"The installation techs for my generator install were very polite and professional. They put a drop cloth down so they wouldn't make a mess on my floors. The generator cummings is top of the line."
John Betlem Heating & Cooling is a 3rd generation company founded in 1941. They provide Residential HVAC, Electrical and Insulation Services to Rochester, NY and the surrounding towns. John?s slogan that still holds true today is to do ?whatever it takes? to satisfy customers.\n\nJohn Betlem is a premier family operated solutions provider, passionately committed to the health, safety, and comfort for all they serve.
"Garrett provided the estimate via phone and arrived on-time to remove our old light fixture and installed the new fixture quickly and even took the packaging material out with him. The cost was reasonable and we would hire him again."
"Mike was able to successfully repair the generator after the installer was unable to repair the generator and have it serviced properly. He went above and beyond to ensure everything was working as it should."
"Mike did an EXCELLENT job from start to finish making sure the generator was working properly. He fixed something others couldn’t fix, VERY satisfied with Mike and his company!"
"Mike and Neil did a great job installing a new 200 amp panel box, interlock generator switch, bathroom heater with timer switch, 6 outlets and a light switch. Best of all we purchased a one year membership that took 10% off the work we had done and will provide us the same discount for one year. We also used a mailer coupon for the panel box. In all our savings was about $1000."
The amount of time a standby generator can run continuously is around 3,000 hours on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.
Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:
The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.
It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.
Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window.
In most cases, there are no tax credits available for home generators. However, that’s a general statement that applies to federal tax credits, so you might have access to state or local tax incentives. You can check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for more information about your area. If you hire a reliable home generator installer, they should also know if there are any state or local perks you can use to reduce your installation costs, including tax breaks and rebates.
You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.
While standby generators provide essential backup power, they can fail when you need them most due to lack of maintenance, fuel supply issues, dead batteries, electrical problems, or improper installation. To avoid costly failures, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial. Licensed technicians ensure safety, uphold warranty requirements, comply with regulations, and provide expert servicing.
The Penfield, NY homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Thinking about a generator installation? Learn about backup power options, costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to keep your home running.