Generac Guardian Series Offers Security, Convenience at Affordable Price

July, 2009 -- According to a January 2009 report released by the Electricity Advisory Committee to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the current U.S. electric power delivery system infrastructure will be unable to ensure a reliable, cost-effective, secure and environmentally sustainable supply of electricity for the next two decades. As severe weather continues to strike and blackouts become more common, homeowners can no longer rely on the fragile, aging national power grid and electrical infrastructure and need to consider alternative solutions to power the home.

With no warning, homeowners can be without lights, heating or cooling. When a home loses power, the food in the refrigerator spoils, the security system becomes disabled and the sump pump can flood the basement. Losing power for days, weeks or even longer can be costly, inconvenient and dangerous.

Generac's Guardian Series Automatic Standby Power Generator

One protection for homeowners against these unforeseen power outages is to install a standby power generator that automatically comes on when the power goes out. Recent technological advancements have made automatic standby power generators more affordable for homeowners. For example, depending on the number of essential circuits required, homes can be protected for as little as $2,000 plus installation with the Generac® Guardian® series eight kilowatt (kW) unit. Typically, installation can take as little as four hours.

"By installing a standby power generator, homeowners can rest assured their homes and families are automatically protected - whether they are home or away - anytime a power outage occurs," says Clement Feng, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Generac Power Systems, Inc, Waukesha, Wis.

The American Red Cross suggests that during power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to the home than portable generators. An automatic standby generator senses an outage and begins to produce power immediately. There are no extension cords to plug in, gas tanks to fill or switches to flip. Alternatively, portable generators can cause hazards such as carbon monoxide poisoning from toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or fire.

"One critical, not to mention affordable, element to secure the home in the event of a power outage is to install a Generac Automatic Standby generator," says Leslie Segrete, host of the Money Pit. "Not only is hurricane season upon us, but the summer heat could also create brown outs across the country. It is now more important than ever to take the right steps to prevent an unforeseen power outage that could permanently damage the home."

Automatic standby generators operate on natural gas or liquid propane vapor, so there are none of the fuel storage, spillage, spoilage or odor concerns that are common with gasoline or diesel models. Because of their favorable emissions profile, gaseous-fueled generators, like the Generac Guardian series line, are becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally conscious solution for backup power needs.

"Our Generac Guardian series of automatic standby generators is backed with 50 years of experience in the power generation industry. In focusing solely on this industry, our innovation continues to raise the bar in affordable, high-quality backup power solutions," says Feng.

A Generac Guardian series unit offers the highest output of any generator of its kind at the most competitive price on the market - ranging from eight kW to 60 kW. The power quality also is best in its class, allowing for safe operation of sensitive electronic equipment.

Generac introduced the first gaseous-fueled automatic home standby system in 1989 and has been the leading brand ever since. Generac is a proud supporter of the Home Safety Council and has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal after evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. For more information on Generac residential and commercial products, visit www.Generac.com or call 888-GENERAC.

About Generac Power Systems, Inc.Since 1959, Generac Power Systems, Inc., has been a leading, innovative manufacturer and marketer of portable and standby generators, automatic transfer switches, modular paralleling systems, and small engines for recreational vehicle, residential, and commercial applications. Generac's power systems range in output from 2 to 9,000 kilowatts. Generac is a proud supporter of the Home Safety Council and earned the Good Housekeeping Seal in 2009. For more information on Generac and its extensive line of both portable and automatic generators, visit www.generac.com.

AccomplishmentsThe Generac® Guardian® series 20 kW Air-Cooled Standby Generator was named one of Professional Builder's 2008 "100 Best New Products"; was a finalist for the Building Products' "2008 MVP Awards" and Electrical Contracting Products' "2008 Innovation Award." In addition to the GenReady Load Center Panel, the 20 kW Air-Cooled Standby Generator received Professional Remodeler's 2008 "50 Most Innovative Products Award." In 2007, Building Products named the Generac® 16 kW QuietSource commercial generator one of its "2007 Top Products." Generac also received Building Operating Management's "2007 Reader's Choice Award" for the QT Series of commercial generators. The Generac Gemini® Twin Pack was a finalist for Consulting-Specifying Engineer's "2008 Product of the Year" award. Since 2006, Generac has been a Better Business Bureau Accredited business with an A+ Business rating.