Whole Home Generator Installation in Western New York

At Reimer, we take pride in offering customized generator installation services to meet any residential need in Western New York. Our expert team has experience working with all types and sizes of backup power systems, from compact portable units to robust whole home standby generators. Here are just some of the generator types we can professionally install:

Dual Fuel Generators

Looking for some added peace of mind with your backup power? Dual fuel generators give you just that extra layer of reliability. These standby units are slick – they have separate fuel inlets and controls that allow them to run on either propane or natural gas.

So let’s say you’re running on propane during an outage but that supply gets interrupted…no sweat. The generator will automatically switch over to your home’s natural gas line to keep on chugging. It’s awesome having that flexibility to go back and forth between fuel sources as needed.

Portable Generators

If you’ve got a smaller home or limited backup power needs, a portable generator could be the convenient, affordable solution. These portable units get fired up with gasoline and can be manually moved around wherever you need that temporary power boost.

While not as hassle-free as a standby system that kicks in automatically, these generators give you a reliable way to keep things like your fridge, sump pump, cable box, and some lights/outlets powered during an outage. We’ll get one properly set up and supply the necessary safety gear and power cords.

Select Circuit Coverage

For homes that only require backup for a handful of critical items, standby or portable generators can be installed to cover just those essential circuits. Maybe your must-haves are the heating system, fridge, internet/cable service, and a couple bathroom outlets. These more compact generators get tied into a transfer switch and only supply electricity to those specified loads – helping you save on equipment costs.

Whole Home Generators

When you just have to keep everything powered no matter what, nothing beats a proper whole home standby generator installed by Reimer. These generators will keep your entire house lit up and running smoothly through any outage until utility service is restored.

Air-cooled and liquid-cooled options are available to match the size of your home’s power needs. Once that automatic transfer switch detects an interruption, your generator instantly fires up and starts feeding electricity to every appliance, heater, outlet, and system – just like the power never went out.

Automatic Transfer Switches

For full set-it-and-forget-it convenience, you really want to incorporate an automatic transfer switch into your generator installation. This smart component is like a power sentinel, constantly monitoring the incoming utility feed. The second it senses an outage, it automatically triggers the generator to start providing backup juice. Then when utility service is restored, it transfers you right back over. No manual switching required – just uninterrupted power.

At Reimer, we’ve got a generator solution tailored for any Western New York home, no matter your backup power needs and budget. Our techs know these systems inside and out to ensure a proper, safe installation.

We get a lot of questions about which generator brand reigns supreme. Well, we can tell you straight up – our team is a big fan of the quality and innovation you’ll find from Generac. These guys have been setting the standard in residential backup power for decades, and it really shows in their product lineup.

Generac has never been one to cut corners or settle for mediocre performance. Their generators, from beefy whole home standby units down to portable models, are purpose-built to keep homes powered through just about any outage scenario. And they pack in all sorts of intelligent features and functionality that give them an edge.

App Monitoring? Check

Being able to monitor your generator’s status directly from your smartphone is just one of those cool conveniences Generac offers. Through their Mobile Link system, you can keep digital tabs on all the unit’s self-diagnostic testing, maintenance reminders, and more.

True Power Outputs

Another great feature found across Generac’s generator lineup – True Power technology. This proprietary engineering ensures the electricity your unit is putting out is clean, smooth, and consistent. No risking damage to your pricey electronics and appliances from erratic power.

Quiet Operation

Let’s face it, we all know generators can be pretty noisy. But Generac units actually have built-in modes for conducting weekly self-diagnostic testing in a quieter, neighbor-friendly way. The considerate brand!

Durable through Any Weather

Then you’ve got the sturdy, weatherproof aluminum enclosures that protect Generac’s generators from the harsh Buffalo elements. Snow, rain, ice – bring it on. These things are made to crank up and keep cranking no matter what nature throws their way.

At the end of the day, Reimer is proud to be an authorized dealer and installer for this top-tier generator brand. We’ve seen firsthand just how reliable and intelligent Generac’s units perform, delivering seamless backup power year after year. Bottom line – they offer some serious peace of mind for Western New York homeowners.

We’ve all been there – in the middle of a power outage, rummaging through closets and cabinets for flashlights and candles to make things somewhat functional again. But then you realize your garage door is stuck, your smart home systems are offline, and you can’t even flush the toilets or run water. Suddenly a minor inconvenience is turning into a real headache.

With a properly installed whole home generator from Reimer, you simply avoid all those outage-related stresses altogether. These backup power workhorses automatically kick into action within seconds of a utility interruption, supplying every single circuit and system in your home with electricity – just like the grid was still on.

