Generator FAQ
Standby Generators & The C.M. Mose & Son Difference: Your Kansas City FAQ Guide
You're a resident of the Kansas City area, and you're tired of being left in the dark during a power outage. Whether it's a severe thunderstorm rolling through or a winter ice storm, you want to be prepared. We get it. At C.M. Mose & Son, we've been serving the electrical and HVAC needs of the Kansas City community since 1954, and our goal is to provide you with the most reliable backup power solutions.
Home power generators, like those from Generac, are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses across Missouri and Kansas, and for good reason. If you have questions about how they work, how much they cost, and what the installation process is like, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions from our neighbors in Kansas City, including Olathe, Lee's Summit, Overland Park, and Independence, to help you get the peace of mind you deserve.
Need a quote for a generator for your home or your business? Call us at (816) 339-5190. Read more about Generac Generators on our website.
Generator FAQs
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 816-339-5190 today!
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If I buy a portable gas generator can I upgrade to a whole home generator?
Yes, you can. It will require a new automatic transfer switch and other adjustments to properly integrate the new system with your home. Our team can assess your current setup and provide a detailed quote for the upgrade.
For a personalized quote and to learn more about how a Generac generator can protect your Kansas City home, contact C.M. Mose & Son today. We are proud to be your local Generac generator experts.
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How loud are Generac generators?Generac generators are surprisingly quiet. The average model is rated at 66 decibels at three meters (about ten feet), which is similar to the sound of a central air conditioning unit running.
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How long will a generator last?A properly maintained Generac generator can provide reliable service for 25 years or more. According to Generac's design department, they are engineered to last for 40 years.
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Do you offer a maintenance agreement?Yes, we do. Our maintenance agreement includes two visits per year, during which our certified technicians perform all necessary service and system testing to keep your generator in peak condition.
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What maintenance is required?We recommend a service check-up and oil change once a year. Think of it just like the tune-up for your car's engine or the maintenance for your home's HVAC system. Since a generator is an engine, it needs regular care to ensure it is always ready to go. We can help you with this through our maintenance agreements.
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Will a big box store like Home Depot install a generator?While you can purchase generators from big box stores, we strongly recommend working with a local, licensed professional like C.M. Mose & Son for the installation. We not only sell Generac generators but also provide comprehensive, local service, including expert installation, annual maintenance, and emergency service if you ever need it. We know the unique needs of the Kansas City community and are a trusted, reliable partner.
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Do I need an electrician to install a generator?Yes, a generator must be installed by a licensed and certified electrician to ensure it is connected to your home's electrical system safely and correctly. As licensed professionals in the Kansas City area, our team has the training and experience to perform all the necessary electrical work, ensuring your generator operates as designed.
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Can I just run specific circuits?Yes, you can. You can opt for a standby generator that powers only the essential circuits you need in an outage, such as your furnace, refrigerator, and a few lights. We'll help you find the right solution, whether you want to power the whole house or just the necessities.
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Can a generator run the whole house?Absolutely. With the right sizing, a standby generator can power your entire home. Our experts will help you determine the best size generator for your home and lifestyle. We take a personalized approach to ensure you get the exact power you need in an emergency.
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What size generator do I need for my home?This is one of the most important questions to answer, and it's why our experts perform a thorough site evaluation. The right size generator is determined not by the size of your home in square footage alone, but by a detailed calculation of the electrical load you want to power. Our team uses Generac's "sizing software" to analyze your specific needs. This prevents you from installing a generator that's too small to run your air conditioner, furnace, or other essential appliances. As a general rule, a 16-22 kW generator is sufficient for a 2,000-2,500 square foot home and can handle most essential appliances including central air conditioning. We'll help you determine if you need to power your entire house or just a few specific circuits.
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Why is generator installation so expensive?The cost of a generator installation reflects the expertise and complexity of the project. A whole-house generator is not a simple DIY project. It requires a licensed electrician to safely integrate the unit with your home's electrical system and a qualified professional to connect the fuel line. This work involves careful calculations, adherence to safety codes, and proper placement to prevent hazards like carbon monoxide buildup. You're not just paying for a machine; you're investing in the safety, reliability, and peace of mind that comes from a professional installation that is guaranteed to work when you need it.
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How much does it cost to have a home generator installed?The cost of a residential generator installation in the Kansas City area can vary widely, but most homeowners can expect to pay between $7,000 and $15,000 for a professionally installed whole-house system. This price typically includes the generator unit itself, the automatic transfer switch, labor for the electrical and gas hookups, and the necessary permits. Factors that influence the total cost include the size of the generator, the complexity of the installation, and the distance from the fuel source and electrical panel.
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Do I need a permit to install a whole house generator in Kansas City?Yes, you do. The city of Kansas City, Missouri, requires permits for major electrical and plumbing work, which includes the installation of a whole-house generator. As part of our comprehensive generator installation services, we handle the entire permitting process for you, ensuring your installation is up to code and fully compliant with all local regulations.
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How long can a Generac whole house generator run continuously?As long as there is a continuous fuel supply of natural gas or a sufficient supply of propane, a well-maintained standby generator can run for an extended period. With a 500-gallon propane tank, a Generac generator can run 24 hours a day for over a week. For natural gas, the run time is indefinite as long as the gas supply isn't interrupted. During a prolonged outage, it is a good practice to shut down your generator every 24 hours, let it cool, and check the oil level before restarting.
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How much does a backup generator cost to operate?The operating cost of a Generac generator depends on how many of your home's appliances and circuits are running during an outage, as well as the current price of natural gas or propane. While it's difficult to give an exact number, our experts will help you understand the estimated fuel consumption based on your specific needs.
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How do I know the generator is working correctly?Your Generac generator performs a self-diagnostic test and exercises briefly—typically once a week for about ten minutes—to ensure it's in top condition. We'll work with you to program the test for a time that's most convenient for you.
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What does a Generac generator run on?Generac generators are designed to run on either your home's natural gas or a liquid propane (LP) fuel source. They are permanently installed outside your home, similar to a central air conditioning unit, and connect directly to your home's fuel and electrical systems.
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What do I have to do to make the generator work?Once your Generac generator is professionally installed, there is nothing for you to do during an outage. However, a generator is an engine and requires regular maintenance to ensure it's ready when you need it most. We recommend having a certified technician from C.M. Mose & Son perform a service check and oil change once a year.
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Do I have to push a button to turn the generator on?No, a standby generator with an automatic transfer switch is completely automatic. It constantly monitors the power coming from your utility company. The moment it detects a power outage, it automatically turns on, and the transfer switch safely disconnects your home from the utility grid and connects it to the generator. When utility power is restored, the process reverses automatically. You don't have to lift a finger—your power is back on in a matter of seconds.
Related Reading:
- Understanding How Generac Generators Work
- Generac Generator Repair
- How Long Can A Standby Generator Run Continuously?
Fill out the form or call us today at (816) 339-5190. You will get the right size generator for your home or business needs.
