Generac Power Generators Review: Brief History and Their 7 Best Generators

Generac is one of the leading brands that provide Americans with affordable home backup generators. The company was established in 1959 and is renowned for manufacturing quality power tools for domestic and industrial use. Some of its popular products include portable and commercial power generators. Research shows that it is the most popular brand among U.S. commercial consumers. The story is not different for residential consumers. Here, the brand enjoys over 70% market share. 

Generac offers power generators to meet your every need. For instance, if you need a Generac whole house generator, you can invest in a Generac standby generator. Some of the best picks in this category include the Generac guardian 7043 and Generac 7042. These Generac 22kW generators come with all bells and whistles of the best generators in their class, ranging from quiet operation to remote control. 

Alternatively, you can invest in a Generac standby generator. Some of the best options in this class include the Generac GP6500, Generac GP8000e, Generac 6500, and Generac GP15000e. These generators produce enough power to run your home appliances and can also be used to run power tools at your remote work site.

The company also offers a wide range of inverter generators such as the Generac GP2200i, Generac iQ3500, and Generac GP3000i. These models are great options for your outdoor activities. Most of these generators come with a parallel connection feature that allows you to connect multiple units and scale up your power output. Generac provides green power solutions such as the Generac PWRcell, which allows you to harness solar energy for your daily and emergency use. Such investments lower your electricity bills over time.

A Quick Review of the 7 Top-Rated Generac Power Generators

With so many power backup solutions from Generac, you may find it difficult to choose a generator that suits your needs. The process of determining the best Generac generator for you involves comparing the features of various models and choosing one that meets your needs at an affordable price. To make this task less tasking, we have done enough research and picked seven top generators from this manufacturer. We went ahead and highlighted their salient features and benefits. We also included a buying guide to help you know what to look for when buying a power generator. We hope that as you read through this review and buying guide you will find a Generac generator that suits you. Below is our review of the best seven Generac generators.

1. Generac 7127 iQ3500 3500-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator

Google’s Rating 4.5

The Generac iQ3500 portable generator comes with a 3500 surge watts and 3000 running watts rating. This power is enough to run most of your home appliances, such as a 700W fridge/freezer, LED TV, 1500W microwave, toaster, sump pump, coffee maker, air conditioner, and hairdryer. If you are working at a remote worksite, you can use this portable generator to run various tools such as an air compressor, circular saw, and hand drills. You can also power a lithium-ion battery charger for your cordless drills and run other appliances such as belt sanders and table saws, to mention a few. 

If you are shopping for a portable generator for recreational use, then the Generac iQ3500 can run most devices in your RV. These include a 15,000BTU air conditioner, blender, slow cooker, tablets, and smartphones. All you need to do is make sure that the total load on the generator does not exceed the rated output. This Generac inverter generator features an advanced PowerRush™ Technology, which allows its four-stroke OHV engine to deliver  50% more starting power than competitor generators in its class. This feature helps you to run appliances with a high surge watts rating. If you need more power, you can double the output by connecting a similar model in parallel.

The engine comes with a splash lubrication system, which allows it to run for a longer time. This way, your generator lasts longer, thus giving you value for your money. It is also ultra-quiet, with a 44 dB(A) noise level. This figure is 40% quieter than Honda’s inverter technology. This feature comes with many advantages, such as operating your generator in high population areas without being a nuisance to your neighbors. 

This generator comes with both electric and recoil starter mechanisms. The electric start allows you to power the engine with a single push of a button. If this method fails because of a lower battery charge, the recoil mechanism gives you a fallback option. The digital display screen that comes with this generator allows you to monitor its output, load, and maintenance intervals.

With a 50% load, the Generac iQ3500 can deliver up to 8.9 runtime hours. It also comes with an Economy Mode, which adjusts the engine RPM to match the applied load. These features allow you to do a day’s work without refueling.

When it comes to safety, this Generac generator features a low-oil auto-shutdown mechanism, which protects it from being damaged. This generator comes with a low THD of less than 3%, thus allowing you to use it to run sensitive electronics such as medical appliances, laptops, and cameras.  

