Money Saving Tips for Buying a Generator

A little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing. And in the case of stand-by home generators, a little bit of knowledge can be a very expensive thing. For the average homeowner, not knowing which model is best for your home or improper installation could result in high repair costs and even a total loss of equipment. Because stand-by generators come in different sizes and are manufactured to carry specific workloads,

it’s a good idea to consult a knowledgeable local dealer who can perform a workload analysis/calculation of your homes systems and recommend a specific model - and equally important, be there to provide on-site maintenance and service.

Gina Philippon, Sales Manager for Mid-Coast Energy Systems in Damariscotta Maine, reports that her company receives several service calls to repair stand-by generators purchased on-line, from mail order catalog or directly from large discount chains.  According to Philippon, inspection of these generators disclosed that they had been either improperly fitted for the home and/or improperly installed. She advises these potential customers to follow a few basic cautionary steps:  (1) conduct a preliminary review of consumer reports for the particular generator, (2) read the entire operations manual, and (3) understand the scope of the warranty document to determine if it is a long-term or short –term one.  When choosing a particular model, you really have to do your homework, as the source may not be able to offer an on-site evaluation of your home and needs. This makes it necessary for you to do the research and determine what size and model is best for your home and even the region. For instance, some models (which may work fine in warm climates) do not have a cold weather-starting package, (which is absolutely needed here in Maine) but instead, use a mechanical governor, which has been substituted for an electronic governor. Another crucial purchasing factor to consider is the amount of control you’ll have when it comes time to transfer loads; kitchen vs. garage for example. “Some units come only as a package with a transfer switch -says Philippon,  “so there is no option but to transfer an entire house load onto the generator. At Mid-Coast Energy, we conduct a load calculation and then custom design and properly size a system for the home - resulting in a high quality piece of equipment that operates more efficiently by giving the homeowner the flexibility to make their own decisions about transferring loads.” 

Last, but not least of all, is the service- after- the- sale consideration of the “where to purchase my stand-by generator” question. Employing a factory trained (Kohler or Generac) technician for your installation, who also holds a Propane License will guarantee that the installation is performed according to factory specifications and National Electric Code- as well as meeting NFPA regulations on the fuel system.

Now in their thirty-sixth year of business, Mid-Coast Energy Systems is located on Rt. 1 in Damariscotta. They can be reached 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-890-7196 or (207) 563- 5147.