You limit your options

First up, the generator available in the warehouse is typically going to be only one or two models. This might not be as much of a concern for traditional generators, since Costco is trading variety for savings, but standby generators need to be carefully selected to meet your power requirements, budget, and other situations specific to your property and power. You’re essentially installing permanent electrical equipment into your home, so you don’t want to make this decision based on a limited product selection.

This is why we always recommend doing a generator sizing calculation to find the right equipment for your needs. Furthermore, there may be other brands that provide the warranty, service schedule, or other things which best fit your goals for a standby generator project, and you’ll never know what other options exist if you don’t first work with a professional electrician or installer. It might be tempting to grab something in a crate and ready to bring home (though we’ll get to that problem in a moment!), but that’s just not the right way to buy equipment requiring professional installation. 

You’re responsible for the equipment

So let’s say you are dead set on buying that generator. First question: How are you going to get it home? A standby generator is typically between 350 and 500 pounds, and they can be up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, depending on the crate or other packaging. Typically you’re responsible for the equipment you buy, and this includes getting it home and safely prepared for your installer. Sure, you could just order it from Costco’s website or ask them to handle delivery, but this once again puts the trust of a major piece of electrical equipment into people not familiar or skilled with handling such equipment. This also typically only includes threshold delivery, meaning, you’ll have to take the generator out of the packaging and bring it to the site for final installation, or pay your electrician to handle this for you.

If you’re responsible for the equipment, it also means you’re responsible if anything goes wrong. For example, if you work with a professional installer like Call Me Electric, we handle all pickup, delivery, and replacement or repair if there’s a problem during the installation process. With the Costco generator you pick out yourself, you’re responsible for everything except installation.

This problem extends beyond installation too. If you have a problem down the road, you’ll have to work with the warranty program provided by Costco and the manufacturer. You might still be able to work with your preferred electrician, but it will all depend on the warranty’s terms. If you work with a qualified electrician to pick out your generator, then they should be able to handle everything before, during, and long after installation, including service contracts and warranty service.

In the long run, you won’t save money or time

Of course, discount warehouses like Costco are great at helping you save money on everyday goods. But a standby generator is not the kind of purchase that will help you. You’re going to lose money on the purchase, and you’re going to lose even more in time and frustration from trying to order it yourself. Here's why:

• You still need to find an electrician to install the equipment, handle gas installation, and potentially pay for other parts or electrical work not included with the generator. An electrician can work with you from the start to find the best total price for your needs, rather than work around a generator you’ve already chosen. This includes getting a good deal on financing, pricing, and other parts needed to fully install your system.
• If you happen to pick the wrong generator for your home, it’s going to be a lot of time and effort to bring it back and swap models. Your time is valuable, so make sure you pick the right size generator from the start with the help of a licensed electrician. 
• If there’s problems during installation, it will require you to work with Costco or the manufacturer directly, delaying the project and adding costs from electrician return visits.
• After installation, you’ll have to work directly with the manufacturer for warranty support, or pay additionally for service and warranty service from a licensed electrician. Some electricians may offer better packages and services if they can handle everything, including generator selection and installation.

If you’re thinking about getting a standby generator, don’t make things harder for yourself! Work with a qualified and experienced electrician like Call Me Electric and we’ll handle the rest. Again, we have nothing against Costco, but want to help customers be informed before they make a big decision like a new standby generator system. As always, you can always get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns about your generator needs.