An automatic backup generator is a back-up electrical system that operates whether you are home or away. Within seconds of an outage, it automatically supplies power directly to your home's electrical circuit breaker box. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and waits for the next outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane gas and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit.

No. The generator fuel costs would be much more expensive than buying power from the utility company since their cost to produce electricity is divided among thousands of customers. Our automatic generators are produced for use as backup to utility power specifically and should not be used as primary power.

During a utility power outage, an automatic backup generator provides many advantages over a portable generator:

1. The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.
2. With an automatic backup generator properly installed outside, your home is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators.
3. Running on the home's natural gas or LP fuel supply, it is less expensive to run than gasoline and does not need to be refilled.
4. They start automatically within seconds of a power outage, and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.
5. They provide protection 24/7, whether you're home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.

Since 1959, Generac has been designing and manufacturing backup power generators for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Generac has grown to be the world's largest provider of residential backup generators, selling five times as many generators as all of our competitors combined.

The generator can run off of either natural gas or propane. If you are using propane, Generac has a 250-gallon propane tank minimum but Tri-County recommends at least a 300-gallon propane tank for a 22KW generator.

Unlike other engines, used in backup power generation, Generac OHVI engines are made specifically for generators. They are engineered to run for the long periods of time required during a severe power outage or on a job site, utilizing the same type of pressurized oil lubrication used to give automobile engines long and trouble-free lives.

Generac generators with automatic transfer switches are just that, automatic. They monitor the electrical feed from the utility company, and when your home loses power, the backup generator will automatically turn on.

Once the generator is installed, there is nothing for the homeowner to do. Regular maintenance would include having the oil changed once a year by a certified technician.

Yes. The transfer switch monitors power from the utility company and turns the backup generator on and back off again as needed.

The generator runs a self-diagnostic test and runs briefly once a week for approximately ten minutes. This test will assure the Generac generator is ready when you need it. You tell us when you want the test to run, and we program it for you.

Generac generators operate on either natural gas or propane. The cost is a function of how many home appliances, lights, and heating and/ or cooling equipment you have on as well as the cost of propane or gas at the time.

As long as there is a fuel supply of natural gas or propane, a well-maintained backup generator will keep running. If the Generac generator is running on propane, with a dedicated 500-gallon tank, it should run 24 hours a day for over a week.

Generac generators are very quiet. They are average rated at 66 decibels at three meters (about ten feet). That’s about the sound of the A/C running or a phone ringing.

We recommend a service check-up and oil change once a year. Schedule a maintenance check just like you would do with your air conditioner or furnace. A generator is an engine. It exercises once a week plus whatever power outages you experience.

It sure can. That’s what our experts help you figure out. We help determine what the right size generator is for your home and lifestyle. Our worst fear is you install a Generac generator that is too small to operate the equipment you want or need in an emergency.

You can install a generator to run just what you need or want; not too big and not too small.

The size of the generator will be determined by our experts once they meet with you. Every home and lifestyle is different. We don’t take a cookie-cutter approach. It’s your home and family, and we take that very seriously.

Yes, we do. The maintenance agreement includes 1 visit per year, and we perform all service and system testing.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative will work with you to obtain the best, cost-effective generator for your home.  Installation costs will vary by system size, installing considerations and local business codes. Tri- County Electric Cooperative will offer a free in-home assessment to help you figure out these costs.