15 year old Generac not running...replace?

[sandyut]

If it's 15 years old and 7kw I would guess a new larger unit would require you to change out some maybe most of the wiring and switch

Totally expecting to need new both. The possible new location will be very close to the gas supply and breaker box. Not sure yet if the switch needs to be in the garage safe from elements. the old one has no front cover. the new ones do.

 

[sandyut]

Agree, it is frustrating when they basically say "sorry, we don't want your business.

It doesn't sound like cost is your main concern, but when you start splitting off loads like baseboard heat and other selected loads for the generator, you are potentially looking at significant labor and material costs.

the baseboard heat is optional, but would be nice. water heater would be very nice. the 2.5 doy outage last year with 5' of snow was rough. blowing and shoveling that much snow was major work and a hot shower would have gone real far.

 

[1MoreFord]

Are there any other generator brands available in your area? If so, look into them and hopefully a new, better dealer for service.

 

[schlotz]

David, how old this the electric water heater? If it's more than 15 years maybe worth checking into the possibility to replace it with a gas version?

 

[sandyut]

David, how old this the electric water heater? If it's more than 15 years maybe worth checking into the possibility to replace it with a gas version?

its about 9 years old I believe. A gas one would be a big challenge to vent. (hosed up the quote thing). I'll see what they say about what all can be put on the gen and go from there.

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

Electric water heaters will never go KA-BOOM.

 

[sandyut]

Electric water heaters will never go KA-BOOM.

I wish!

 

[Up_In_Smoke]

I wish!

You've had an electric water heater explode and level your house??
I find that unlikely in the extreme.

 

[sandyut]

You've had an electric water heater explode and level your house??
I find that unlikely in the extreme.

oh no, I thought you meant crack and flood like ka-boom

 

[normanaj]

Electrics are good for about 10 years 15 at the most.

If you heat your home in any way with oil,NG or propane this is the way to go:

 

[sandyut]

Electrics are good for about 10 years 15 at the most.

If you heat your home in any way with oil,NG or propane this is the way to go:

It on the lower level on the high side of the slope we are on, below ground. venting would prove a challenge. I would like a gas on demand, but same issue.

 

[normanaj]

It on the lower level on the high side of the slope we are on, below ground. venting would prove a challenge. I would like a gas on demand, but same issue.

If you are in any way already using oil,propane or LP for heating in your house then that Squire unit is doable for hot water heating.

 

[sandyut]

If you are in any way already using oil,propane or LP for heating in your house then that Squire unit is doable for hot water heating.

We use NG for a couple fireplaces and a range. Pretty sure they are all on the same line.

 

[schlotz]

Sounds like you got this David

 

[normanaj]

We use NG for a couple fireplaces and a range. Pretty sure they are all on the same line.

I would really look into if you can install an indirect hot water heater,it can't hurt to investigate the idea and it is a much better option than electric.

 

[sandyut]

I would really look into if you can install an indirect hot water heater,it can't hurt to investigate the idea and it is a much better option than electric.

I agree. The main issue where we live is in the inlet water temp in winter is very cold. hurt your hands cold. I will check it in Dec. Our water comes from a storage tank on the hill above us and winters are quite cold. Jan/Feb we usually get a couple weeks at or below zero.

When I talk to plumbers that is the main concern as on demands are stated to raise temp by X amount-I believe. could be wrong.

 

[normanaj]

sandyut regardless you have more than one option and you should explore all of them.

 

[Chasdev]

It's getting to be the same problem in the auto repair field.
All the old techs who had experience on non fuel injected engines are retired and the newer guys learn injection and black box emission control stuff plus the high profit margin moves like brakes and a/c systems.
Take in a lawn mower engine that fails to start and they don't have a clue on how the basics of internal combustion works.
I'm a retired tech who first learned pre computer engines and then went to school on FI and ECU diagostics.

 

[sandyut]

It's getting to be the same problem in the auto repair field.
All the old techs who had experience on non fuel injected engines are retired and the newer guys learn injection and black box emission control stuff plus the high profit margin moves like brakes and a/c systems.
Take in a lawn mower engine that fails to start and they don't have a clue on how the basics of internal combustion works.
I'm a retired tech who first learned pre computer engines and then went to school on FI and ECU diagostics.

Sad but true.

 

[clifish]

I agree. The main issue where we live is in the inlet water temp in winter is very cold. hurt your hands cold. I will check it in Dec. Our water comes from a storage tank on the hill above us and winters are quite cold. Jan/Feb we usually get a couple weeks at or below zero.

When I talk to plumbers that is the main concern as on demands are stated to raise temp by X amount-I believe. could be wrong.

I talked with the company that installs and maintains our HVAC. They do not recommend the on demand hot water. They say the maintenance on them is very high and needs to be done several times a year especially if you have hard water.