Whole-Home Generator Installation & Repair in Jacksonville, NC

Standby generators can run indefinitely with proper fuel supply. Modern residential generators are designed for extended operation:

• Natural gas generators: Can run indefinitely as long as municipal gas service is available
• Propane generators: Runtime depends on tank size and electrical load:
  • 250-gallon propane tank: 2-3 days at 50% load for a 20kW generator
  • 500-gallon propane tank: 5-7 days at 50% load for a 20kW generator
  • 1,000-gallon propane tank: 10-14+ days continuous operation
• Maintenance intervals: Generators should receive service every 200-400 hours of operation

During Hurricane Florence, many Jacksonville generators ran for 10+ days straight powering homes without issues.

Yes, generator installation in Jacksonville requires building permits and inspections.

• Electrical permit: Required for transfer switch and generator connection to main panel
• Gas permit: May be required for natural gas line installation
• Propane permit: Required for propane tank installation and connections
• Inspections: Jacksonville Building Inspections Department must inspect and approve installation

Good news: Kennedy's Heating & Air handles all permitting, applications, and inspection scheduling as part of our installation service. We ensure your generator installation meets all Jacksonville, NC building codes and manufacturer requirements.

WARNING: DIY generator installation or using unlicensed contractors can void warranties, create safety hazards, and result in code violations.

Annual maintenance is recommended for residential standby generators, ideally before hurricane season (April-June).

Annual generator maintenance includes:

• Oil and filter change (synthetic oil recommended)
• Spark plug inspection/replacement
• Air filter replacement
• Battery load test and terminal cleaning
• Transfer switch testing
• Load bank testing (simulated outage)
• Control system diagnostics

Additional maintenance needed if:

• Generator runs more than 200 hours in a year (major outages)
• You notice performance issues, warning lights, or unusual sounds
• Generator fails weekly self-test

We offer maintenance plans with priority service and discounts.

Yes! Standby generators add significant value to home resale, especially in hurricane-prone coastal North Carolina.

Real estate benefits:

• Higher asking price: Homes with generators command premium pricing in Jacksonville's competitive market
• Faster sales: Generators are highly desirable for military families at Camp Lejeune and coastal residents
• Broader buyer appeal: Attracts buyers with medical needs, remote workers, and families prioritizing reliability
• Insurance benefits: Some homeowners insurance providers offer discounts for backup power systems
• ROI: Typically recoup 50-75% of installation cost at resale, plus enjoyed peace of mind during ownership

Jacksonville realtors consistently report that homes with whole-home generators sell faster and for more money than comparable properties without backup power.

Modern standby generators operate at 60-70 decibels—about the sound level of a normal conversation or background music.

Noise level comparisons:

• Most standby generators: 63-69 dB at 23 feet (residential models)
• For perspective: Normal conversation is 60 dB, a dishwasher is 60-65 dB, vacuum cleaner is 70 dB

Noise reduction strategies:

• Strategic placement away from bedrooms and neighbor property lines
• Sound-attenuating enclosures (standard on quality units)
• Quiet-test modes run at lower RPM during weekly self-tests
• Premium models feature enhanced sound insulation

Most Jacksonville homeowners report generators are barely noticeable, especially compared to the inconvenience and noise of portable generators.

Standby generators offer superior convenience, safety, and power capacity compared to portable generators.

Bottom line: Portable generators work for occasional outages if you're home to set them up. Standby generators provide automatic, whole-home protection whether you're home or away.