generator purchases: tips when shopping around

May 29

Written By tina rivera

listen, everybody and their mamma is selling generators now. truly.

and- it’s easy to focus on who can do it the cheapest or the fastest.

however- don’t let pricing be what makes you choose someone.

this is a big deal.

like huge.

who you choose to install matters because no matter what, you’ll spend at least $10,000– for peace of mind.

we are not the cheapest— ever— we are the best. the best before, during and after installation. while we really hope you choose us, we want to remind you of a few things to help in any decision you make.

you want the thing to work, right?

it gets really shady between that $10,000 investment and the $16,000+ investment

like really shady.

listen, i’m happy you’re getting a generator even if it’s not from me - but i won’t clean up the mess that other people make because im busy serving my customers and sometimes, cleaning up my own mess.

so, to help you in your purchasing here are some tips:

1.get your dates in writing — this is a stickler - because those really big fancy companies, you know the ones, the diamond dealers; the ones on the side of the freeway, americas largest dealers— the ones with the sales guys— they will tell you you’re 5 months out, 2 months out, and then change your date— your contact allows them do so that for 1) acts of God, 2) situations beyond their control etc etc —- and let me tell you, we are 3 days away from hurricane season— there’s going to be acts of God. you will be delayed, delayed, delayed. trust me on point one, or you’ll wait a year so get that date. negotiate a solution in your contract on what happens if they don’t install your unit by a certain time - you can redline that contract - you don’t have to sign “as is” —- because let me tell you, when you’re dealing with them, they will keep that deposit and dangle that generator like a carrot in front of you
ask about service - how do they treat customers post install. one, if they say they don’t offer service, hang up the phone. now. don’t even let them finish. they have no business and i mean noooone- selling you this. check social media for posts after beryl (june 2024) — read what tier customers say. because everyone will give you a good deal upfront, and then, you suffer when you actually need it to work. then you call us, and we say we only service our units. and that’s sad. we turn people away during and after major weather events as our time and resources are dedicated to our customers.
ask for copper wiring - most companies use aluminum - it’s legal- but it’s trash. copper costs more, a lot more— but trust me on that.
ask if this is an underground or surface mount install. if they don’t know what that is, walk away. you want underground always. the only time you want junk attached to your home is when you have no other choice - covenants, protected trees, etc.
upgrade your gas meter post install. centerpoint wants you to- we don’t offer that because we are busy installing generators - the other company will offer to do it free-but it’s just buying themselves more time to delay your install
generac and kohler do the same work. one is cheaper than the other but they both work properly and both act up at times kohler is quieter but you’ll never know because they need to be side by side - you’re going to here both of them. parts are equally difficult for most brands — especially in a literal hurricane season.
make sure the company you’re using is insured to do generators - this means. no pool companies, hvac companies, roofers or general contractors — water heater companies —- listen; we can blow your house up. you want recourse if that happens. someone can get hurt, do you want them filing on your homeowners? no. check them insurance - electricians and plumbers must register with the state of texas we need a tdlr electrical contractors license - if we or they don’t have one, don’t hire them- you have no recourse
make sure the company you’re using is a licensed electrical contractor, not just an electrician - - this means, registered through the state of texas as a contractor as the state requires us to register electrician licenses and insurance, they also govern what we do. generators are HIGH VOLTAGE, the electrician that does your outdoor lighting, ceiling fans, etc is not alway equally skilled as one who does generators. moreover, if an unlicensed person completes the work, if something happens your home insurance and manufacture will deny any coverage as an unlicensed person did the work. you know insurance companies and warranty companies are always looking for an out, do not give them one.
that generator has to be five feet away from windows and doors that open. 3 feet feet from obstruction on eaxh side and the front, 18 inches on the back out preferable way is as far away from the home as possible. not for $ but for safety. do you really want to work with people that will break the law or manufacture codes for a dollar ?
install carbon monoxide detectors - now- even if you use a portable. if they go off, and they may, call 911 and then you’re dealer.
if you have elderly or single family members looking into this—— help them. ask the questions - go to the consultation - be cause let me tell you, when s—t hits the fan, that’s who is calling us, crying, because the big company that thier neighbor referred them to isn’t answering the phones
ats approval— this is legally required on all installs- if they dont know what it is, it protects our lineman— CenterPoint Energy will pull your meter if they find you have a generator and no ats approval. how will they know? when they run tickets for outages and youre lit without the approval. you are busted.
service your unit or sign up for generator maintenance with us within 30 days of install. you are not obligated to use us, in fact, we will teach you to service your unit whether you sign up with us or not. however, if you opt out and want a plan later, your unit may be subjected to an inspection fee if has been more than 6 months since your installation. know, you are capable of serving it and saving that money. we will make sure you know how and understand. you do not need to be an electrician or plumber, you just need to be intentional and timely.

there are people who will illegally install a generator or install one against manufacturer specs, to get your money, to make your happy, whatever the reasons. but when you are making a decision to protect your home and your family, please make an informed decision.

some people will hate me for this- some will love me and some will learn from it. some will hire me.so friends — choose wisely in the next few days, weeks and months.

i typed this in a rush.

ill spell check later -and add as we go.

we hope you choose us, but if you don’t, at least we know we empowered you to make a good decision.