FAQ's/References
At Downsouth Generators, we understand that there are a lot of questions when it comes to deciding what best suits you and your family for a back up power source during an outage. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you in making your decision.
How do generators work?
Generators operate by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy through a process called electromagnetic induction. When the generator's engine runs, it turns a rotor inside a magnetic field, which induces an electric current in the coils of wire. This current is then directed to an electrical panel, allowing it to power appliances and devices. Generators can be powered by various fuel sources including gasoline, diesel natural gas, or, making them versatile different needs and situations
What kind of whole home generator works best for me?
There are two main kinds of whole home generators that Downsouth Generators install-air cooled generators and liquid cooled generators.
Air Cooled Generators
Fueled by natural gas or propane.
​​Require less maintenance. (Do not need to check coolant levels like a liquid cooled)
Require less energy to operate because they do not require a cooling system.
Less likely to have issues with overheating. Air cooled generators circulate air around the engine which helps prevent mechanical issues.
Have an automatic shutdown feature that kicks in when the oil pressure falls below a certain level or the coolant temperature rises above a certain level.
Liquid Cooled Generators
Uses liquid, or coolant to cool the generator's engine.
The liquid cooling can improve fuel efficiency by helping keep the engine at a consistent temperature.
Typically quieter than air-cooled generators.
Tend to have a longer life span than air cooled generators.
Portable Generators
Another option besides a whole home generator is a portable generator. Although they are not designed to power an entire home and multiple appliances, portable generators are a good emergency power source. Most offer fuel gauge monitoring and multiple outlets. A back feed breaker can be installed by Downsouth Generators to connect a portable generator to your main breaker for easy access.
Now that I have a generator, how often should I get it serviced?
After the first 25 run hours of your whole home generator, it is recommended that you have a "break in" oil change.
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After a "break in" oil change on a new unit, a full maintenance should be performed on your whole home generator every 100 run hours. To check your generator's run hours, follow the instructions below.
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When the unit is in Auto-Standby Mode the screen will read, Ready to Run.
1. Press ESC to escape to the main menu.
2. Use the arrows, above and below the enter button to navigate to the SUB MENUS option. Once the Sub Menus is highlighted, Press ENTER.
3. Navigate to the MAINT (Maintenance option), and press ENTER.
4. Navigate to the Run Hrs option, and press ENTER. This will display the total run hours for the generator.
To return to AUTO with Ready to Run displayed on the screen, simply press ESC until SYSTEM appears on the control panel and press ENTER.
The unit will read, Ready to Run, and has been placed back in AUTO.
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Please contact our office to schedule an annual service on your unit.
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