Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A generator uses natural gas or propane to convert fuel into electricity. When the power goes out, a transfer switch is triggered, which switches the home power source over to the backup generator and isolates the system from the utility grid in order to avoid feeding power back onto the grid. A generator can then practically run indefinitely, with periodic interruptions to allow for any necessary service routines and re-fueling.

The cost will depend on the specific brand and power output of the generator. It can also vary depending on the complexity of installation. Fully installed on an average sized single family home, a partial home standby generator solution would start at around $10,000, while a whole home generators solution typically starts at around $14,000. The larger the home and the more of the power need the standby generator supports, the higher the cost. For large homes or properties with multiple buildings or exceptionally high power capacity requirements, a commercial-grade standby system might be required, which generally start at around $30,000 fully installed.  

Modern generator designs have a sleek appearance that blends well with your home's aesthetics, no matter where they are placed. However, the most crucial aspects are ensuring the generator is positioned in an accessible location for maintenance purposes, the exhaust points away from the home, and there are appropriate setbacks and elevation to avoid water intrusion. We will provide a concrete pad to create a stable, dry, and level foundation for the generator. It should be installed at least 5 feet away from any windows or doors and 18 inches from any walls. It should have appropriate clearings for air intake and exhaust, and it must be installed on the ground, and not on a deck or built structure.

Natural gas pipelines are not reliant on electricity for operation, unlike some other energy sources such as wind turbines or solar panels which require electricity to function. However, natural gas pipelines are often powered by electricity, which raises concerns about their reliability during power outages. Natural gas companies have emergency response plans and backup power sources in place to ensure a stable supply of fuel during unexpected events. These contingency plans are crucial in case the power grid goes down, as natural gas pipelines rely on electricity to operate their compressors and pumps. It's important to note that during extreme weather conditions, natural gas supplies may be diverted for home heating, and gas production may slow due to wellhead and pipeline issues. In summary, while natural gas pipelines are not reliant on electricity for operation, the reliability of natural gas supply during a power outage depends on the infrastructure of natural gas distribution and the availability of natural gas supplies, and there's a possibility that in the aftermath of a large earthquake, for instance, natural gas could be shut off for a prolonged period for safety reasons. 

A whole home generator ensures that all the appliances and systems in your house continue to operate seamlessly even during a power outage. It replaces your regular utilities and powers everything as normal. On the other hand, a partial home generator only powers select circuits, such as specific appliances, lights, and outlets. This type of generator is ideal for powering essential items like water supply, life support systems, and elevators. To put it simply, a whole home generator powers your entire house, while a partial home generator only powers the circuits you've chosen.

We keep our generator installation process simple and transparent. The process is below.

Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Step 1 - On-Site Consultation: We'll visit your home to discuss your needs, analyze your usage, and assess the site for the best installation location and process.

Step 2 - Scheduling: Once we have your signed contract and generator in stock, we'll promptly schedule the earliest installation date.

Step 3 - Permitting: We'll take care of obtaining all the necessary permits with the applicable local authorities which may include the local town or county, the local fire district, air district, HOA, planning board, and any other agencies.

Step 4 - Installation: Our factory-trained and professionally licensed team will install your generator. We take pride in delivering high-quality installations that look beautiful and operate flawlessly. After installation, we'll clean up the site, test the generator, simulate an outage, set up any remote monitoring (if applicable), complete any final sign-offs or inspections, install any necessary signage or placards, activate the warranty, and activate the automated testing regimen.

Step 5 - Walk-Through: After installation, our professional team will explain how to operate and maintain your home generator, and answer any questions you have. We will also hand over the keys, manuals, and submit our final invoice. 

Step 6 - Maintenance: We're trained and experienced in maintaining and repairing home generators. We'll remind you of your annual maintenance, but it's not obligatory to have it performed by us. You can contact us directly for any questions or services you need related to your home generator.

A whole home generator typically costs about $1 per hour actively in use. 

Most generators come with a 2 or 5-year standard limited factory warranty. There are also options to upgrade to longer term extended warranties for your generator.

We offer financing through a few financing partners. Contact us for more information about our current financing offerings.

Partial home generators typically don't require a gas meter upgrade, while about half of homes with whole home generators do need a service upgrade to ensure a sufficient volume of gas to power the generator. To find out if your home requires a gas meter upgrade, we will work with your gas utility company.

Air cooled home generators typically last 5-10 years, while liquid cooled units generally last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and care. Neglecting maintenance can result in the need for repairs or replacement sooner than expected.

Similar to your vehicle, regular preventative maintenance is essential for maximizing the generator's lifespan. Annual inspections and maintenance are required, including oil changes, battery testing, spark plug checks, and filter replacements. OnPoint Generators offers these services to ensure your generator is well-maintained.

Most modern home standby generators rated at 10kW or higher can connect to Wi-Fi, while smaller models typically cannot. Wi-Fi connectivity enables you to monitor the generator, view its status, and identify any issues that could hinder its performance during a power outage. We strongly encourage clients to connect these services, as they will greatly enhance the peace of mind and simplify the service regimens by connecting your generator to web monitoring and alerting capabilities so it can tell you when there’s a problem rather than relying on routine boots-on-the-ground physical inspections.

Determining the tonnage of your AC unit is typically a straightforward process. You can start by checking the label on the condenser unit outside your home. However, many manufacturers do not list the tonnage of their units on the label; instead, they list the unit's BTUs. To determine the tonnage of your unit, simply divide the BTUs by 12,000. For instance, if your AC unit has a rating of 36,000 BTUs, then it is a 3-ton unit. Keep in mind that the tonnage or BTU information might not be explicitly mentioned on the label or in the model number. You can look for an even, two-digit number between 18 and 60, or a three-digit number starting with 0, which likely indicates the unit's BTUs. For example, 018 = 18,000 BTUs = 1.5 tons,  024 = 24,000 BTUs = 2 tons, 036 = 36,000 BTUs = 3.0 tons, and so on.

If the BTUs of your air conditioning unit cannot be found on the condenser, an alternative method to estimate its capacity is to use the square footage of the area it cools. A general rule of thumb is that there are about 800 square feet per ton of AC capacity. For instance, if your home is 2400 square feet, it is likely equipped with a 3-ton AC unit. Similarly, in larger homes with multiple condenser units, calculate the tonnage by dividing the square footage of each area served by 800. For example, 1600 square feet = 2.0 tons, 2400 square feet = 3.0 tons, 3600 square feet = 4.0 tons (may be 2 separate condensers), etc.

Load management is a technique that prevents overloading on the generator during power outages. By using this process, larger electrical loads, like air conditioners, won't overwhelm the generator. In the case of an outage, load management enables certain high-power loads to be selectively turned on and off to prevent overloading the generator. This ensures that essential circuits continue to receive power, even during an outage.