Buying a standby generator is one of the most practical home investments you can make—but it’s also a decision with a lot of variables. The right generator for your neighbor may not be the right one for you. Before you commit to a purchase, here are the most important questions to ask to make sure you end up with the best solution for your home.
1. What Do I Want to Power During an Outage?
Essential circuits only, or everything in the house? Your answer to this question drives the sizing decision more than anything else. Be specific: do you need to run central air conditioning? A well pump? An electric vehicle charger? The more loads you want covered, the larger the generator you’ll need.
2. What Fuel Source Do I Have Available?
Do you have natural gas service at your home? If not, propane is the typical alternative. Your fuel source affects which generator models are available to you and how you’ll manage fuel supply. A Pow’r Point consultant can walk you through the options for your specific location.
3. Where Will the Generator Be Located?
Generators need to be placed outdoors, at a safe distance from windows, doors, and vents, and close enough to the fuel source and electrical panel to keep installation costs reasonable. Your property’s layout matters—ask about site requirements before you buy.
4. What Permits and Codes Apply?
Generator installation typically requires permits from your local municipality and must comply with setback requirements, noise ordinances, and electrical codes. Pow’r Point handles the permitting process for you, but it’s good to know this is part of the installation—not an afterthought.
5. What Warranty and Service Support Is Included?
Kohler and Cummins both offer strong manufacturer warranties, but the coverage varies by model. Ask what’s covered and for how long. Also ask about ongoing service support—who will maintain this generator, and how quickly can they respond if something goes wrong?
6. Is a Service Agreement Available?
Many customers find that pairing a new generator purchase with a service agreement gives them the most complete peace of mind. Ask about the service agreement options available and what each level covers.
Ready to get your questions answered by a real expert? Contact Pow’r Point for a free consultation. We’ll help you navigate every step of the process—from sizing and fuel selection to installation and ongoing maintenance.
