Home Generator FAQs for Sedro Wolley

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

Every homeowner’s requirements are different. Your generator will be sized based on the electrical load it will be carrying. The size of your house does not matter unless we are sizing for a whole house transfer, nor does the size of the electrical service feeding your home. It all comes down to what you want to run during an outage. The best way to determine the right size is to have Washington Generators Service II in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, provide a complimentary site survey to recommend a proper solution tailored to your specific needs.

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

For detailed pricing information, visit the "What It Costs" page on the Home Power Systems website. We are the only company that lists real final costs for properly installing your generator. The posted prices represent turnkey installed pricing. When you receive competitive pricing, ensure you compare the same scope of work and always get it in writing!

3) How loud is the generator?

Air-cooled generators operate at about 66 decibels (db) 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. Kohler, a trusted manufacturer, designs these generators specifically for residential neighborhoods, ensuring minimal noise disturbance.

4) Do I need to have my gas meter upgraded?

Maybe! As part of your initial site survey, your Project Manager will complete a Gas Inventory Report. Once the model of your present gas meter is recorded, your Project Manager will take an inventory of all gas-fueled appliances. In most cases, if a gas meter upgrade is required by your local gas utility, it is a simple process at a minimal cost to the homeowner.

5) Do I need a building permit?

Most likely. As part of a turnkey install, Washington Generators Service II will coordinate with your local building department to determine how local building codes are interpreted in your jurisdiction. In many cases, we have already completed a number of installations in your town or city and are familiar with what your Building Inspector requires. We will also secure all needed permits, HOA approvals, and attend variance meetings on your behalf if needed – everything is included in your quote from start to finish.

6) How much service does a generator need once it is installed?

A commitment must be made to properly maintain your generator to ensure reliability and long service life. This is not an air-conditioning unit or furnace that can go years without service; you are generating electricity! Our recommendation is to have your generator serviced once per year unless you have additional needs such as medical equipment.

7) How long will my new generator last?

The average life expectancy of a standby generator is around 15 years of operation under normal emergency standby conditions. Just like a car, as a machine ages, it may require maintenance toward the end of its lifespan. Keep in mind that air-cooled units are not intended to provide continuous power (24 hours a day, 365 days a year). However, we can design a solution for your off-grid or prime power application in conjunction with your existing solar PV array and battery bank – call for details.

8) How much does it cost a month to run the generator when it runs for 10 minutes a week?

Depending on the price of natural gas, it shouldn’t cost more than $5 or $10 per month to run the unit in exercise mode. During a power outage, under 50% load, expect to pay around $20-$40/day for gas usage. This is a lot cheaper than a hotel room or spoiled food!

9) Why am I getting so many diverse answers on what is needed to install a generator?

It’s called a “spectrum of competence.” Most “generator installers” lack the experience, training, and commitment to the industry. They are looking for the sale and installation only. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” This is true for the generator industry as well. If you are looking for the cheapest price, please do not call Washington Generators Service II. If you are looking for the best value for your money, long-term commitment, trained and certified technicians, and the peace of mind that your generator will start during the most important time for you and your family, we are the only authorized dealer for you.

10) Do you have generators and parts in stock?

Yes, Washington Generators Service II is one of the largest stocking dealers in the area. We keep stock of most generators and transfer switches. As for part availability, there is no waiting if your generator needs to be repaired – we stock parts at our facilities and on each service vehicle. This means if there is an issue with your generator, we can repair it without waiting for parts to be ordered.

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

Kohler home standby generators can be fueled by either Natural Gas or Propane vapor. Most portable generators are designed to be fueled by gasoline only.

12) Can you install the generator for me?

Yes, if you are in the Sedro-Woolley, Washington area, we can perform turn-key installation services.

13) Who will be completing the work?

At Washington Generators Service II, you are dealing with one company. You are working with a team that focuses strictly on standby power generation. From the initial site survey and design of your standby solution to the review process by our experienced staff, to the work completed on the day of the installation, we have the unique ability to provide all aspects of your generator installation from start to finish. In the event that you are a propane customer, because code regulations state that only licensed LP vendors can install propane regulators and set tanks, we will coordinate with your local provider and manage their scope of work on-site.

14) How big and how heavy are these generators?

Most air-cooled residential generators weigh around 350-550 lbs.

15) Does my generator come with a battery?

No automatic home standby generators ship with a battery. Washington Generators Service II recommends a Group 26 battery for Kohler air-cooled standby generators. This is just one of the items included with a turnkey installation.

16) Do I have to pay sales tax on my installation?

Because a standby generator is considered a capital improvement, there is no sales tax charged to the customer. In the state of Washington, a property owner who hires a contractor to perform work that qualifies as a capital improvement will be furnished with the necessary documentation to certify this exemption.