The output panel features two 120V 20A 5-20R ports for most of your domestic appliances. It also comes with a 120V 30A L5-30R twist-lock outlet which you can use on your RV. Generac provides a 3-year warranty on the iQ3500. It costs only $1,299, and with the above features, the iQ3500 is sure to give you value for your money.

Summary

2. Generac 70432 22000-Watt Dual Fuel Home Standby Generator

Google’s Rating 4.8

The Generac Guardian 70432 is your ideal pick if you are shopping for a home standby generator that’s quiet, reliable, and easy to use. It comes with a powerful Generac G-Force™ engine that runs on natural gas or liquid propane. The dual-fuel feature allows you the flexibility to use the fuel that is readily available in your area for added convenience. Moreover, this engine can operate for 24 hours for days as long as you have sufficient fuel supply. The external fuel tank design gives you unlimited runtime, which depends on the size of your fuel tank. Its heavy-duty design enables the generator to run for a long time without the need for frequent maintenance. 

This Generac home standby generator has a 22,000 watts output on liquid propane and 19,500 watts when running on natural gas. This output is sufficient to run your home and small size office or business establishment. It uses True Power™ technology to produce clean electricity with THD of less than 5%, which can run sensitive electronics. 

The Generac 70432 has an all-aluminum casing with a RhinoCoat™ powder-coated finish, which makes it withstand the elements and protect its core. It also features a Generac’s Evolution™ Controller with an LCD and multilingual interface. It tracks the battery level and generator maintenance intervals. The multilingual capability allows you to choose a language that you best understand for ease of operation.

Another great feature of this standby generator is access to free Mobile Link™ Wi-Fi connectivity that comes with every Generac guardian series standby generator. This wireless interface allows you to connect your generator with your PC, smartphone, laptop, or tablet for remote operation and monitoring. This capability allows you the convenience of having your standby generator data on your palm so that you can be ready and prepare for the next power outage in advance. 

You don’t have to worry about buying a transfer switch for the Generac 70432 whole house generator because of its own. The 200A Generac transfer switch ensures a fast and safe connection between the generator and your house. It features a smart load management system that improves the efficiency of the standby generator. It also has a NEMA 3R rated aluminum enclosure, which allows you the flexibility of outdoor installation. 

The company provides a five-year warranty on this standby generator as well as 24/7 customer support 365 days per year. It costs only $5,449. Don’t worry if you are unable to do a cash transaction. Generac offers multiple financing options to make the product affordable to many clients.

Summary

3. Generac 7686 8000-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator

Google’s Rating 4.6

Don’t worry if you are working with a tight budget and want to power your whole house but cannot afford a Generac standby generator. There is still a pocket-friendly option for you. The Generac 7686 GP8000E Portable Generator costs about $1,050. This price is a fraction of what you could pay for the Generac 7043. The 7686 GP8000E comes with a decent power output of 10,000 surge watts and 8,000 running watts, which is enough to power most of your essential appliances such as a sump pump, television, refrigerator, space heaters, and air conditions. 

If you a project at a remote worksite, you can use the 7686 GP8000E to run power tools such as drills and circular saws. For those who love the outdoor life, this generator is an ideal pick for your RV. It will run your kitchen appliances, television, and other equipment that help you enjoy your normal life away from home.

This generator comes with a 420cc OHV engine which delivers a  THD of 5%. Such a signal is still clean electricity in its class. The generator runs on gasoline and has Generac’s Power Rush technology, which increases its start output power by 30%. This way, you can run more appliances with high surge wattage. In addition, this engine comes with a splash lubrication mechanism which reduces friction and increases its efficiency. These operating conditions increase the engine’s life span, thereby serving you for a longer time.

Generac 7686 GP8000E portable generator has a large all-metallic 7.9-gallon tank for added durability. When this tank is full, the generator can run for about eleven hours at 50% load. This impressive runtime will help you accomplish the most critical tasks, especially when working on a time-sensitive project. And you don’t have to worry about damaging this machine when working in a harsh environment as it comes with a one and a quarter-inch steel-tube cradle which gives it added strength and protection. This feature makes the generator more durable. It also has heavy-duty never-flat tires and a foldable handle. These features allow you to move the Generac 7686 GP8000E in harsh environments with ease. 

