Home Standby Generators
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Home Standby OptionsStorm Season Generator Guide - North Alabama
Be Ready Before the Storm
A standby generator keeps your home running through extended outages caused by severe weather, tropical systems, and ice storms. Gen-Man installs Generac generators across 18 North Alabama counties.
Storm Season in North Alabama
Power Outages Are Part of Alabama Storm Season
North Alabama sees its share of severe weather. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and tropical weather remnants from Gulf Coast systems can all knock out power for hours or days at a time. Outages happen in rural areas and in towns. They happen in summer and in winter.
A standby generator does not prevent weather. What it does is keep your home running when the grid goes down. Lights, HVAC, refrigerator, medical equipment, sump pump, and other critical loads stay on automatically. You do not have to go outside, you do not have to pull cords. It starts by itself within seconds of an outage and shuts itself off when utility power returns.
This page is a practical reference for Alabama homeowners who want to make sure their generator is ready before storm season. If you do not have a generator yet, it covers what to consider when planning one. If you already have one, it covers what to check and when to call.
Before Storm Season
Storm Season Generator Checklist
Go through this list before the heavy weather months. Most of it takes less than an hour.
1
Evaluate Your Backup Power Needs
Make a list of what you need to keep running during an outage: HVAC, refrigerator, well pump, medical devices, lighting, security system. This list tells you whether your generator is properly sized or whether you need to review your load coverage.
2
Confirm Your Generator Is Properly Sized
An undersized generator will run but will not cover all your loads. If you are not sure what your unit covers, call Gen-Man. We can review your installation and let you know if there are gaps in your coverage. Call 256-640-3434.
3
Test Transfer Switch Operation
Your transfer switch automatically disconnects your home from the utility grid and connects your generator. Make sure it is operating correctly before storm season. Generac generators perform a weekly exercise run that helps confirm basic function.
4
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Generac recommends maintenance every 6 months for units that see frequent use. At minimum, have your generator serviced once per year before storm season. This includes oil, filters, spark plugs, and a full system check. Gen-Man services what we sell.
5
Clear the Area Around the Generator
Check that nothing is blocking airflow around the unit. Remove debris, overgrown vegetation, or stored items within a few feet of the generator. The unit needs clearance to run safely and efficiently.
6
Know Which Circuits Are Backed Up
If you have a critical circuits transfer switch, not everything in your home may be covered. Know which breakers are on the backed-up panel. If you want whole-home coverage, ask Gen-Man about upgrading your transfer switch setup.
7
Check for Warning Lights or Fault Codes
Your Generac has an onboard display. If there are any active fault codes or warning indicators, they should be diagnosed before storm season, not during one. Gen-Man can read codes and tell you exactly what they mean.
8
Keep Gen-Man's Number Accessible
Save 256-640-3434 in your phone. If your generator has a problem during or after a storm, you want to be able to call your service provider quickly. Gen-Man is based in Arab, Alabama and serves communities across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Know the Difference
Standby Generator vs Portable Generator
If you are considering adding backup power or replacing a portable unit, here is what the difference looks like in practice.
Portable Generator
- Has to be pulled out and started manually
- Requires extension cords or a transfer switch to power the home
- Runs on gasoline or propane stored in cans
- Cannot be used indoors and must be kept away from windows and doors
- Typically covers a few appliances or circuits at a time
- Requires refueling during extended outages
- Good for short-term needs and lower cost situations
Standby Generator
- Starts automatically within seconds of a power outage
- Connected permanently to your home's electrical system via a transfer switch
- Runs on natural gas or LP already connected to the home
- Installed outdoors on a permanent pad, properly permitted and inspected
- Can cover the whole home or specific critical circuits
- No refueling required for most outage durations
- Better long-term solution for homes where outages cause real problems
If you are not sure which type makes sense for your home, Gen-Man can talk through it with you at no charge. Call 256-640-3434 or request a free estimate.
Safety First
Transfer Switch Safety
The transfer switch is one of the most important parts of your generator system. It is the device that disconnects your home from the utility grid before your generator connects. This is what prevents back-feeding electricity into the utility lines, which is dangerous for utility workers and can damage your generator and equipment.
Automatic transfer switches handle everything for you. When the grid goes down, the switch disconnects and your generator takes over. When power is restored, it switches back.
Transfer switches must be properly installed by a licensed electrician. Running a generator without one, or using extension cords run through windows and doors, does not provide the same level of safety or protection.
Gen-Man installs and services Generac transfer switches as part of every standby generator installation. We also service existing transfer switch setups from other providers if you need a review.
If your transfer switch is making unusual sounds or your generator seems to be running but not powering the home correctly, call Gen-Man before the next outage. These are not problems to wait on.
Service and Maintenance
Generator Maintenance Before Storm Season
A generator that sits unused for most of the year and then gets called on during a storm is exactly the situation where a skipped maintenance visit catches up with you. Generac recommends service every 6 months for frequently used units. Annual service is the minimum.
