when considering which generator or which installer to use for their emergency generator installation. I think it is helpful for me to chart some of the important factors to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":165,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n