This generator has a low-oil auto-shutdown functionality that cuts off the power supply to prevent damaging the engine. It features circuit breakers for each power outlet, which protect your appliances and the generator in case of an overload. Its control panel has three main AC outlets, which feature two 120V 20A 5-20R ports and one 240V 30A L14-30R twist-lock outlet. With these outlets, you can hook this generator to a house or RV with ease. 

Other features that come with this portable generator include an electric start mechanism which makes it easy to use. It also comes with a three-year warranty and excellent customer support services by Generac.

Summary

4. Generac 8250 2500-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator

Google’s Rating 4.1

The Generac 8250 GP2500i inverter generator comes in a small, compact, and lightweight design that marks it highly portable. If you are going for outdoor trips such as hunting, tailgating, or camping in your RV, this generator will come in handy. It comes with a 98 cc OHV engine, which produces up to 2,500 surge watts and 2,200 running watts, with a THD of less than 3%. This electricity is clean and is ideal for running sensitive electronics. If you need more power, you can connect this generator with a similar model in parallel to double your output. 

Its control panel features three LED indicators that help you know when the generator is ready for use, overloaded, or low on oil. It also comes with an auto-shutdown feature when the oil level is low and a circuit breaker that engages when you overload the unit. These features protect both your generator and appliances. It also gives peace of mind when operating this unit that nothing will get out of hand. Other safety features include covered power outlets, which protect the ports from the elements when using the generator in harsh conditions.

This Generac Portable Inverter generator comes with a one-gallon fuel tank that provides you with 8 hours of runtime at 25% load and 4.5 hours at 50% load. To increase the efficiency of this unit, run it on eco-mode, which adjusts the engine RPM to match the applied load. This way, you will use less fuel and increase the generator runtime.

The 8250 GP2500i features two 20A 120V 5-20R ports for your AC power output, which you can use to run your high wattage appliances. It also comes with two DC ports and a USB outlet that you can use to charge smartphones, tablets, and other sensitive electronics. Generac offers a 3-year warranty on this inverter generator and excellent customer support. With only $599, you can own this unit and get the flexibility of portable power anywhere, anytime.

Summary

5. Generac 7682 6500-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator

Google’s Rating 4.6

The Generac 7682 GP6500E is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an emergency power backup generator. It comes with a 389cc OHV engine that delivers 40% more surge watts thanks to Generac’s PowerRush advanced technology. This feature gives you 8125 peak watts and 6500 running watts. With this output, you can run most household appliances. The engine comes with a splash lubrication system, which reduces friction, thereby increasing its lifespan. It comes with a 240V 30A L14-30R AC twist-lock port that allows you to hook up your house mains or RV to the generator with ease. 

Moreover, it is compatible with Homelink manual transfer switches, thus making it hassle-free to use this generator to power your home. Its two 120V 20A 5-20R ports allow you to connect appliances such as power tools directly to the unit for ease of use, especially when working at a remote worksite.

This Generac portable generator features a 6.9-gallon fuel tank, which allows the engine to run for 10.5 hours with a 50% load. This means if you are working with a 3000W power tool at a full tank, this unit can help you deliver a whole day’s work. 

The structure of this generator features a one and quarter-inch steel cradle, which provides the frame with support for added strength and durability. It also features a foldable handle and a heavy-duty, never-flat wheel kit for easy transportation. The handles fold downwards, thus the unit dimensions remain unchanged. This way, it will not occupy additional space.

You don’t have to guess when to service this generator, as it comes with an hour meter that helps you track the number of hours the unit runs before you stop it for maintenance. It also comes with a circuit breaker mechanism and an automatic low-oil shutdown feature. These features protect the generator from overload and low oil levels, respectively. 

Like most Generac portable generators, the company offers a 3-year warranty on this model and offers 24/7 customer support throughout the year.

Summary

6. Generac 7129 3000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator

If you wish to run an appliance with a surge watt rating between 2500 to 3000 watts, the Generac GP2500i will not work for you. Instead, consider investing in the GP3000i inverter generator. It comes with a four-stroke 149cc OHV engine that delivers 3000 surge watts and 2300 running watts. Generac has incorporated its PowerRush advanced technology in the GP3000i product design, which delivers up to 50% starting power than competitor generators. This power can run most of your critical home appliances such as a sump pump, lighting system, refrigerator, and television. 

