Gave the go ahead to a company today to install a home generator. Settled on a Kohler after reviewing everything we got back on the bids.
1. $20k for either a Generac or a Briggs. They were trying to push Briggs bc they had a 10-year all inclusive warranty and Generac is a 5-year limited. This is the same company that quoted me $1k to add an outlet to my closet. Their “Generator” cost was $15k which included the install and pad, then the gas additional costs of $1900 for extension kits bc my panel is 50’ from generator. Plus an additional $1600 to relocate my existing box bc they said the ATS wouldn’t fit in the current spot. Plus taxes brought it up to $20k.
2. $12k for a Generac. They quoted this sight unseen only using Google Earth. Gave me a little hesitation just because there are a few variables I tried to explain to him. Nice guy but he was just like “nope that covers everything.” He also said they could go Briggs and get the 10-year but it would be an additional $1k. Too many unknowns for me.
3. $13.6k for the Kohler. Guy came out to the house, walked it with me and said he’d have no problem locating it where I wanted. He also said they could uplift the warranty to 10-year. He included the plumbing for gas line. Felt more comfortable here since he’s seen everything and was willing to work with my want.
The other two companies were pretty hardline about installing it directly adjacent to my gas main which I didn’t prefer since that’s on the side of the house exposed to everything. Granted, I don’t live in a bad neighborhood or anything, but I still didn’t want it facing out to the world.
22kW. I’m fine with Kohler. I’ve used Generac for 20 years in public safety settings for communication sites and dispatch sites. But for my home, on the “non-commercial” side, I’m not sure I care between all three.