Serving Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana & Michigan
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Armor Generator | Chicagoland Standby Generator Experts

We know installing or maintaining a standby generator comes with a lot of questions. Below are the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Chicagoland, answered clearly and honestly by the Armor Generator team.

What makes Armor Generator different?

• Local, family-focused service
• Honest recommendations, no pressure
• Experienced technicians
• Clean, professional installations
• Trusted throughout Chicagoland

Our goal is simple: ease of process. Dependable power and peace of mind.

What does a Standby Generator Do?

A standby generator automatically restores power to your home when the utility power goes out. Within seconds of an outage, the generator turns on and supplies electricity to your essential systems, or your entire home, until power is restored.

How is a standby generator different from a portable generator?

Standby generators are permanently installed, automatically turn on during outages, and run on natural gas or propane. Portable generators must be manually started, refueled, and plugged in, and typically only power a few items.

Do I really need a generator in Chicagoland?

Yes. Power outages in the Chicago suburbs are commonly caused by storms, ice, wind, construction damage, and aging infrastructure. A standby generator protects your home, comfort, food, medical devices, and peace of mind.

How long does generator installation take?

Most residential installations take 1–2 days, depending on electrical, gas, and concrete work required. Armor Generator handles the full process from start to finish.

What brands does Armor Generator install?

We work with top, trusted generator brands, including:
Briggs & Stratton
Generac
Kohler
We’ll help you choose the right brand and size based on your home and power needs.

How do I know what size generator I need?

Generator size depends on your home’s square footage, electrical load, appliances, HVAC systems, and whether you want whole-home or partial backup power. Armor Generator provides free consultations to properly size your system.

Where will the generator be installed?

Generators are typically installed outdoors on a concrete pad, placed according to local zoning and safety requirements. Our team will recommend the best location for performance, noise, and accessibility. Generator should be in proximity to your electrical and gas meter.

How fast does a standby generator turn on?

Most standby generators restore power within 10–30 seconds after detecting an outage. Some generators take 1-2 minutes of no utility power to safely transfer to the generator.

Will my generator power my entire home?

It can! Armor Generator offers:
‍• Whole-home backup systems
Essential circuit coverage
‍We’ll design the setup that best fits your budget and lifestyle.

How loud is a standby generator?

Modern standby generators are significantly quieter than older models. Most operate at a sound level comparable to a lawnmower.

Does a generator require maintenance?

Yes. Regular maintenance ensures your generator works when you need it most. We recommend annual preventative maintenance, including oil changes, battery checks, load testing, or at minimum an inspection.

What happens if my generator breaks down?

Armor Generator provides diagnostics, repairs, and emergency service. Whether it’s a startup issue, warning code, or worn part, our technicians are trained to fix it quickly and correctly.

Do you service generators you didn’t install?

Yes. We service and maintain generators installed by other companies, as long as parts and access are available.

Do you offer monitoring services?

Yes. We offer remote generator monitoring, allowing us to track system performance and alert you if service is needed — before a failure occurs.

What fuel do standby generators use?

Most standby generators run on:
Natural gas
Propane
We’ll help determine which option works best for your home.

How long can a generator run during an outage?

As long as fuel is available, a standby generator can run continuously for extended outages, including multi-day power failures.

How much does a standby generator cost?

Costs vary based on generator size, brand, installation requirements, and electrical work. Armor Generator provides free, no-pressure estimates so you know exactly what to expect.

Is it safe to have a standby generator at my home?

Absolutely, when professionally installed. Armor Generator follows all safety codes, spacing requirements, and manufacturer guidelines to ensure safe operation.

Will a generator increase my home’s value?

Yes. A professionally installed standby generator is often seen as a major upgrade, adding resale value and appeal to your home.

Contact Armor Generator