The GP3000i comes with a 30A 120V TT-30R twist-lock port for a hassle-free RV connection. This feature enables you to plug your RV into the generator in seconds for easy setup. It also comes with two 120V 20A 5-20R outlets that allow you to plug your power tools directly for easy use. In case you want to charge USB devices such as smartphones, power banks, and tablets, you can use the two-5V DC ports. 

When full, the 1.06-gallon fuel tank gives you up to 4.5 hours runtime at 50% load. If you are running a low-wattage appliance, you can enjoy up to 8 hours runtime at 20% load. With this runtime, you can achieve a lot, especially if working remotely on your computer or undertaking a DIY project. If you need more power, this generator is parallel-ready and allows you to hook a second unit and double your output.

The Generac GP3000i inverter generator comes with an economy mode. Every time you are operating the unit below capacity, activate this mode. It lowers the engine RPM so that the power output matches the applied load. This way, you save on fuel and increase the engine life span. 

The LED indicators on the control panel come in handy to give you the operating status of the generator at any time. You can tell whether it is running within capacity, low on oil, and when ready to load. You will need to observe these indicators to operate the unit properly. This unit costs only $749 and comes with a three years warranty.

Summary

7. Generac 5734 22500-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator

Google’s Rating 4.4

The Generac GP15000E Portable Generator is a cheaper alternative to a standby whole house generator. You can own it at a price of about $3,250, which is significantly cheaper than a Generac Guardian 7043. This generator features a 992cc OHV engine which delivers 22,500 surge watts and 15,000 running watts, which is enough to power most homes. 

Its heavy-duty engine comes with a full pressure lubrication system which incorporates a spin action similar to that of automotive engines on an oil filter. This mechanism enhances the engine’s longevity, allowing you to use the unit for a long time.

The idle control on this generator reduces noise and fuel consumption, thereby giving you extended runtime, especially when operating below capacity. When the GP15000E’s 16-gallon fuel tank is full, you can run it for 10 hours non-stop at 50% load. This means this generator can support 7500W power tools for a whole day. This feature makes it an ideal choice for use in remote construction sites. 

The control panel of this generator features multiple AC outlets, which include a 120/250V 30A L14-30R twist-lock port. These ports are protected from overload circuit breakers for safe operation. This portable generator also comes with a hardened steel tube cradle, which adds strength to its structure and makes it suitable for use in hardy conditions.

When it came to transportation, this unit comes with a pair of pneumatic wheels, a handle, and a lifting eye for hassle-free movement while on the ground. Generac offers up to 2 years warranty on this generator.

Summary

Generac Power Generators Accessories

It’s not uncommon for brands to provide clients with generator accessories that enhance the smooth running of these power stations. These accessories range from safety equipment to engine consumables such as filters. Below are examples of accessories you will find extremely useful when using a Generac generator.

Porch Shield Waterproof

The Porch Shield brand is owned by EASONE LLC. The brand specializes in manufacturing affordable equipment covers for both outdoor and indoor applications. For instance, the Porch Shield Waterproof Universal Generator Cover is designed to give you a sure way to protect your portable generator from harsh weather and dust. This cover features a 600D polyester fabric construction with a water-resistant undercoat that prevents water from entering the inner side of the cover. It also comes with sealed seams to ensure that your generator stays dry when in wet environments.  

One side of the generator cover comes with double layer reinforcement, for added protection against the elements, while the opposite side is open with velcro fasteners for ease of use. The bottom section of this cover features a bottom strop with an elastic hem cord that allows it to fit nicely on the generator, even during strong winds. This cover is available in five shades and three sizes, thus giving you a wide range of options to pick from, depending on your taste and preferences. It also comes with a three-year warranty.

SUMMARY

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Generac 6112 20-Foot 30-Amp Portable Generator Cord

Operating power generators comes with various risks, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. To avert this risk, you will need to operate your generator outside your house. In this case, it’s important to invest in a quality power cable to transfer electricity safely from the generator to your home. If you are not careful, it’s possible to buy a cable with a lower voltage rating than your generator output. Such cases can lead to fire accidents and which can damage your property. 

