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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.


2) How loud is the generator?

The air cooled generators 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.

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

A simple oil change will not do once a year. During the warranty period, the owner may do his or her own maintenance on the generator.  
MSA Technicians can let you know if something is not functioning properly, and perhaps even catch an issue before you break down.  Following our recommendations you will have years of trouble free issues with your generator.

A commitment must be made to properly maintain this electrical generating device. This is not an air-conditioning unit or furnace that can go a year with out service. You are generating electricity! MSA Enterprises has on staff 2 factory certified and trained Generac technicians that service and repair Generac units.  See our maintenance pricing schedule for different programs.

4) How long do they last?

A properly maintained generator should provide 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.

5) 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!

6) Was there a recall on Generac's braided gas flex hoses?

Yes, all braided flex hoses that connected air cooled generators manufactured several years ago have been re-called. Please see the link below for further information. These hoses are no longer manufactured and have not been installed in 3-4 years.

UPDATE DECEMBER 13, 2005: CPSC, Guardian Power Systems Inc. Announce Recall of Fuel Hoses Sold with Guardian® Home Standby Generators.

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

Most “generator guys” are deficient in experience, training and commitment to the industry. They are looking for the sale and install only. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. This is true for this industry as well. If you are looking for the best value for the money, long term commitment, certified trained technicians and the peace of mind that your generator will start during the most important time for you and your family.

8) How long will it take for me to get my generator when I order it? 

Briggs and Stratton air cooled unit orders are filled in a couple days, and Generac 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) 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 10kw.

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

All Briggs & Stratton home standby generators can be fueled by either Liquid Propane (LP) and Natural Gas. The same goes for Generac/

11) Can you install the generator for me?

Yes, if you are in Muskoka area, we can perform turn-key installation services.

12) 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

13) 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.

14) Does my generator come with a battery? 

None of our home standby generators ship with a battery.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOME STANDBY GENERATOR

There are a number of things to consider when deciding what backup power solution will work best for your home.

Here are some tips to help you make the best choice when selecting a standby generator.

1) Who Makes It? Be aware of the manufacturers reputation. Talk to your neighbours. Are there any issues with their unit, or their friends units? 
 A manufacturer solely focused on generators is not always the best solution. Make sure you are getting a product from a trusted company.

2) Exterior Enclosure. Be sure the exterior enclosure is of a heavy guage metal, there is no substitute. Access to the generator has to be easy for servicing. Hinged enclosures are best for quick inspections. The finished shell of a generator should be powder coated. This form of finish is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.
A poor prep job prior to powder coating will result in your shell rusting early.

3) Sound Levels. Consider the the sound level of the generator you are thinking of purchasing. Look at the sound dampening material used in the enclosures cabinet. This can vary greatly between manufacturers. Sound dampening material is expensive. Only one other thing greatly affects the sound level, PLACEMENT. To ensure your generator won't wake your family at night or interrupt your favorite television program, make sure you place it away from bedrooms or areas that you will find sensetive to noise. Most reputable standby generators will sound similar to a lawn mower. Most of todays air-conditioning units have surpassed home standby generators in reduced noise levels.

4) Generator Engine Basics. Just like any motor, the generator's engine is its heart. Smaller-size generators use air-cooled engines while larger ones use liquid-cooled engines. Air cooled motors are not intended for long periods of power outages. 
Most quality manufacturers use aluminum blocks with sleeves, and some manufacturers do have sleeves in their blocks.
The manufacturers that does not have sleeves in their blocks are creating disposable motor. If a block  (motor) looses compression you must replace the whole motor. A more responsible manufacturer would have sleeves in their design for the ease of rebuilding the motor. Which manufacturer is more environmentally friendly?
Choose wisely. Look for engines built for heavy-duty generator usage, most liquid cooled motors come from the automotive industry.
Dont let anyone tell you your generator does not need regular service a year. This is a hydro generating station.
If the voltages are not monitored and kept in check your will loose home appliances, and or electronics.
A generator can create brown outs, and surges in power. Both a detrimental to anything that uses electricity.

5) Warranty. A generator manufacturer may offer warranty.  Keep in mind the warranty is as good as the technicians that have been trained.    Do the technicians have Province or State credited licences to work on the equipment, followed by training at the manufacturer of the generator? Is the Dealer licence merely a certificate from a course provided by the manufacturer in a two - three day crash course on how to do the basics? Did you buy it from a dealer or a retail outlet? Who will service your generator?

6) Transfer Switches.These devices transfer your home's electrical load from the utility line to the generator in the event of a power outage. They should be matched to the service coming into the building, unless you wish to only back up a small amount of breakers. A whole house transferswitch is optimum  for all homes. There is nothing like walking into any room and being able to turn on the lights, it is as if your were not out of power. The size of the generator does not have to assume the whole house load. (verify this with your local electrical authority) 
You have to manage your generator power yourself. This process is really simple. Remember if you leave the room turn off the lights. Do not run things like Dryers, Ovens, or electric stove tops. If you have an electric water heater a contact can be placed on the unit to do an automatic disconnect when the utility power goes off. This prevents the water heater from running on generator power. All electric water heaters have to great of a load to run on small home stand by generators. Most installers cannot be bothered with a whole home transfer switch. Why?

7) True, Clean Power. "Sign wave." Your looking for something that looks like rolling water on the lake, peeks and valleys are not welcome here. Peeks are surges in power and valleys are brown outs, not enough power being supplied. All generators create harmonic distortion, most air cooled generators prevent most UPS ( uninterruptible power supply )systems from operating correctly. These units will not come off of battery power due to harmonic distortion. Look for a generator that produces less than 5 percent total harmonic distortion. The lower the number the better. Most liquid cooled units will provide far better results.

8) Dealers. A dealer is not only your representative after the sale, but the very same Dealer is the representative of the generator manufacturer. Your Dealer must make sure you as the consumer is being looked after properly. i.e. warranty and service issues.Your Dealer represents the Maunfacturer in all issues regarding your equipment purchase also. A Dealer prevents poorly installed equipment from being an issue. Dealers are in turn supported by their product manufacturers. Dealers buy direct from  manufacturers, and do not purchase their generators thru local suppliers. If products are made available thru suppliers they are installed by anyone, and everyone that thinks they are capable of the job. This causes issues for the generator manufacturer, and the Dealers of the manufacturer.  Some manufacturers turn a blind eye to these types of sales. This makes Manufacturers money, and hurts their Dealers. Manufacturers start to depend on retail sales to move their products, and flood the market for market dominance. Dealers cannot compete with this type of marketing. Without the manufacturers support, and backing a well-trained and well-qualified Dealer is not going to survive.
Choose your Dealer wisely.
Choose the manufacturer of your generator wisely.
Your Dealer can only be as good as the product you buy. 
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