What Generac makes and who uses them

Generac is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer that makes backup generators for homes and small businesses. They are the largest generator maker in North America by market share. Generac makes three main types: portable generators you can move by hand or wheel, standby generators that sit outside your home and run on natural gas or propane, and inverter generators that produce cleaner power for sensitive electronics.

Homeowners typically buy Generac standby generators to keep the lights on during power outages. Small business owners use them to protect equipment or maintain operations when the grid goes down. Contractors and renters often buy portable models because they can move them between job sites or homes.

Key Takeaways

  • Generac standby generators cost between $3,000 and $15,000 installed, depending on size and fuel type, and run automatically when power fails.
  • Portable Generac models cost $500 to $4,000 and require manual setup and fuel refilling, but work anywhere you can transport them.
  • Standby generators need a permit, professional installation, and a natural gas or propane line connection in most places.
  • Generac generators require regular maintenance — oil changes, filter replacements, and annual load testing — to stay reliable during an outage.
  • Warranty coverage varies by model and typically covers parts for 2 to 5 years, but does not cover damage from improper use or lack of maintenance.

Standby generators: automatic power when you need it

A Generac standby generator is a permanent installation outside your home that detects a power outage and starts automatically within seconds. It connects to your home's electrical panel through a device called a transfer switch, which routes power from the generator to essential circuits — usually your furnace, refrigerator, well pump, and lights — while isolating the rest of the house from the grid.

Standby generators run on natural gas from your utility line or on propane from a tank on your property. Natural gas models are cheaper to operate because you do not refill a tank, but they require a gas line to your home. Propane models work anywhere but need regular tank refills and cost more per hour to run.

Installation costs vary widely by location and home setup. A basic 20-kilowatt Generac standby generator costs $3,000 to $6,000 for the unit alone, then another $2,000 to $8,000 for installation, permits, and the transfer switch. Larger models (30 to 48 kilowatts) cost $6,000 to $15,000 installed. You will need a licensed electrician and often a plumber if a gas line must be run. Most municipalities require a permit before installation.

Portable generators: power you can move

Generac portable generators range from small 2,000-watt models that weigh 50 pounds to large 10,000-watt models that weigh 200 pounds or more. They run on gasoline, propane, or both, and you start them manually or with an electric starter button. A 5,000-watt portable model costs $500 to $1,200 and can power a refrigerator, some lights, and a space heater during an outage.

Portable generators do not connect to your home's electrical system. Instead, you run extension cords from the generator to individual appliances or devices. This means you choose what to power and what to leave off, and you must refuel the generator every 8 to 12 hours depending on load and tank size. Gasoline models are cheaper upfront but require fresh fuel and more frequent refilling. Dual-fuel models (gasoline and propane) cost $100 to $300 more but let you switch fuels if one runs out.

The main advantage of a portable generator is flexibility — you can use it at home, on a job site, or at a cabin. The main disadvantage is that you must be present to start it and manage it. If you are away during an outage, a portable generator does nothing.

Inverter generators: cleaner power for electronics

Generac inverter generators produce stable, regulated power that is safe for laptops, phones, and other sensitive electronics. Standard generators produce power that fluctuates slightly, which can damage or shorten the life of modern devices. Inverter models cost 20 to 40 percent more than standard portables of the same wattage but are worth it if you need to charge computers or run medical equipment.

Generac's iQ series is their main inverter line. A 2,000-watt iQ model costs around $1,000 to $1,500 and weighs about 40 pounds. A 4,000-watt model costs $2,000 to $3,000. Inverter generators are quieter than standard models — typically 50 to 60 decibels compared to 70 to 90 decibels — which matters if you live near neighbors or need to run the generator at night.

Maintenance and reliability

All Generac generators require regular maintenance to start reliably when you need them. For standby generators, Generac recommends an oil change every 100 to 200 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first. You should also replace the air filter annually and have a professional perform a load test every year to confirm the generator can handle a full load.

Portable generators need more frequent attention because they sit idle most of the time. Gasoline can gum up the carburetor if left in the tank for months. Generac recommends running the generator under load for 30 minutes every month, or draining the fuel tank and running it dry before long storage. Propane does not gum up, so propane-only or dual-fuel models are easier to maintain if you do not use the generator often.

Neglecting maintenance is the most common reason a generator fails to start during an actual outage. A generator that has sat unused for a year with old fuel in the tank may not start at all, or may start but run rough and shut down under load.

Warranty and what it covers

Generac's standard warranty covers parts for 2 years on portable generators and 5 years on standby generators. Some models offer extended warranties for an additional cost. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship but does not cover damage from improper use, lack of maintenance, running out of fuel, or using the wrong fuel type.

If a generator fails during the warranty period and the failure is not due to user error or neglect, Generac will repair or replace it at no cost for parts. Labor costs and shipping may vary depending on your location and the dealer. Registering your generator with Generac within 30 days of purchase is usually required to set up the full warranty period.

Comparing Generac to other brands

Generac competes mainly with Honda, Yamaha, Champion, and Westinghouse. Honda and Yamaha portable generators are known for reliability and quiet operation but cost more upfront. Champion and Westinghouse models are often cheaper but may have higher failure rates and less consistent customer service. For standby generators, Kohler and Cummins are the main competitors, and all three brands cost roughly the same to install.

Generac's advantage is availability — you can buy their portable models at most hardware stores and online retailers, and their standby generators are installed by dealers in most parts of the country. This wide distribution means parts and service are usually easier to find than for less common brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Generac generator last?

A well-maintained standby generator typically lasts 20 to 30 years. Portable generators last 5 to 10 years with regular maintenance, or 2 to 3 years if neglected. The engine itself is usually the limiting factor — once the engine fails, repair costs often exceed the value of the unit.

Can I install a Generac standby generator myself?

No. Most municipalities require a licensed electrician to install the transfer switch and connect the generator to your home's electrical panel. A plumber may also be needed if a natural gas line must be run. Improper installation can damage your home's wiring or create a fire hazard.

What size Generac generator do I need?

That depends on what you want to power. A 5,000-watt portable generator can run a refrigerator and some lights. A 20-kilowatt standby generator can power most of a home's essential circuits. An electrician can calculate your home's needs by adding up the wattage of the appliances you want to run simultaneously.

Do I need a permit to install a Generac generator?

Yes, in most places. Standby generators require an electrical permit and often a building permit. Portable generators do not require permits, but using one indoors or in an enclosed space is illegal and dangerous — they produce carbon monoxide, which is deadly in confined areas.

How often should I run my Generac generator if I do not have an outage?

Generac recommends running a standby generator under load for 30 minutes every month to keep the engine in working order. Portable generators should be run monthly as well, or the fuel should be drained and the tank left empty if you do not plan to use it for several months.