Generac saves you this trouble by providing the Generac 6112 20-Foot 30-Amp Generator Cord. It is designed to work with generators with 7500W output and below. Also, these generators must have 30A outlets. This cord is made of tough thermoset rubber that can withstand any weather conditions and remain functional, even in the coldest environment. It features a 10-gauge, 4-wire construction which allows the cable to carry high voltage electricity safely.

The Generac 6112 comes with a male NEMA L14-30 plug and four female 5-20R outlets. This cable turns a single 30A outlet into four 5-20R ports, effectively making your generator more versatile.

You can use this cord to get electricity from the generator to Generac transfer switches such as 6376, 6378, and 6379. It also works well with Generac Power Inlet Boxes such as 6340 and 6343. This cord costs about $70 and comes with a two-year warranty.

Summary

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Accessory USA AC Adapter for Generac

The Accessory USA brand is a top Amazon reseller. It specializes in electronics, music instruments, and office products. This brand stands out in that it sells quality products under $15. For example, its AC Adapter for Generac GP6500E, GP7500E, & GP8000E battery charger costs only $14.99. This adapter meets CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications. Its design comes with over output protection with regards to voltage, current, and short circuit. This way, the battery charger will not harm your battery in case of a power surge.

It’s important to note that this adapter is not an original Generac charger for your generator battery. However, it’s a cheaper alternative if your original charger gets lost or stops working.

Summary

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Why are Generac Power Generators Popular?

Just like other products, homeowners go for power generators that give them value for money. Generac home generators are reliable and will not fail you as long as you maintain them as advised by the manufacturer. They are also efficient and will save you money by better fuel consumption. Generac generators come in durable metallic construction, which ensures that you get a return on your investment. The company has also invested in its design processes to ensure that its products are environmentally friendly, which reduces your carbon print in the environment. 

General provides affordable products and flexible payment plans for some products such as home standby generators with seven years warranty. With portable generators, the company offers up to 3 years warranty. These warranties show that the company has confidence in the quality of its products.

Moreover, Generac generators feature designs that are easy to use. For example, their Guardian Series Home Standby Generator comes with a Wi-Fi capability that allows you to connect with a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet and control the generator remotely. Other enhancements to its products include automated start and shutoff when during power outages. You also don’t need to refuel models that have the dual-fuel feature as they can switch from gas to LPG as long as you have both fuels connected. 

When you use Generac transfer switches, you can power your entire home with their power generators without worrying about any safety issues. Generac understands that power outages can occur anytime and that consumers appreciate quality and timely customer support. That’s why they offer 24/7 customer support 365 days a year. 

Another reason Generac generators are popular is that you have a wide range of products to choose from, depending on your needs. They also have portable inverter generators that are super quiet and produce clean energy that can run your sensitive electronics.

Advantages of Investing in a Generac Generator

• It is common for utility companies to give prior notices to clients on planned power outages, especially when performing routine maintenance on power lines. However, disasters happen without warning, and power outages can last for days. Now a Generac standby generator takes seconds to start in the event of a power outage. 
• This automated setup gives you several advantages. For starters, you do not need to be present to start the generator. If you are in an office, there is zero impact on your productivity. You can still provide essential services to your clients. Also, you will prevent your food in the refrigerator from going bad. This is a huge benefit, especially in a food store, restaurant, or home environment where people stockpile foodstuffs for future use. 
• Getting your lighting system back shortly after a power outage helps to enhance your home and office security. A well-lit environment deters burglary and vandalism on your property. You will also have your security system up and running so you can monitor any threats and prepare accordingly.
• Generac power generators allow you to stay connected to the rest of the world through the internet during power outages in your area. You can follow what is happening on social media and stay updated on any rescue efforts that may be coming your way. This information is very critical for your survival in a disaster situation. 
• Portable Generac generators provide you with safe power, anywhere, anytime. This way, you get your freedom to work and live from anywhere without worrying about connecting to the grid. Solutions such as the Generac PWRcell allow you to tap the solar power and use it to run your vital appliances such as laptops, lamps, and smartphones.

