Frequent Asked Questions about Generators

1) What size generator do I need for my home?

Every home owner’s requirement is different. Your power plant will be sized on the electrical load it will be carrying. The size of your house does not matter nor the size service feeding your home. It all comes down to what you want to run during an outage. The only real answer is to have Nasin Electric provide a complimentary site assessment to recommend a proper solution to fit your specific requirments.

2) How much does it cost to install a generator?

We are the only company that lists real final costs to properly install your generator. The writen qoute represent turn-key installed. When you receive competitive pricing, be sure you compare the same scope of work and always get it in writing!

3) How loud is the generator?

The air cooled generators (except for our QuietSource line) are all about 70db’s at 20 feet. What does this mean? It means you can have a regular conversation between two people standing next to a running air cooled generator. Remember, Guardian has been manufacturing generators for 40 years; they are designed for residential neighborhoods. The new Elite and QuietSource liquid cooled generators are much quieter than the standard models.

4) Do the generators need elevated gas pressure to run?

MAYBE!

If your Guardian/Generac generator was installed before June of 2004, Yes, it does require between 11” and 14” of water column to run as designed on both natural gas and LP. The gas pressure supplied to your home is 6” of water column. Gas pressure must be elevated for maximum engine performance and to prevent stalling during applied loads. Unfortunately, many generators are installed with regular house pressure BEFORE June of 2004. This is unfortunate for when there is a power outage, the generators will most likely stall when an electrical load is applied. Call Nasin Electric for a complimentary inspection of your Guardian or Generac generator to see if it was installed correctly. Be sure your generator is not providing you a false sense of security! As part of every generator installation needing natural gas, Home Power Systems installs a regulator reducing valve to reduce the gas pressure back to 6” after supplying elevated pressure to the generator.

Every Guardian or Generac gas installation needs to look like this if it was installed before June 2004. If it looks different than this.....it's wrong!! Notice the second gas reducing regulator on the load side of the meter.
All Guardian generator manufactured after June 2004 do not require elevated pressure for natural gas. To verify this, review page 7, section 1.6, in the Installation and Owners Manual. This will tell you the fuel requirements of your generator. Fuel requirements for LP are still 11"-14"WC

5) How much service do the generators need once it is installed?

A commitment must be made to properly maintain this electrical generating device. This is not an air-conditioning unit or furnace that can go years with out service. You are generating electricity! Nasin Electric has on staff Guardian technicians that service and repair Guardian units. HPS follows the Guardian 4.13 service programs which include TWO site visits per year. See our maintenance pricing schedule for different programs. (The generator is like maintaing a lawnmower)

6) How long do they last?

A properly maintained generator should provide over 20 years of operation under emergency standby conditions. Keep in mind that the air cooled units are not intended to provide continuous power (24 hours a day, 365 days a year). The liquid cooled units are designed for continuous duty and will give you 10,000 to 12,000 hours of run life.

7) How much does it cost a month to run the generator when it runs for 15 minutes a week?

Depending on the price of natural gas, it shouldn’t cost more than $4 or $5 per month to run the unit in test mode. During a power outage, under 50% load expect to pay less than $30/day for gas usage. A lot cheaper than a hotel room or spoiled food!

8) How long will it take for me to get my generator if I order on the internet?

Once your order is placed, and if the generator is in stock, delivery to your home is only about 5-7 business days. If we need to order from the factory, lead times are about 2-3 weeks for all air cooled generators. Liquid cooled generators are shipping in about 4-6 weeks. Expect these lead times to change depending on national weather conditions and factory production schedules.

9) Do you have any generators in stock?

We do keep some stock. Please call us (860) 822- 9251 and a service representative can check our inventory. We also order generators on a regular basis, and can ship your order as soon as possible.

10) What size generator do I need?

If you are running more than one central air conditioning unit, you'll need a liquid cooled generator. Furnace, sump pump, fridge, general lighting, and microwave would require a small air cooled generator such as the 13kw model 5242 or 16kw model 5243. Link for proper size

11) What is the status of my generator order?

Please feel free to call or email us and a customer service representative will provide you status of your order.

12) What fuel supply to I need to run one of your generators?

All Guardian home standby generators can be fueled by either Liquid Propane (LP) and Natural Gas. Portable generators are designed to be fueled by gasoline only.

13) Can you install the generator for me?

Yes, if you live in Connecticut we can perform turn-key installation services. If you are outside this area, please go to www.guardiangenerators.com and select the "Find a Dealer" tab. Input your zip code and dealers that support your area will be listed.

14) How big and how heavy are these generators?

Air Cooled: 48'' long 24" deep 28" high, weight is about 500lbs.
Liquid Cooled: 73"long, 28" deep, 43" high, weight is about 1000lbs

15) Does your price include delivery?

Yes, all our pricing include power lift gate, residential delivery to your home for air cooled generators and most liquid cooled generators as well. The 35kw, 45kw and all the Commercial models include shipping but power lift gate delivery is not available. All prices quoted are the final billable costs to your credit card. No hidden charges here! Shipments to California will incure additional shipping fees.

16) Will someone call me before my generator is delivered?

Yes, the freight company will call you and schedule a delivery time that is convenient for you. if necessary, the freight company will hold your generator for up to 2 weeks if you are on vacation.

17) Does my generator come with a battery?

Only the UltraSource portable generators ship with a battery. None of the Guardian home standby generators ship with a battery. We recommend the Interstate Megatron, 75month battery, group 26 for both the air cooled and liquid cooled HSB generators.

18) Do I have to pay sales Tax?

No, unless your generator is being shipped to Connecticut.