If you’re a homeowner who’s tired of worrying about power outages, you’re not alone. These days, keeping your home powered 24/7 isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, comfort, and protecting your investment. But when it comes to selecting a standby generator, it’s normal to have questions.

That’s where M.T. Ruhl steps in. We’re not just a generator dealer—we’re a Generac-certified service and installation expert, helping homeowners throughout Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties make informed, stress-free decisions.

Whether you’re shopping for your first backup generator or looking to upgrade an older system, here are seven essential questions to ask any generator installer—and our expert answers to help guide your decision.

A homeowner has questions to ask their backup generator dealer about generator installation & maintenance services

1. What Are My Backup Generator Options?

The two most common Generac home backup generators are air-cooled and liquid-cooled units.

  • Air-Cooled Generators (like the Generac Guardian Series): Ideal for most residential homes. These models use fans to cool the engine and are available in sizes from 10 kW to 24 kW. They’re cost-effective and reliable for moderate power demands.
  • Liquid-Cooled Generators (like Generac’s Protector Series): Better for large homes, commercial buildings, or properties with heavy power loads. These units use radiators and coolant to regulate temperature, allowing them to run longer and support higher wattages (up to 150 kW and more).

Fuel Types for Generac Generators:

  • Natural Gas (NG): A popular choice for homes connected to municipal gas lines. It offers a continuous supply and low maintenance.
  • Liquid Propane (LP): A clean-burning option that’s easy to store onsite. LP-powered Generac generators are ideal for rural or off-grid homes.
  • Diesel: Common in commercial applications, diesel standby generators provide high torque and longevity, but require more space and periodic fuel turnover.

Generac manufactures models across all three fuel types, offering unmatched flexibility and trusted reliability.

2. What Size Do I Need?

Generators are measured in kilowatts (kW), reflecting the power they can supply. The right size depends on:

  • How many appliances or systems do you want to back up (fridge, sump pump, AC, lights, etc)
  • Your home’s square footage
  • Whether you want whole-house power or essential systems only

Generac offers models from 7.5 kW to 150+ kW, so there’s a model for every home or business. But don’t guess—sizing is more than square footage. It takes a load calculation, understanding startup vs. running wattage, and a trained eye to get it right.

At M.T. Ruhl, we perform detailed evaluations to determine what size generator your home or business requires.

Get Generator Service!

Get Generator Service!

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3. Which Brand Do You Recommend and Why?

We proudly recommend Generac, the #1 manufacturer of standby generators in North America—and for good reason:

  • Assembled in the USA with dependable quality
  • G-Force® Engines, purpose-built for long-term generator use
  • Wi-Fi-enabled remote monitoring via Mobile Link™
  • Quiet-Test™ Mode for ultra-quiet weekly self-testing
  • Broad product range: Air-cooled, liquid-cooled, NG, LP, diesel—Generac has it all

Other well-known brands include Briggs & Stratton, KOHLER, Cummins, Champion, and GE, but in our experience, Generac consistently offers the best performance, features, and long-term value for homeowners.

M.T. Ruhl, a generator service provider ready to offer emergency power with our amazing residential generator installation process in SEPA

4. How Large is Your Team?

Be sure to ask your generator provider about their support team, certifications, and response capabilities to ensure you’re covered when it matters most. A dealer with a larger, well-trained staff is typically better equipped to handle everything from initial consultations and site evaluations to permit processing, installations, and long-term maintenance.

Larger teams also mean faster response times, especially during high-demand periods like storm season or widespread outages.

As a Generac-certified Power Pro Elite + Dealer, M.T. Ruhl meets the highest standards in generator training, product knowledge, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re in Bryn Mawr, King of Prussia, Malvern, or Chester Springs, we’re ready to help.

5. Is This Generator Cost-Friendly?

Generator pricing varies depending on size, fuel type, site conditions, and electrical complexity. Today, tariff changes and manufacturing costs have led to price fluctuations across the board.

However, there are always ways to make backup power more affordable:

  • Manufacturer rebates and promotions
  • Flexible financing plans
  • Warranty upgrades
  • Energy-efficient models to reduce long-term costs with local tax cuts
  • Increase Property Value so when it comes to selling your home, you’re ahead of the game

At M.T. Ruhl, we’ll help you explore every available cost-saving opportunity—without compromising quality or service.

6. Do You Offer Warranties or Extended Services?

Absolutely. Generac generators come with a standard 5-year limited warranty, with options to upgrade to 7 or even 10 years, depending on the unit and promotion.

As a certified Generac service dealer, M.T. Ruhl offers:

  • Warranty registration and claims support
  • In-warranty and out-of-warranty repairs
  • Scheduled maintenance programs to ensure peak performance
  • Emergency service during storm season

We’re here to keep your generator running smoothly—before, during, and after an outage.

7. How Can We Trust You?

We get it—trust matters. And it’s earned, not claimed. Trust is a critical factor when choosing a standby generator installer. Homeowners should look for clear signs of credibility and professionalism before making a decision. Start by checking for:

  • Verified online reviews and testimonials from past customers on platforms like Google, Angi, and HomeAdvisor
  • A well-designed, informative website that showcases services, certifications, and previous installations
  • Licensing and manufacturer certifications, such as being a certified Generac dealer or authorized service provider
  • Referral programs or word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors and community members
  • A history of responsive customer support and transparent communication

Taking the time to research and vet your generator dealer ensures you’re working with a company that’s not only knowledgeable but also trustworthy, reliable, and committed to your long-term satisfaction.

Before a power outage, a homeowner knows warranty coverage protects them when generator service providers come by for residential generators

Hey, SEPA | Why Choose M.T. Ruhl as Your Generator Installer?

Choosing a standby generator is a major investment, and you deserve a partner who knows the ins and outs of installation, performance, and ongoing service. Whether buying a backup generator for the first time or replacing an outdated system, asking the right questions is critical to making the right choice. Here’s what makes us the #1 choice:

  • Certified Generac Dealer & Installer
  • Decades of hands-on experience in both residential and commercial installations
  • Full-service support: Permits, concrete pads, gas line connections, transfer switch setup, and more
  • Customized sizing and installation plans tailored to your property
  • 24/7 Service & Repair you can count on

Make Your Generator Decision with Confidence

There’s never been a more important time to protect your home with a reliable backup power source. And with M.T. Ruhl by your side, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Don’t Stay in the Dark – Call M.T. Ruhl Today

Power outages are unpredictable. Your response shouldn’t be.

Whether you’re in Bryn Mawr, King of Prussia, Villanova, Downingtown, Malvern, or anywhere across SEPA, M.T. Ruhl is here to provide expert guidance and professional installation you can trust.

Ready for a consultation or have more questions? Call M.T. Ruhl today and take the first step toward true peace of mind.