Cummins V.S. Generac Generator

With so many options on the market, why should I choose a Cummins standby generator over a Generac?

When Hurricane Home Solutions was created we wanted to make sure we were setting our customers up with the best possible power solutions. We looked at a wide variety of options and came to the conclusion that the Cummins brand produced the best unit at the best price. We knew that Cummins would be the best fit for our customers, but we also knew that it would be necessary for us to explain the differences between Cummins and other brands to our customers who were on the fence. 

Besides our Cummins units, we are most commonly asked about Generac generators, which in some areas are the cheapest and most popular units on the market. Because these units are cheaper, we have observed that over time they experience more issues and degrade in quality faster than many other brands. Maintenance issues become more frequent and difficult to handle.

Cummins engines have a reputation for high performance and longevity, which carries over into their series of standby generators. The collective experience of our technicians, who have worked on many different brands and types of engines over the years, has had a huge influence on our approach to installations and maintenance. Cummins has proven to be reliable time and time again.

Many modern standby generators are feature packed and capable, but being an installer in the NorthEast US, we’ve developed an appreciation for Cummins performance under low temperature conditions, and their noise level relative to other generators of similar output. It is worth noting that many brands offer cold weather kits, which we generally recommend as well.

Although they are more expensive than a Generac, we chose Cummins specifically for their quality and expected life span. Regular, manufacturer recommended maintenance on a Cummins is also very simple and straightforward. Here’s a short breakdown of some of the specific qualities a Cummins generator has over a Generac:

The Cummins Generator is a Learning Machine:

• Cummins generators utilize a technology that recognizes the power being drawn from it and limits the output based on the power demanded. This allows for the unit to save on fuel and use, as well as allowing you (the homeowner) to regulate what you want to power. As previously mentioned, it is common for homeowners to purchase a smaller generator with the specific intention of only powering certain essential items in the home.

Cummins Generators Perform in Cold Weather:

• In their default condition, Cummins generators operate flawlessly all the way down to 0°F, and can be equipped with an “Extreme Cold Weather Kit” to bring that temperature range down to -40°F. In our opinion, this kind of Cold Weather performance is absolutely necessary in the north east, where we often have brutal winters.

Cummins Withstand the Test of Time:

• Cummins has been in the business of creating renowned engines since engines were a thing, so they know a thing or two about doing it right. The Cummins standby generators are quieter than competitors, built stronger and last longer. They also come with a smartphone application that allows you to remotely monitor your generator status and keep an eye on whether or not there’s power when you aren’t home.

In addition to those qualities the Cummins Quiet Connect series is quieter than competitors like Generac, they have a more robust and fulfilled warranty, and they also have a longer lifespan. with yearly maintenance, you can expect a Cummins unit to last between 20-25 years. This lifespan is much longer than leading competitors, particularly Generac, whose units have notoriously short life spans and persistent maintenance issues.