The Ultimate Power Generator Buying Guide

It is hard to predict when the next power outage will strike because natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and windstorms are unpredictable. The best option for you is to be disaster-ready by investing in a power backup solution. One way to achieve this is by purchasing a Generac standby or portable generator, depending on your needs. But how do you tell which generator is right for you? Read on to discover.

How to Choose the Right Generac Generator for You

Generac is the leading manufacturer of portable generators in America. As you shop for a power backup generator, you need to know what to look out for in the available model to find the right one for you. Here are the important factors to consider when choosing the right Generac generator for you.

Consider Your Electricity Needs

The goal of buying a generator is to satisfy a specific need. Therefore, it is only prudent to outline what you want to do with the generator. For instance, if you are looking for a Generac whole house generator you will need to determine your hourly electricity consumption. Likewise, if you want a Generac portable generator to run your RV, you will need to know how much power the caravan consumes in an hour. 

Therefore, list all the appliances you wish to connect to the generator and compute their total wattage. The resulting figure will be the total load on your generator if you connect all devices to the unit. Now your total load should be less than the rated output of your generator.

Generator Output

When determining the output of your generator, you need to consider two parameters – the peak watts and the running wattage. A generator’s peak wattage is also referred to as surge or starting wattage. It is the highest power output a generator can produce in a short time. The running wattage is the average power a unit can deliver over a long period. The peak wattage plays an enormous role in starting up appliances. 

For instance, if an appliance has a peak wattage higher than that of your generator, it will not start even if the rated wattage is lower than that of the unit. The good news is that Generac uses its revolutionary PowerRush advanced technology on its generators, which increase the starting wattage to 30% to 40% higher than comparable competitor products. To be on the safe side, make sure that no appliance has a peak wattage rating that is higher than that of your generator.  

Another factor you need to consider when it comes to a generator power output is the quality of the electrical signal, especially if you are working with sensitive appliances. In such a case, you will need a generator with a low THD. Most Generators have a THD of less than 5%, but if you need a pure sine wave electrical signal, you are better off using an inverter generator with a THD below 3%. 

Power Outlets

Always check the control panel of your preferred model and make sure that it has power outlets that can support your appliances. For instance, if you wish to hook your RV to a portable generator, go for a unit with a 120/240V AC 30A L5-30R twist-lock outlet. Similarly, if you are an outdoor enthusiast and would like a unit that can charge your smartphone on the go, get a generator that has USB outlets. Generac generators with multiple power outlets are highly versatile and can support multiple appliances at once and reduce the need for additional adapters. 

Fuel Tank Size

The size of your generator fuel tank determines its runtime. In most cases, standby generators need external fuel tanks and therefore can run nonstop for days. Portable models have inbuilt fuel tanks ranging anywhere between 1 and 16 gallons. It is also important to note that Generac tries to match the fuel tank size to the size of the generator engine. Models with large engines produce more power and consume more fuel. It is, therefore, no surprise that they have larger fuel tanks than smaller models.

Fuel Type

While most portable generators run gasoline, some Generac models use multiple fuels. For example, the Generac 7043 runs on natural gas or liquid propane. The dual-fuel feature gives you added flexibility of using one fuel type when one is not available. Choose a unit that runs on a fuel that is readily available in your area.

Starting Mechanism

The common starting mechanisms used for starting generators are electric and recoil pull start. Models that come with electric start mechanisms are easy to operate. All you need to do is push the start button, and the engine will power up. However, this mechanism can fail when the battery is low on charge. You will need to recharge your start battery at least once every month to keep it ready. 

Models that come with manual recoil pull-start require a lot of energy to start, especially in cold weather. This start mechanism is popular with small size Generac generators. Mid-size Generac generators use both electric and recoil-start systems. If the electric start fails, you can use the recoil starter as a backup. 

Generac standby generators come with an automatic start mechanism that starts the engine seconds after a power outage. The generator also shuts down automatically when the power connection is restored. This autonomous feature eliminates the need to be present to operate the generator.

Generator Price

The prices of Generac generators range between $500 and $6,000, depending on their power output and other salient features. While price is not the primary factor to consider when choosing a portable generator, it helps you set the appropriate budget for a unit that suits your needs and still costs an affordable amount.

