Frequently Asked Questions

We'll be listening to our customers and their questions, and do our best to answer them for you here!

 

 - The Ziller Team

  • Q | What size Generac Home Standby generator do I need?
  • A | This can sometimes be a tough question!  The easiest idea to start with is 'What do I want to run in the event I lose utility power?'  This then translates into 'How much load does my new generator need to handle?'  When we talk about sizing, the first question we always ask is 'Will you be running your central A/C and if so, what are the nameplate load ratings on the unit?'  This is a good place to start sizing from because in most cases, the A/C will be the largest load your Generac Home Standby unit will need to run.  Once you have those numbers, and an Idea of what else you would like to run, just give us a call and we can size you the correct generator for your application. (888) 2 ZILLER


      • Q | I saw a smaller Generac Home Standby generator advertised as 'Whole Home or Whole House', will this work for my application?
        • A | Generac packages their generators in several ways to accommodate all of their customers.  Sometimes customers who purchase whole home automatic standby generators don't have central A/C or other large loads to run.  In this case a smaller unit, such as the 11kW Generac whole home generator, would work for them.  One thing consider is that there are options to make smaller generators work with whole home coverage installations!  Ziller Electric offers Sure Start modules that allow larger A/C units to be started by smaller home standby generators. Generac also offers load shed capability. We can help you determine if either of these are a good option for you. 


            • Q | I was told by my installer that I may need a gas meter upgrade in order to make the generator run.  Is this true?
                • A | In a lot of cases, yes.  Generac automatic home standby generators draw gas from your Natural Gas meter or Propane tank system.  In the case of Natural Gas, the meter on your house will only allow for so much fuel flow before it has to be up-sized.  This is usually done between you and your Natural Gas provider.  It is important for your gas meter to be correctly sized for your new generator in order to prevent any damage to the unit!


                    • Q | I've noticed that some generators are available with aluminum enclosures. What is the benefit to this?
                        • A | Aluminum is a great choice for anyone who is near a salt-water coast line, or worried about rusting issues. The entire outer enclosure minus the pad at the bottom is made of rust-proof aluminum. Even when scratched or damaged, the raw metal will not rust like steel would! Generac now only manufactures aluminum enclosures beginning with their 2017 model line


                            • Q | I noticed that you sell batteries on your site. Does my generator need one, or does it come with one?
                                • A | Your new Generac Automatic Home Standby Generator does require a battery. It is engine driven and the battery is simply used to start the engine. Your generator does not ship with a battery unless ordered with it! You can order the battery and we will ship it with your generator. Ziller also offers discounted Convenience Packages and EZ Install Packages which include a battery as well. (We can only ship batteries with a generator purchase, due to hazardous materials limitations.)


                                    • Q | So many transfer switches? How do I know which one I need?
                                        • A | Generac makes two main types of transfer switches. These transfer switches are compatible with their entire automatic home standby generator line. The question becomes what you would like to accomplish in a power outage. Circuit style switches are designed for partial coverage. It will simply feed your chosen circuits. The rest of your house would be down during a power outage. This style transfer switch may allow you to consider a smaller generator depending on your circuit choices. The other transfer switch option is whole house. This style switch will allow you to power your entire home during a power outage. It must be sized to match your existing electrical service or panel being fed. A lot to understand and we are here to help you wade through all the information.


                                            • Q | In my reading I came across load shed. Could you explain what that is and if I need it?
                                                • A | Load shed can definitely be a benefit for many customers. We can help you take a look at your application and see if it is a viable option for you. Load shed is built into every Generac whole house transfer switch. It is also offered as a SMM (Smart Management Module), which is a wireless option. Load shed many times may allow a customer to consider a smaller generator than they otherwise might need. Load shed equipment watches the output frequency of the generator. If the generator output frequency remains at an acceptable level all your connected equipment will operate. If the load shed equipment senses a low output frequency it will activate to protect the generator and your household equipment. It will essentially disable and restore power to less essential items in a systematic, controlled manner. This allows the generator to run effortlessly to insure your critical items always operate and receive good clean power.


                                                    • Q | Why do the generators have a higher kW rating on LP?
                                                        • A | LP fuel operates at a higher water column pressure than natural gas. Generac engines are bi-fuel and can run on LP fuel or natural gas. The same engine fed by LP fuel will produce slightly more horse power than when fed by natural gas. Fuel creates horsepower and horsepower creates electricity. Therefore the slightly elevated horsepower will in turn slightly increase the kW output of the generator.


                                                            • Q | Can I install my own generator?
                                                                • A | Generac recommends that a qualified, licensed individual or company install their automatic home standby generators. However many states and/or municipalities allow homeowner installation of equipment. This typically means your generator being installed on your property of residence. Please consult with your local authority having jurisdiction prior to making a decision to do your own installation. The main thing to remember is the generator and associated equipment must be installed as per its UL listing, which includes all manuals, documents, and all codes. An improperly installed generator can void your warranty, or create and unsafe, dangerous condition. Which method you choose is up to you, however we strongly urge you or your installer to purchase all appropriate permits and have the installation inspected by your local authority having jurisdiction. Doing this will add to your piece of mind and safety.