Before You Buy an Automatic Standby Generator

WARNING
If You're Interested in Having a Home Standby Generator Installed, Don't Call Any Company Until You've Read This Important Information

You may become the unwitting victim of unqualified individuals! Let me explain.

This is a conciderable investment you're making for your home and your family. You want to get it right. Many so-called generator companies are out to make a quick buck at your expense. How? They are unable do the job from start to finish. Here's what happens. They purchase the generator online or at a "big box" store and convince you that you're getting the same service at a lower price. What they don't tell you is that they can't do the initial startup (required by the manufacturer) or troubleshoot the generator if they run into problems during installation, both of which will cost you more. Only a factory-authorized dealer with factory-trained technicians can perform post-installation startups, service, or maintenance under the warranty agreement.

Why is this important?
Far to often, we get calls from distraught homeowners who just paid a substantial amount of money for a new generator that is not functioning properly, if at all. The person who installed it cannot correct the problem. So instead of feeling the sense of comfort that backup power brings, It's another day home from work to have the problems corrected by someone else. Someone like us. Keep in mind, the installation contractor is usually paid in full for the non-working generator. Now imagine having to shell out more money because the problem stems from an improper installation, not a problem with the generator. This situation is never covered under warranty.

Buyers beware: A proper generator installation is essential to your warranty not becoming void.   

Installing and servicing a generator requires specific knowledge found only with companies employing individuals who have generator industry training, meet certain qualifications of the manufacturers and who are authorized dealers who service all generators whether they installed it or not.

 We are a Guardian Dealer - a benchmark for customer service and technical excellence. 

Not local to us? No Problem. When you purchase your generator from Jewett Electric, we will put you in touch with another Guardian "Elite" Dealer in your area who will provide the same superior service. Just call us at: 586.764-3548.

Here's a checklist to use when shopping for a generator installer.

1. Ask if they are an authorized dealer. If yes, ask to see their dealer certificate. If the answer is no, escort them to the door.
2. If you get past #1, ask if at least one person installing your generator has been through the factory training. If no, escort them to the door.
3. If you get past #2, you may want to ask if they are licensed and insured. If the answer is yes, ask to see their license and certificate of insurance (be sure they are current). If no, escort them to the door.
4. Ask if they do drug tests and background checks on the employees they send to your home.
5. Ask if they have a separate service department so you don't have to wait for service if the technicians are installing someone else's generator.
6. Ask if they have live personnel taking calls, or will you have to talk to a machine and wait for days for a response.
7. Ask what the guarantees are for their work. If they don't install it to the manufacturer's specifications your warranty may be void. Will they come back and correct problems? Will they service and do the required maintenance on your generator after the sale?