Alcoa Generac Installation (2024)

FAQs

How far from the house should a Generac generator be? ›

An air-cooled Generac generator with a steel or aluminum enclosure can now be installed as close as 18” from your home providing you install it at least 5ft. from a window or door opening, dryer vents, furnace vents, etc. and 3ft.

NFPA 37 Requirements

5ft. from openings in walls (operable windows, doors, vents, window wells, or openings in the wall). 18 in. of clearance from the back of the generator to a stationary wall or building (based on testing done by the Southwest Research Institute or SwRI).

The installation of your home standby generator usually takes hours, but the process of preparing for it takes multiple weeks. Timing is impacted by dealer availability, site preparation, gas line preparation, obtaining a permit, and more.

Generac does not recommend installing a generator near any operable windows, doors, vents, window wells, or openings in the wall are permitted near any point of the generator. Compliance with generator placement regulations may differ depending on your location.

Typically, an average home with a 2,000-square-foot home may require 20kWh to 30kWh of power per day. Determining the right generator size starts with understanding your power needs in watts. You'll need to take an inventory of the essential appliances and devices you want to run during an outage.

The average cost of installing a Generac generator typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, including the price of the generator and installation. Smaller units (7-10 kW) can cost between $2,000 and $3,500, medium units (10-20 kW) range from $3,500 to $5,500, and larger units (20-30 kW) can be $5,500 to $10,000.

Certain specifications for installation include: A generator can be no closer than 36” to any utility meters, air conditioning units, combustibles or anything serviceable. Generators cannot be closer than 18” from the house and at least 60” away from doors, windows, and fresh air intakes.

Most local codes specify that the generator cannot be within 5 feet of your property line. Some locations also require that generators are located no closer than 20 feet from any building. In this case, the generator not only needs to be 20 feet from your home but also at least 20 feet from your neighbor's house.

The answer isn't black and white, but there is a standard, which is 60-70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. This cuts down on generator noise. It also increases efficiency, since electricity weakens over distance.

A Generac whole house generator typically lasts for around 25 to 30 years or 3,000 hours of use. The lifespan of Generac whole-house generators can vary based on the quality of installation and maintenance that the system receives. The generator's size, fuel type, and tank size can also impact longevity.

Does a Generac increase home value? ›

Having a generator installed in your home can definitely increase the value of the property. "A generator can increase the value in your home anywhere upwards of 5%, which in my opinion could be the same value as a bathroom renovation," Hotchkiss says.

Compared to other brands, Generac generators typically have a longer lifespan and are rated to run for far more total hours before needing to be replaced. This means that Generac generators are sometimes a bit more expensive than other brands, but like with anything else, you get what you pay for.

Generac states that an air cooled generator must be five (5) feet from all doors, windows, laundry, and crawl space vent openings and minimally 18-24″ off the nearest brick, block, or vinyl siding exterior of the foundation, minimally 3'6″ off the front of the power company meter base and a minimum of three (3) feet of ...

Generac Generator Noise Levels

Generac's specifications indicate that their 22KW air-cooled model operates at 67 dB at 23 feet under full load, while their liquid-cooled models operate at 61 dB from the same distance.

In order to keep generators working properly and up to code, it needs to sit up and away from mud and dirt, which can be achieved by planning and installing a concrete pad.

Never run a generator in an enclosed space or indoors.

Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house with the engine exhaust directed away from windows and doors.

Ideally, installation should be done near the electric and gas meter. This way, your gas piping doesn't have to run as far, reducing friction in the pipes and providing a more consistent fuel supply to the generator. Installing closer to the utilities can also help to cut down the cost of materials and installation.

The overall distance from the power inlet through the attic to the MBP would be about 90 feet. Add a 20 ft 6/4 cable from the power inlet to the generator should make the maximum distance about 110 ft.

Clearance from the ends and front of the generator should be 36 inches. This would include shrubs, trees, and any kind of vegetation. Clearance at the top should be a minimum of 48 inches from any structure, overhang, or projections from the wall.