As a southwest Florida homeowner, if you don’t already have a backup generator, you’re most likely in the market for one. Most people can’t afford to go hours— sometimes days— without power, every time a storm hits.
If you aren’t sold on a particular brand, let us tell you why we think Generac is the best choice for your home.
Here are seven reasons Generac backup and portable generators are hot sellers in the Sunshine State and beyond:
1. Generac generators have been around since 1959.
Believed to be the largest maker of home standby generators since 1959, Generac has built a solid reputation for top-quality, powerful generators. After 60+ years of manufacturing power sources, they must be doing something right!
Actually, Generac’s long-standing reputation is one of the reasons that their “generators are preferred by 7 out of every 10 homeowners who invest in home backup power,” according to their website.
2. Generac generators have powerful engines.
Generac’s G-Force Engine is pressure-lubricated and durable, often recognized as the most reliable and requires less routine maintenance than any competitive engine.
Why? G-Force engine’s top piston ring utilizes a plasma-filled compression ring design, as opposed to a cast iron top ring, that boasts a better cylinder conformity and longer useful life. They also have superior oil filtration, pressure sensors and starting technology that makes Generac engines long-lasting.
Their portable generator engine, the OHVI, is equally praised, with claims it can run three to four times longer than other leading generator brands, like Kohler and Champion.
Generac generators also include the following safety features:
- Galvanneal steel with RhinoCoat outer layer to prolong the engine life
- Low-fuel auto shut off function
- Emergency circuit breakers to protect against overloading
3. Generac generators come in a variety of sizes.
Whether you’re looking for a permanently installed backup generator for your southwest Florida home, or a portable generator to fit within your budget, Generac has a generator to suit your needs.
Their permanent standby generators range from 6KW to 50KW, while the portable models start you out at a modest 800W. The powerful engines are worth noting, as Champion’s largest home standby unit produces a max of only 12.5KW, and Honda’s range reaches a max of just 10KW, compared to the Generac’s 50KW.
Review a side-by-side generator size comparison of Generac vs. Kohler vs. Briggs & Stratton here.
Not sure how many watts you need your unit to power? Generac features a sizing calculator to help you choose the best generator for your home.
4. Generac generators are becoming more and more eco-friendly.
Designed to consume less fuel and emit fewer emissions, Generac generators are also environmentally friendly. The generators are also less intrusive than those of other generator brands, helping Generac become the only generator brand to receive the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
On their website, Generac makes a proud commitment to sustainability, stating,
“Generac is committed to developing a long-term vision that promotes environmentally responsible products, processes, and partnerships. We offer product options that allow our customers to shrink their ecological footprint when backup energy use is required. Manufacturing processes are implemented with the goal of minimizing environmental impact by reducing the amount of materials used and emissions produced.”
Can other generator brands claim the same? In fact, Generac’s portable generators have decent eco-friendly ratings too, like their Generac Electronic Fuel Injection Portable Generator— mentioned on Consumer Reports.
5. Generac generators require little maintenance.
Since a standby generator is an appliance you depend on in an emergency, you want to be sure your generator is always in tip-top shape. Fortunately, Generac generators are easy to maintain. Each unit will perform weekly self-diagnostic tests, helping you catch issues before they become costly repair situations. Every Generac model also comes with the company’s patented Quiet Test function, which means the generators’ self-tests will conduct without disturbing the whole neighborhood!
If your Generac generator’s diagnostic test shows an issue, or you find you require service for your standby unit, Southwest Florida Electric can send an expert technician to your Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or surrounding area.
Here are a few important tips for maintaining and servicing your generator on your own (though, we’d be happy to annually inspect it for you!). You’ll be amazed by how simple check-ups on your fuel lines, air filters and more can promote longer longevity for your unit.
Did you know home generators are either powered by liquid propane or natural gas? Compare the pros and cons of each generator fuel type here.
6. Generac generators have patented technology that makes them extremely efficient.
The Generac generator G-Flex technology is a big contributor to its fuel efficiency. According to Rural Living Today, this feature allows the engine to run only as fast as necessary, depending on the electric load demand.
This feature is what helps to set the Generac generators apart from competitor brands, which run at constant speeds regardless of the actual power demand. The throttle control is also why Generac generators run more quietly versus other standby units produced by competing brands like Kohler or Cummins.
Thinking about switching from a small portable generator to a permanently installed home standby? See how much a home standby generator typically costs.
7. Generac generators aren’t just used by homeowners.
While Generac generators certainly have made a name for themselves amongst Florida homeowners, they also make business standbys and industrial units. These large-scale models have been trusted to power schools, hospitals, data centers, gas stations, grocers, hotels and restaurants all across Florida.
Fully Authorized Generac Dealers
There’s a huge difference between us at SWFL Electric and those who get their generators from big box stores like Lowes or Home Depot. We’re certified service providers, licensed to offer routine maintenance and do any Generac repairs. This combination of the brand’s quality and our support helps to make our generators a one-time investment to last for many years to come.
Thinking of making the switch to Generac?
In our Battle of the Home Standby Generators guide, we stack comparisons against three major generator brands Generac, Cummins, and Kohler, for three different generator sizes to help you explore all the best options on the market. Download our free resource today.