Refrigerators, heating/cooling, lights, security systems, TVs, internet, sump pumps – everything just keeps humming along without so much as a flicker. You don’t have to worry about food spoiling, pipes freezing, or a compromised home security. Same goes for those “oh no” situations like being trapped in the garage or basement when the door loses power. A standby generator ensures it’s true backup power, not just backup lighting.

24/7 Security & Comfort

Having this whole home protection means you never have to go a day without heat, AC, or the amenities you’re accustomed to, no matter how long the outage lasts. For Western New York’s harsh winter conditions, that’s absolutely vital for family safety and home security. From a comfort standpoint, you can keep watching TV, cooking, and going about your normal routine without disruption. Kids don’t have to sit around bored, and work-from-homers don’t miss a beat.

Hands-Free, Automated Performance

One of the biggest advantages of a standby whole home system is they require zero effort on your part to operate. As soon as utility line power is interrupted, an automatic transfer switch immediately signals the generator to start providing backup electricity. It handles getting everything powered up, covering every circuit and system. Then when grid service is restored, it automatically transfers back over. You may not even realize there was an outage at all!

Unmatched Return on Investment

While whole home generators come with higher upfront costs compared to portable units, they also deliver unbeatable backup power coverage and return on investment for your property. You’re not just protecting expensive home appliances and systems from outage damage. You’re preventing food spoilage that could cost hundreds. You’re keeping valuable home security and telecommunications systems online. Most importantly, you’re ensuring your family has heat, air conditioning, and electricity for health and safety. That comprehensive peace of mind is truly priceless.

If you want backup power capabilities that let you keep your entire home running indefinitely without skipping a beat, there’s no smarter solution than a whole home standby generator installed by the experts at Reimer. We’d be happy to provide you with model recommendations and pricing details

With whole home backup power being such a valuable investment, you’ll want to make sure you get properly sized and specified for your needs. Choosing a generator that’s too small means leaving critical circuits and appliances vulnerable during an outage. But oversizing can lead to spending more than necessary.

The biggest factors that go into finding that Goldilocks fit? The square footage of your home and your must-have electrical loads. Our Reimer team will take a close look at both during your free consultation.

Squaring Up the Home Size

Generally speaking, larger homes are going to require higher-capacity generators to provide adequate whole home backup power. As a quick rule of thumb, air-cooled standby units are sufficient for most residential needs up to around 5,000 square feet. Anything beyond that square footage, and you’ll likely need to step up to a liquid-cooled model capable of handling those higher electrical demands.

Identifying Critical Loads

Of course, home size is only half the equation. You’ll also want to consider which specific appliances, systems, and circuits are absolutely essential to keep powered during an outage. This allows us to calculate your true wattage requirements for proper generator sizing.

For many Western New York homeowners, the fridge, freezer, and heating/AC systems rise right to the top as critical must-have loads. But there’s a wide range of other potential essentials, such as:

• Electric ovens, cooktops or ranges (1,000 – 1,500 watts)
• Microwaves (600 – 1,000 watts)
• Clothes washers and dryers (1,000 – 2,500 watts)
• Home office computer/networking setups (200 – 400 watts)
• Sump pumps, water heaters, and well pumps
• TVs, cable/internet modems, security systems
• Garage door openers, home automation systems
• Lights and outlets in key living spaces

Calculating Total Power Needs

Once our team has an accurate count of your home’s size and the specific circuits/appliances you deem necessary for backup power, we’ll total up those wattage requirements. This allows us to ensure your generator installation provides enough capacity to handle that electrical load and keep everything up and running no matter what. We’ll crunch all the numbers and walk you through recommended generator models to meet your home’s unique needs and priorities.

Ready to take the first step towards securing whole home backup power? The Reimer team is standing by to schedule your consultation and generator sizing assessment. Simply give us a call at (716) 272-2371 today!

Let’s be honest – having a standby generator installed isn’t a tiny investment upfront. But for many Western New Yorkers, it’s an extremely worthwhile one that pays off big time when outages strike. With Reimer, you’re not just getting backup power – you’re preventing food spoilage, protecting expensive appliances, and keeping your home’s vital systems humming no matter what. It’s safety, security and convenience that really can’t be matched.

To ensure total transparency, our team likes to have an open discussion about budgeting during your consultation. We want you to feel comfortable and make an informed decision. Here’s a basic rundown of the typical cost factors:

The Generator Itself

As you’d expect, the generator unit accounts for a healthy portion of the total project costs. Reimer proudly installs top-of-the-line Generac models from basic portables up to robust liquid-cooled whole home standby units. Pricing can start around $2,000 for smaller air-cooled residential generators and ranges up to the $21,500 range for their biggest 60kW powerhouses.

