10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home Generator
The pre-purchase generator checklist: ten questions covering sizing, fuel, installation, warranty, and dealer accountability.
Print this and ask all ten: the answers separate right-sized, fairly-priced, properly-installed systems from expensive regrets. Any dealer worth your five figures answers them happily in writing: their comfort with the list is itself a diagnostic.
Sizing and equipment (1 to 4)
One: 'What loads did you size from?' (your actual equipment, not square footage). Two: 'What's the starting-surge math for my A/C and pumps?' Three: 'Why this brand for my case: and what would the runner-up brand cost?' Four: 'Is the model spec'd for my site: elevation, wind rating, cold kit?'
Installation and money (5 to 8)
Five: 'Who exactly installs: name and license number?' Six: 'Is this an installed, itemized price: gas footage, permits, pad, transfer switch, commissioning?' Seven: 'What's the permit and inspection plan?' Eight: 'What financing exists, and what's the total cost of credit?'
Life after install (9 and 10)
Nine: 'What's the warranty in writing, who registers it, and who does local service in year five?' Ten: 'What does annual maintenance cost here, and is a plan available?' Then the meta-question: which dealer answered all ten without a flinch: that's usually your answer about more than the questions.
Quick Answers
Which single question matters most?
The sizing-basis question: dealers who size from square footage alone will get other things wrong too. Load-and-surge sizing is the professional tell.
Should the answers be in writing?
The quote should embody them: itemized scope, model numbers, license, permits, warranty terms. Verbal assurances that resist writing down are answering a different question.
Will Power Up answer all ten?
Gladly, and we'll quote the runner-up brand alongside without being asked: it's our standard format. (816) 461-9751, or text POWER to 816-785-1268.