Whether you prefer full service or like to arrange things yourself, you have options available to help you purchase and install your generator. Cummins authorized dealers and online sales mean you can do it your way. Learn about the different ways of buying a home generator.
Installed:
If you want to power your whole home and carry on as if nothing has happened outside, then a Cummins QuietConnect™ standby generator is the way to go. This permanently installed generator will be strong enough to run all or nearly all the devices in your home. With a portable, you will have to size the generator set to power only certain essential devices.
Portable:
One of the advantages of portables and power stations is that you can use them for more than just powering essentials in your home. You can take them with you on camping trips, tailgates or to power tools on worksites. Standby generators are permanently installed at your home.
Standby generators connect directly to a home's electrical and natural gas/LP systems. They are professionally installed for the convenience and safety of the homeowner.
When a power outage occurs, an Automatic Transfer Switch turns the generator on, delivering the precise power your home needs.
When the outage is over, the generator turns off automatically, going into standby mode until the next power outage or exercise period.
Every so often your standby generator will turn itself on to get some "exercise" and perform self-diagnostics to make sure everything is running smoothly
How to buy a generator for your home
Home generators 101: How an installed home standby generator works
You'll need both a generator and an automatic transfer switch installed for uninterrupted power during an outage. The transfer switch constantly monitors the electric utility power coming into the home. If it detects a break in service, it will automatically disconnect the home from the electric utility line in a split second and turn on the Cummins generator to power the home instead. The generator is fed either by a natural gas line or by a propane tank.
While the Cummins generator is powering the home, the transfer switch will continue to monitor the electric utility line. Once it detects that power has been restored, it’ll automatically disconnect the generator from the home’s electrical system and reconnect the electric utility.
The step-by-step generator buying process
Calculate your power needs
Selecting the right size Cummins QuietConnect™ standby generator is important. Choose too small of a generator, and you won’t be able to power all your home’s circuits. Choose too large of a generator, and it’ll be inefficient. To help choose the right size for your needs, use the generator sizing calculator.
Schedule a free consultation
For a more accurate sizing, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a Cummins authorized dealer, who will come out to your home and make the calculations for you to take the worry and work off of you. To find the dealer nearest you, start here.
On-site inspection
During the home assessment, a Cummins authorized dealer will assess power needs, determine the best place to install the generator, and will give you a full estimate for the generator, transfer switch, installation, and labor costs. Typically, this price starts at around $6,000 USD.
Installation
It is highly recommended that Cummins QuietConnect™ standby generators be installed by a qualified professional. Following the home inspection by one of our authorized dealers, they will make arrangements with you for a hassle-free delivery and installation.
Discover what size generator you need for your home
If you prefer to purchase a whole-home generator online and install it yourself, or hire an electrician outside of our authorized dealer network, our sizing calculator can help give you a valid estimate and generator recommendation based on your power needs.
In order to use the calculator, you will need to know your home's square footage, what essential items in your home you will need to power - like heating, cooling, garage door, and sump pumps - what appliances you will need powered like refrigerators or microwaves, and if you have recreational items requiring power like hot tubs, pools, or saunas.
On installation day:
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Your local dealer will install both the automatic transfer switch and the generator in the previously defined location they established during the home assessment.
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The dealer will install the automatic transfer switch that connects your home's electrical system to the generator.
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Next, the generator will be installed and connected to the automatic transfer switch and also connected to existing natural gas and propane lines.
Note: In some instances, a propane tank will need to be installed. Your dealer will ensure that the installation is up to safety guidelines and regulations along with all local codes and ordinances.
The cost of running a whole house generator depends on the size of your generator, the load the generator is running and the local cost of propane or natural gas. Of the expenses associated with installing a home standby generator, the installation costs vary the most.
Costs can differ depending on your location, since the process includes obtaining permits, preparing the site, mounting the generator, getting a licensed plumber to connect the fuel line, and getting a licensed electrician to connect the generator to your home. A Cummins-authorized dealer takes care of these installation tasks on your behalf.
Invest in peace of mind when buying a Cummins generator
When you choose to work with Cummins, you will not only get a reliable home generator, but also support during and after the purchase.
Finance with Synchrony
Cummins is now offering financing options through Synchrony Bank when your home power generator purchase is made with a credit card issued through Synchrony.
Extended warranty to protect your investment
Cost effective extended warranty options allow for full coverage for up to 10 years.
Reliable service when you need it
Your local authorized dealer is trained to answer any questions that you have. Cummins Care can also assist you.
Find your Local Cummins Home Generator Dealer
Cummins Authorized Dealers have in-depth product knowledge. In addition to having the required professional licenses, they must meet rigorous Cummins standards to perform installations, warranty repairs and a full range of services.
A Cummins Authorized Dealer can work with you to ensure you’re getting the right size unit to meet your needs. They can also handle any questions about connecting and configuring and assist with the installation of permanent units.
Learn More About Buying a Home Generator
You can buy a whole-home generator through one of our Cummins Authorized dealers in your area who specialize in installation and service, or you can purchase through an online dealer and find your own installer.
We recommend that you use one of our authorized dealers that have in-depth product knowledge. In addition to having the required professional licenses, they must meet rigorous Cummins standards to perform installations, warranty repairs and a full range of services. You can install the whole home generator yourself, but if installation guidelines are not followed, the warranty will not apply and the product could be compromised.
Your generator should be serviced yearly to include an oil change and a maintenance check. If your generator has been running during a prolonged power outage, it should be serviced to guarantee peak performance during the next outage. If you live in areas prone to frequent outages, please consult with your local dealer.