The Supporting Equipment

Of course, the generator is just one piece of the puzzle. You’re also covering the essential electrical components like automatic transfer switches to seamlessly switch between utility and generator power. Then there’s the potential need for new fuel lines, concrete pads, wiring, and circuit configurators. Basically, everything needed to set up the generator system properly for your home’s configuration.

The Skilled Labor

You could say the real value comes from our century’s worth of professional electrical experience. Having Reimer’s master electricians and generator gurus handle every aspect of the installation provides peace of mind it’s being done correctly and to code from day one. Their skilled labor ensures safe, reliable operation when you need that backup power.

Maintenance & Operating

Once installed, standby generator maintenance is actually quite affordable long-term. You’re likely looking at just $100 to $300 per year or so for basic service calls and inspections from our team. The bigger ongoing cost is generator fuel, whether that’s propane or natural gas rates at the time.

Financing & Incentives

While that upfront price can seem steep, Reimer will work closely with you to explore any available financing programs that can make it easier. We’ll also go over any potential rebates or incentives from manufacturers or municipalities that could help trim costs. Our goal is backup power protection that fits within your budget.

At the end of the day, you can’t really put a price on the value a standby generator from Reimer provides for Western New York families. It’s outage protection, comfort, security and convenience – invaluable when the lights go out.

Even with diligent maintenance, all generators have a life expectancy where they eventually need to be replaced. Pushing an old, worn-out unit past its limits can lead to more frequent outages, costly repairs, and even safety risks for your Western New York home. Here are some telltale signs it’s time to start shopping for a new generator system:

Frequent Repairs

As generators get older and start accumulating more run time hours, it’s only natural for components to gradually wear down and break more often. What might start out as an annual tune-up eventually turns into a revolving door of service calls for increasingly frequent part replacements and repairs.

Generators contain a lot of mechanical and electrical elements – from the engine itself to transfer switches, fuel systems, control boards and more. Once these begin failing with greater regularity, it’s a surefire sign the unit is deteriorating and nearing the end of its serviceable lifespan. At that point, you’re likely throwing good money after bad into repair costs that will only continue recurring until ultimately having to replace the system altogether.

Difficulty Finding Replacement Parts

One of the most frustrating realities of older generators is that usable replacement parts become exponentially harder to source affordably or at all as the years go by. Manufacturers ultimately discontinue offering components for aging models once they become too outdated.

You then get stuck scrambling to find remaining third-party or used inventories – which can be both a challenge and a risk, leaving you at the mercy of availability and quality control. It creates a situation where the next essential part you need simply may not be obtainable anymore. Once your local service professionals start struggling to get their hands on those critical replacement components, investing in an entirely new unit makes far more sense.

Decreased Efficiency and Increased Operational Costs

As generators deteriorate over time, they inevitably start losing efficiency and requiring more fuel consumption to produce the same power output levels. This loss of optimization and performance is a clear indicator the internal components are starting to wear down and the whole system is working harder than it should.

You’ll notice it cranking for longer periods and going through inordinate amounts of propane or natural gas to provide backup electricity compared to when it was newer. In many cases, those skyrocketing operational fuel costs can make it more economical to simply replace the generator altogether with a new, properly-sized and highly-efficient model right-sized for your home’s power needs.

Insufficient Power Output

During extended outages, an aging generator’s diminishing backup power capacity could leave you in a lurch in terms of meeting your home’s critical electrical load requirements. Generators lose potency over their lifespans and you may find your unit is no longer able to adequately cover the essential circuits, appliances and systems you depend on in an emergency situation.

This is of course a major vulnerability when you’re relying on that backup power for everything from heating and cooling to refrigeration, home security and communications systems, medical equipment and more. An insufficient power output puts you right back at square one in terms of outage disruptions despite having a generator.

Excessive Noise or Vibrations

Beyond just being an annoyance, excessive noise and vibrations from a generator during operation are surefire signs that it’s on its last legs. That shaking and rattling is typically an indication that key components are completely worn out and the unit is working harder than it should to generate power.

The undue strain is causing those noisy vibrations through the engine mounts, exhaust system and other elements. While inconvenient, the bigger concern is that those vibrations could eventually lead to critical part failures that render the generator totally inoperable and in need of replacement. Louder-than-normal operation is often one of the first red flags that the end is near.