Portability

If you opt to purchase a portable generator, consider how easy or hard it is to move the unit from one place to another. There are models in the portable category that weigh over 300 pounds. You cannot handle such weight on your own. In such cases, Generac adds wheel kits to help you move the units with added ease. The Generac brand has small inverter generators that weigh about 47 pounds. Such models are easy to carry and ideal for outdoor applications such as hunting, fishing, tailgating, and camping.

Noise Level

While Generac doesn’t indicate the noise level on most of their generators, their inverter generators emit between 44 dB(A) to 60dB(A). If you want a quiet generator to use in a camping site or densely populated area where noise could be an issue, go for the quieter models if they meet your energy needs.

Warranty and Customer Support

The good news is that Generac provides a 2 to 7 years limited warranty on its generators. This way, you have peace of mind that if your generator breaks down because of design failure, it will be fixed at no extra cost. The company also provides its customers with 24/7 customer support service, 365 days a year.

How to Use Generac Generators Properly

• The first step towards operating a Generac generator properly understanding the unit’s design. Therefore, read your product manual to know how to run the unit. Determine how much power you need to know whether the generator can support the load. Start by choosing the appliances you want to run simultaneously and write down the rated wattage of every device. 
• Some appliances will only have the rated voltage and amperage. In this case, multiply the voltage by the amps to get the wattage. Now add the running watts of the appliance to get the total load wattage. This figure should be less than the running wattage of your Generac generator.
• If you want to install a generator to power your whole house, get a qualified technician to install a compatible Generac transfer switch. 
• Now check the oil level of your generator and if it is low, add to the required level as per the operating manual. Ensure that the oil cap is tightly closed. Fill the unit fuel tank with the recommended fuel type. If you are using a standby unit with an external fuel tank, connect the intake pipe securely to avoid leakage during operation. Turn the choke dial and fuel valve to the ‘ON’ positions.
• Now put the engine control switch to the ‘ON’ position. If the generator has an electric start, it should start. Otherwise, pull the recoil start cord to start the engine. Now set the choke control to the off position. In cold conditions, you may need to adjust the choke control until the engine warms up, after which you can put it to the off position. Plug the electrical cable from the transfer switch to the generator. Alternatively, you can plug cables that connect to the appliances you wish to run. Connect your devices to the control panel outlets with the correct voltage rating.
• If you are using the generator below its capacity, activate its economy mode. This feature will adjust the engine RPM so that its output matches the electrical load. This way, you will save on fuel consumption. When you are done using the appliances, turn them off and turn the engine switch to the off position before disconnecting the power cables. Allow the unit to cool before taking it back to storage.

Generac Generator Safety Tips

Generac generators are highly efficient and reliable. However, they present they can cause serious accidents if not used properly.

1. For starters, never operate a Generac generator inside a house or RV. Always keep it outside about 20 feet from the house or RV and away from windows. The reason behind this approach is to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors in your house or RV to warn you if the level of the poisonous gas is high. 
2. Do not install the generator in a wet, hot, or duct environment. The conditions will inhibit the safe operation of the unit. For instance, a wet environment can cause electric shock or short-circuit the generator. On the other hand, a hot environment causes the engine to overheat and spark an explosive inferno. Excessive accumulation of dust will give you extra maintenance work besides rendering the power outlets unusable. 
3. In case you want to power your whole house, do not connect the generator directly to the mains. Such a move can cause feed electricity to the grid and cause fatal shocks to utility workers working on the power lines. Instead, invest in a quality Generac transfer switch. 
4. Handle generator fuels with caution and avoid scenarios that can cause fire accidents. For instance, avoid overfilling fuel tanks or refueling when the generator is running. Store gasoline or any other fossil fuel away from the generator as fumes from these substances are highly flammable. It is also important to mention that generators get extremely hot. Therefore, avoid touching such surfaces when in operation or soon after shutdown.
5. Do not use frayed cables on your generator as they can cause electrical shocks. Also, make sure that you ground your unit properly when in use. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on generator maintenance and servicing to ensure that your unit operates optimally.

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