A standard Gen-Man maintenance visit covers:
Oil change and oil filter
Air filter inspection and replacement if needed
Spark plug inspection and replacement if needed
Battery test and terminal check
Transfer switch operation check
Load test and exercise run
Fault code check and diagnostic review
Fuel system inspection
If your generator is past due for service, or if you are not sure when it was last serviced, call us at 256-640-3434. We service what we sell and we also service Generac units installed by other dealers.
Warning Signs
Warning Lights and Fault Codes
Generac standby generators have an onboard controller that monitors the system continuously. When something needs attention, it logs a fault code or lights an indicator on the display. These are not always emergencies, but they do need to be addressed before the next storm, not during one.
Yellow Light (Warning)
A yellow or amber indicator usually signals a maintenance reminder or a minor issue that should be addressed soon. The generator will continue to run, but service is recommended before the next outage.
Red Light (Fault - Shutdown)
A red indicator means the generator has detected a problem and has shut itself down to prevent damage. The unit will not start again until the fault is cleared. Call Gen-Man at 256-640-3434 to diagnose and resolve it.
Gen-Man can read your fault codes and walk you through exactly what they mean. Do not attempt to clear codes yourself without knowing the cause. Call 256-640-3434.
Important Safety Reminders
What Not To Do
Do not run a portable generator indoors. Carbon monoxide from any generator, including those run in garages, basements, or near open windows, is invisible and deadly. Standby generators are permanently installed outdoors.
Do not back-feed power into your home. Connecting a generator directly to a dryer outlet or other outlet without a proper transfer switch can energize the utility lines and injure utility workers restoring power.
Do not attempt electrical repairs yourself. Generator wiring, transfer switch work, and panel connections require a licensed electrician. Gen-Man is a licensed electrical contractor. Call us.
Do not wait until a storm is already here. Generator lead times, scheduling, and installation can take several weeks. Plan before storm season, not after the forecast comes in.
Do not ignore warning lights or fault codes. A fault on your generator display means something needs attention. Do not assume it will clear on its own. Call Gen-Man for a diagnostic.
Related Pages
More Information for Alabama Homeowners
Generator Installation
From site planning to final testing, Gen-Man handles the full installation process. See what the process looks like.
How Installation WorksTransfer Switches
Understand how transfer switches work and why proper installation is critical to safe generator operation.
Transfer Switch DetailsRepair and Warranty
Gen-Man services what we sell. Annual maintenance and Generac warranty work done by Generac-Trained Technicians.
Service and Warranty InfoFlexible Financing
$0 down financing through Generac and Synchrony. Protect your home before storm season and pay over time.
Financing OptionsService Area
Gen-Man serves communities across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee from our base in Arab, AL. See if we cover your area.
View Service Area
Where We Work
Serving Our 4-State Service Area
Based in Arab, Alabama. Generac-Trained Technicians ready to come to you.
Get Ready Before the Next Storm
Schedule a Pre-Storm Generator Checkup
Gen-Man Generators serves North Alabama from Arab, AL. Call to schedule service, request an estimate on a new generator, or just ask a question. We service what we sell and we are here to help.
256-640-3434
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
A standby generator will run during a storm as long as it has fuel supply, is not physically damaged, and the installation is intact. It starts automatically when the grid goes down, which is common during high winds. However, no generator can guarantee performance during a direct hit from a major storm. The goal is to be prepared for the most common outage scenarios, which are power disruptions from storm damage to the grid, not a direct strike to the generator itself.
Plan several weeks ahead at minimum. Equipment availability, permitting, and scheduling all take time. During storm season or following major weather events, demand for installations goes up significantly and lead times can extend further. Contact Gen-Man as early as possible to get on the schedule. Call 256-640-3434 or use our online estimate form.
A generator that has not been serviced may still run, but skipped maintenance can lead to problems during an actual outage. Oil breaks down, batteries weaken, and components wear. Generac recommends service every 6 to 12 months. If you are not sure when your unit was last serviced, call Gen-Man and we will check it out. It is better to find a problem during a scheduled visit than when the power is out.
A standby generator is permanently installed outside your home, connected to your fuel supply and electrical system via a transfer switch. It starts automatically within seconds of an outage and requires no manual operation. A portable generator must be taken out and started manually, runs on stored fuel, and needs extension cords or a transfer switch to power your home. Both have their place, but standby generators are the better long-term solution for homeowners who want convenience and reliable protection.
Yes. Gen-Man can service Generac standby generators regardless of who installed them. We are an authorized Generac dealer and our technicians are Generac-Trained. If you have a Generac unit that needs maintenance, repair, or warranty work and you are in our service area, give us a call at 256-640-3434.
Yes. Gen-Man offers financing through Generac and Synchrony including a $0 money down option and an 18-month no-interest plan when paid in full. You can start the application process through our estimate form or by calling 256-640-3434. See financing details here.