Visible Wear and Tear

Just like any other machinery frequently exposed to the elements, generators will start showing visible signs of deterioration and damage over their lifespans. Things like cracks and rust forming in the main enclosure, fuel or coolant leaks developing, or chipping away of coatings and protective finishes are all indicators that nature is taking its toll.

While some deterioration might be cosmetic, these types of wear and tear could also signify potentially hazardous internal issues or compromise the generator’s functionality if left unaddressed. Visible damage and decay are yet another warning sign that it’s time to start planning for a full generator replacement before the unit fails entirely.

Technology and Features

Generators have greatly evolved over the decades in terms of engineering advancements, much in the same way modern automotive or home appliance technologies continue progressing. It’s not uncommon for generator manufacturers to roll out new units featuring upgraded components, emissions outputs, fuel efficiencies, automated capabilities and wireless monitoring/controls.

So while an older generator may still run, it likely lacks many of the smarter, more user-friendly and eco-conscious capabilities found in today’s modern residential models. Upgrading allows you to benefit from those technology improvements for easier, more convenient backup power.

A generator is a major investment for providing backup power protection to your property. But relying on an old, deteriorating unit will only cost you more in the long run through repairs and potential safety issues. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, the Reimer team would be happy to assess your current generator situation and provide recommendations for a long-lasting replacement.

We get this question a lot from homeowners – “Okay, I’m on board with getting a whole home generator, but how long is this process actually going to take?” It’s an understandable concern. After all, we’re talking about integrating a major new system with your home’s electrical setup and infrastructure. It’s not just an afternoon plumbing job.

The good news? Our experienced Reimer team has this whole generator installation process down to a fine-tuned science. We’ll provide you with a clear timeline upfront so you know exactly what to expect every step of the way.

That Very First Consultation (1-2 hours)

Before we do any real work, one of our generator experts will spend about 1-2 hours at your property for an initial consultation. We need to take a close look at your home’s specs, electrical panel, and overall backup power needs to properly size and configure the generator system. This assessment also allows us to determine the perfect installation location and go over factors like fuel sources, automatic transfer switch options, and more.

The Backend Prep Work (1-2 weeks)

With all those logistics nailed down after the consultation, our team gets to work over the next couple weeks taking care of all the preparation and planning. This covers everything from solidifying a finalized installation plan and securing permits to ordering any necessary equipment and supplies. We don’t skip any steps to ensure your project goes off without a single hiccup once installation day arrives.

The Main Event (8-10 Hours)

When that calendar date finally comes around, our certified generator technicians will arrive bright and early ready to get after it. For most standard residential setups, you’re looking at approximately 8-10 hours for the complete installation process when everything goes smoothly.

This is where the real labor happens – establishing concrete pads, mounting the generator unit, handling all electrical line routing and wiring, integration with your home’s panel, and ensuring proper fuel line connections. Our trained staff follows strict protocols and works methodically from start to finish.

System Testing and Walkthrough (1-2 hours)

Once that heavy-duty installation wraps up, we’ll spend ample time thoroughly testing the entire generator system from top to bottom. Through meticulous load testing and safety checks, we ensure it’s set up for reliable, automatic operation from day one before giving you a full walkthrough.

Pencils Down (30 minutes)

By this point, the job is complete and you have a fully functioning standby generator to keep your home powered during any utility outage. We’ll cover all remaining operational tips, maintenance requirements, set up a service schedule and make certain you’re 100% comfortable before calling it a wrap.

For most homes, you can plan on this entire process taking approximately 2-4 weeks total from the time of that initial consultation to the system going fully operational. More complex setups could potentially take a bit longer.

While patient homeowners might feel a little antsy initially, this thorough installation timeline ensures your generator provides decades of reliable backup power and outage prevention. When you’re looking for total peace of mind, a professional installation from Reimer is well worth that small wait. Ready to get started? Give us a call at (716) 272-2371!

For the investment you’re making in whole home backup power, one of the biggest questions on homeowners’ minds is “How long will this generator actually keep chugging along before needing replacement?” It’s a very fair query. After all, you’ll want to maximize that return on your spending.

The good news? With proper maintenance and care, today’s modern residential generators from brands like Generac can provide incredibly long operational lifespans – often exceeding 20 or even 30 years of reliable service for many Western New York families. Here’s a deeper dive into what you can expect.

Hours of Operation = Years of Life

Much like evaluating a vehicle’s longevity based on mileage, generators are measured in terms of potential operational hours before requiring overhaul or replacement. Typical air-cooled units are estimated to last approximately 12,000 – 30,000 hours of total run time depending on size and maintenance levels. Liquid-cooled models boast even longer lifespans in the 25,000 – 40,000 hour range.

