Generator Sales & Installations
At RCA Electric & Generators we offer turnkey services from design and installation to maintenance and repair. Our packages vary based on model size and specific installation needs at your home. In general, packages range from $10,000 – $15,000.
Generac is the most trusted name in home backup generators.
In 1959, Generac became the first company to engineer affordable, automatic home standby generators. Today, they are the #1 manufacturer of home backup generators. Whether you’re looking for a residential, commercial or industrial generator, everything the company makes is designed and built for the most demanding environments — including the blizzards, nor’easters and hurricanes that come with living in New England.
RCA is the most trusted name for Generac installation and maintenance.
RCA is proud to be the only Power Pro Premier dealer of Generac across Southeast Massachusetts. Our Premier status with Generac means we represent the company with the highest standard of excellence in sales and customer service — and that our licensed installers have the highest credentials and are factory trained in all the Generac equipment they install.
Of course, we’re happy to maintain any brand of generator in your home — even if we didn’t install it ourselves. Contact us today if you’d like to discuss your power needs. We’ll make sure you’re prepared when the next storm hits.
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How much does a standby generator cost?
The cost of your generator installation will vary based on your needs. Some of the variables that come into play when it comes to pricing your system includes:Â
- The manufacturer of generator
- The size of the generator
- The location of the generator
- Fuel Source: Natural Gas or Propane will need to be installed
To help you understand your options, someone from our experienced team will evaluate your property, answer your questions and recommend a realistic solution based on your budget.
What size generator do I need?
Contrary to popular belief, the size of your generator is determined by your power needs — not by the square footage of your home. One of our experienced team members will take all the guesswork out of the decision by recommending the generator that’s right for you. Expect us to:
- Complete a thorough inspection of the existing electrical service, existing gas load and the gas meter size on the outside of the home.
- Discuss your needs in the event of a power outage
- Provide you with a detailed estimate for a turn-key installation
How involved is the installation process?
Automatic home standby generators are permanently wired into your home or business and many specific details will need to be followed. Here’s how the typical installation process works:
- Our team will help you determine the brand, size, location and budget for your power needs.
- When the estimate is accepted, we’ll schedule an installation appointment that works for you.
- We’ll then file all the municipality permits.
- The installation process takes 1-3 full days to complete and consists of installing the generator and completing all the necessary electrical and gas/propane work
- The gas installation is inspected by the town inspector
- The licensed technician returns to activate the warranty setup of the generator and perform a detailed orientation and answer all your questions
- The electrical work is is inspected by the town inspector after the generator is activated and running as designed.
- Our office staff will complete the registration and warranty for your new automatic home standby generator and give you all the documentation.
Can generators be installed in inclement weather?
Just like we don’t believe in losing power to the weather, we don’t believe in losing time. No matter what the weather throws at us — or on us — expect our crew to be on the job as scheduled.
Residential Generator FAQs
What is the Difference Between Air Cooled and Liquid Cooled Generators?
The primary difference between air-cooled and liquid-cooled generators lies in the method used to regulate engine temperature during operation.
- Air-cooled generators use fans to circulate air across the engine, dissipating heat directly into the atmosphere. These units are typically smaller, more affordable, and ideal for residential backup power up. Because they have fewer complex parts, they are often easier to maintain for standard home applications.
- Liquid-cooled generators, on the other hand, function similarly to a car engine. They use a radiator and enclosed liquid coolant system to manage heat. These powerful engines are designed for higher kilowatt outputs, making them the superior choice for larger homes or commercial businesses with significant power demands.
What Fuel Source Do Generac Generators Run On?
Generac automatic standby generators are designed for convenience and reliability, operating on the most readily available fuel sources at your home: natural gas or liquid propane (LP). This design eliminates the need for manual refueling with gasoline cans during a power outage, ensuring your system is always ready to restore power automatically. The choice between natural gas and liquid propane largely depends on what is available at your property.
- Natural gas is a highly convenient option if your home is already connected to a utility line. It provides an uninterrupted fuel supply, allowing the generator to run for as long as needed without refueling.
- Liquid propane is the ideal solution for homes without access to a natural gas line. These systems are fueled by a dedicated LP tank installed on your property.
How Long Do Generac Generators Last?
Designed for durability and resilience, a well-maintained Generac automatic standby generator typically offers a service life of 20 to 30 years.
The lifespan of these units is largely determined by their usage hours. Most residential Generac generators are engineered to provide approximately 3,000 hours of operation. Since the average standby generator runs for only a limited number of hours per year during outages and weekly exercise cycles, this translates to decades of reliable service for most homeowners.
However, longevity is not guaranteed solely by the manufacturer’s design; it requires active care. The most significant factor influencing how long your unit lasts is adherence to an annual or semi-annual maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, battery checks, and professional inspections ensure that internal components do not degrade prematurely, ensuring your generator lasts for as long as possible.
How Long Can a Whole House Generator Run Continuously?
A whole house generator is designed to provide seamless backup power for extended periods, but its continuous runtime depends on its fuel source and maintenance needs. In theory, as long as there is a steady supply of fuel, generators can run indefinitely during an outage.
For units connected to a natural gas line, the fuel supply is effectively limitless, allowing the generator to run for days or weeks if necessary. However, for those running on liquid propane, runtime is dictated by the size of your property’s LP tank and the electrical load being supported.
While standby generators are built for endurance, they are not intended to run non-stop without care. Manufacturers generally recommend shutting down the unit every 24 to 48 hours of continuous use to check the oil level and inspect the engine.
What Does a Red Light Mean On a Generac Generator?
A solid red light on the status indicator of your Generac generator means that the unit has something wrong with it and will not run. This light is a crucial diagnostic tool, alerting you to a problem that requires immediate attention to ensure the generator is ready for the next power outage. The red light can be triggered by a range of issues, from simple problems like a low battery or a tripped breaker to more complex internal faults that necessitate professional service.
Conversely, a solid green indicator light means that your generator is ready to automatically run the next time your power goes out. A blinking green light means that your generator is currently running. Finally, a yellow indicator lights means that your generator is still all set to run but that it is also time for your generator’s annual preventive maintenance.
How Often Does a Generac Generator Need To Be Serviced?
To ensure your generator remains reliable during power outages, adhering to a service schedule is essential. In general, it is recommended that you have your Generac generator professionally serviced at least once per year. This annual inspection acts as a preventative measure, identifying potential issues before they can compromise the unit’s performance. While annual service is the standard for most homeowners, the frequency of generator maintenance may need to increase depending on usage.
Let’s brainstorm ways to help you before the next storm.
Contact us for a free consultation.