Are you in the market for a home generator? If so, you’ve probably been doing some research– and possibly found yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to you. There are so many kinds of generators out there today, and all of them have pros and cons. That means you really need to dig in to find the exact model that will be perfect for you and your needs. (You can also get an expert to help you!)

What’s a Generac?

Generac is the name of a generator manufacturer. They’re widely esteemed as one of the best brands in the business because of their extremely high-quality products.

Sure, every brand wants you to think it’s the best option– but good marketing is no substitute for a quality product, and Generac makes sure that their products actually deliver. Reportedly, “the average standby generator system within the market has a reliability of around 99%. Generac Power Systems believes this level of reliability is unacceptable.”

99% might seem like a pretty good reliability rating, but a company that examines that 1% and strives to ensure that their products don’t even let you down 1% of the time is one that’s truly focused on product performance. Generac subsequently addressed the most frequent problems that cause generators to fail.

One of the most common reasons is a lack of maintenance on the customer’s part. While that’s not something the manufacturer can theoretically control, Generac created a predictive algorithm that calculates when generators need maintenance, notifying the customer right away when their unit may need some maintenance.

They also worked to address electrical failures and fuel issues, among many other potential issues that may arise in standby generators.

What’s a generator pad?

Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home. Unlike portable generators, they stay in one spot for the duration of the time you have them.

Requirements for generator pads differ, depending on the region where you’re located. Typically, it’s recommended (or required) for your generator to be installed on a concrete pad that keeps it perfectly level and elevated above the ground by a few inches.

In areas where flooding is a frequent concern, a generator might need to be installed on a higher platform, ensuring that it’s kept safer from rising floodwaters.

Does my Generac generator need a pad?

The generally accepted answer to this question is: yes, you should install your Generac generator on a concrete pad. This also applies to just about every standby generator.

The specifications of this pad might differ between states and cities, since typically city code requires specific installation for generators in order to keep people and their homes safe.

Choosing the right spot to install your Generac generator is an extremely important factor in its lifespan, efficacy, and maintenance. You should make sure to install your generator on a surface that is capable of supporting the weight of the generator, and you should be familiar with your local city and fire codes, which may have specifications about generator installment.

Installing your generator in the correct spot will make it safer and easier to maintain, which will in turn greatly expand its lifetime.

Because city codes differ, you might not be legally required to use a generator pad for your Generac. But since Generac recommends it– and it might even be required for your generator’s warranty– we highly recommend that you do install yours on a pad.
If you have questions about Generacs, standby generators, or installation, don’t hesitate to reach out or give us a call today. We’d be happy to walk you through the specifics!