To put that in more tangible terms using national averages – if your generator only runs about 300 hours per year during utility outages and required exercise cycles, you could conceivably get:

• 40 years out of an air-cooled unit
• 80 years from a liquid-cooled generator

Clearly, British thermal unit (BTU) output and overall generator size play a role, with larger units built for higher electrical loads featuring more robust components and chassis. But one thing is certain – no matter which model you have installed, it’s built for the long haul if properly maintained.

The Value of Annual Maintenance

Speaking of maintenance, this is arguably the biggest determining factor for extracting maximum generator lifespan at your Western New York property. Enrollment in an annual generator service program from Reimer ensures the insight of predictive monitoring and periodic care to catch any developing issues before they become bigger problems.

During this yearly tune-up, our certified technicians conduct complete system checks including oil/filter changes, battery replacements, leak inspections, electrical test validations, and other diagnostics customized to your specific unit. With this professional TLC, you’ll get advanced warning to address repairs and avoid scenarios where minor issues could unexpectedly sideline your generator when you need it most.

Periodic Load Testing

In addition to the hands-on maintenance work, annual load testing provides an important look under the hood at your generator’s actual performance and capabilities too. These tests validate your generator remains properly sized for your home’s backup needs while monitoring metrics like:

• Actual power output versus rated output
• Voltage and frequency regulation
• Oil pressure and temperatures
• Battery and engine condition
• Successful automatic transfer switch operation

Having this data year over year allows our team to establish performance benchmarks and identify when components may require adjustment or replacement to extend your generator’s lifecycle.

With reasonable annual run times and Reimer’s professional service program, you can expect to get 20-40 years of exceptional backup power from your whole home generator system before considering a replacement. For the reliability and convenience it provides Western New York homeowners, it’s a lifespan that makes it an extremely wise investment!

You’ve taken that important first step and invested in a top-notch whole home generator from the pros at Reimer. Nicely done! With one of these reliable units installed, your family can rest easy knowing they’ll stay powered through any utility outage life throws your way.

But like any major piece of household equipment, your new generator needs some routine TLC to keep operating at its best for many years down the road. A little preventative maintenance goes a tremendously long way toward extracting maximum performance and lifespan out of your sizable investment.

Keep It Exercised

Modern generators are designed to exercise themselves periodically through self-test modes that switch the unit on and off automatically. This critical self-exercise burns off stale fuel, charges batteries, cycles engines and lubricants, and prevents degradation from lack of use.

That said, you’ll still want to keep an eye on your generator’s weekly or monthly exercise routines. Consult your owner’s manual for recommended runtimes, but generally 20-30 minutes per exercise is sufficient. If your generator hasn’t kicked itself on in a while, you can manually start the exercise mode yourself.

Stay On Schedule for Service

Even with those self-exercising habits, generators require more thorough hands-on service annually to ensure all components stay in tip-top shape. This is where Reimer’s generator maintenance program really shines. We’ll make sure one of our certified techs pays your generator unit a house call once a year for a comprehensive multi-point inspection and service:

• Oil/filter changes
• Coolant system flushing
• Circuit testing and transfer switch operation
• Battery replacements as needed
• Leak inspections and any necessary repairs
• General cleaning and adjustments

Keeping your generator on this annual service schedule gives us a chance to catch any developing issues before minor problems potentially escalate into major failures. It’s preventative care that maximizes your generator’s operational life expectancy.

Monitor Exercise Results

In addition to scheduling annual service, you’ll want to keep tabs on your generator’s automatic exercise sessions. These scheduled run times provide a window for monitoring performance metrics like:

• Any fault codes or warning lights
• Voltage and amp output
• Oil pressure readings
• Unusual noise or vibration levels
• Successful automatic transfer switch operation

If you notice anything out of the ordinary happening during these exercise events, make sure to give our team a call right away for further inspection. Addressing red flags early prevents surprising generator failures.

Clear Vents and Surroundings

It’s also a wise practice to periodically inspect your generator’s installation area and clear any obstructions from vents and airflow paths. Make sure bushes or debris aren’t accumulating near the unit and that both air intake and exhaust vents have unobstructed clearance. This helps ensure maximum cooling and prevent overheating issues.

Run Stabilizers For Storage

Finally, if you plan on being away from your property for 60+ days at a time, be sure to have your generator prepared properly for storage. This often involves running fuel stabilizers through the system before the long dormant period, ensuring batteries remain charged, and taking other precautions. Our team can walk you through best practices before any extended vacancies.

With Reimer’s professional installation and your dedication to simple generator care, you can expect to enjoy reliable whole home backup power for 20-40 years or more!