Are Briggs & Stratton Generators Good?
Yes, Briggs & Stratton generators are good standby power solutions for homes. They are a top choice because they deliver commercial-grade electricity to residential homes. B&S generators also feature solid components designed to last, include long-term warranty packages, and offer competitive upfront prices compared to other brands.
In this guide, we’ll explore the factors that make Briggs and Stratton generators great for homeowners and how they compare to other brands. We’ll also discuss common problems they sometimes present with, and who is a perfect B&S generator customer.
If you’re considering a Briggs and Stratton generator for your North Carolina home, contact (704) 804-3320 for a free consultation and estimate.
What Makes Briggs and Stratton Generators Good?
The durability, ease of use, commercial-grade engines, and fuel efficiency of B&S generators make them good for homeowners. Below are reasons they are considered good.
Source: shutterstock
Built to Last Long
Briggs & Stratton generators deliver long-term reliability thanks to their heavy-duty components and rigorous testing standards. The generator engines are built to run for long hours and in harsh weather, including extreme cold and heat. The brand uses high-quality parts and robust alternators to ensure its engines last for many years.
Recently, Briggs & Stratton introduced DuraZen, a coating that protects its generators from corrosion, helping them last longer.
Commercial-Grade Power to Residential Homes
Briggs & Stratton generators come with commercial-grade Vanguard engines that deliver high power to residential homes. Also, their electric generators feature advanced voltage regulation technology, ensuring stable power for sensitive home electronics, HVAC systems, and appliances.
This allows multiple systems to run during outages without performance drops or power fluctuations.
Source: vanguard
Automatic Transfer Switches
Briggs & Stratton generators can optionally include automatic transfer switches (ATS), which enable stress-free transfers. During a power outage, the ATS automatically signals the generator to start within seconds. Once power is restored, it safely switches the home back to utility power and shuts down the generator.
This automation eliminates manual intervention and improves safety by removing backfeeding. It also ensures that home appliances, such as refrigerators and security cameras, run without interruption.
Natural Gas Fuel Efficiency
Natural gas generators are popular because most homeowners already have a gas utility system in place, but they don’t provide as much power as liquid propane generators. However, Briggs & Stratton stands out from the competition because its generators now feature proprietary NGMax technology. The feature enables B&S NG generators to provide standby power equivalent to that of LP models.
Aside from the modern twist, Briggs and Stratton generators already have innovative load management systems in place to reduce fuel consumption and increase power delivery.
10-Year Warranty Packages
B&S offers up to 10 years of warranty service on several home standby generators. Even better, the warranties cover part replacements, specialist labor, and travel. So, in one move, the brand shows its confidence in its products while providing homeowners with peace of mind.
Several users have also reported that getting B&S parts replaced is much easier than replacing parts for other brands.
How Does Briggs & Stratton Compare to Other Home Generator Brands?
Compared to other brands, Briggs & Stratton remains a solid choice as a home generator. Here’s how Briggs and Stratton stacks up against other standby power brands.
|
Briggs & Straton (26kW) |
Kohler (26kW) |
Generac (26kW) |
Cummins (26kW) |
|
|
Durability |
20 to 25 years |
25 to 30 years |
15 to 20 years |
25 to 30 years |
|
Warranty |
7 years (10 years for PowerProtect) |
5 years (up to 10) |
5 years |
5 years (up to 10) |
|
Cost |
$5,500 - $7,000 |
$7,000 - $8,500 |
$6,000 - $7,500 |
$8,000 - $10,000 |
|
Natural Gas Optimization |
High |
High |
Medium |
High |
|
Remote Control |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
What are Common Briggs & Stratton Problems?
If not correctly maintained, Briggs & Stratton generators may develop common problems such as failure to start, control board issues, and even battery failures.
Failure to Start
If your B&S gen’s batteries are weak or it hasn’t been serviced in a while, you may notice it doesn’t start immediately. You may need to make multiple start attempts to achieve the desired power output. You can prevent this by ensuring regular exercise cycles, proper fuel supply sizing, timely oil changes, and routine inspections.
Control Board Issues
Signs of control board issues include warning lights, error codes, and false shutdowns. These problems are typically caused by sudden power surges or load increases, moisture, or loose wiring. Prevent control board issues by using surge protection and properly maintaining weather seals.
Battery Failures
You know your B&S standby generator has a battery failure when you hear clicking sounds and can’t start it. Battery failures occur due to age or extreme temperatures. You can prevent failures by testing your batteries annually and replacing them every 2 to 3 years.
Fuel Supply Issues
Signs of fuel supply issues in your standby generator include sudden shutdowns, reduced wattage, or failure to carry full electrical loads. Regulator faults, gas pressure drops, or undersized gas lines can cause them. Prevent fuel supply problems in your Briggs & Stratton by regularly testing the gas pressure and performing routine generator maintenance.
Who Should Install a Briggs and Stratton Home Generator?
Homeowners in Charlotte, North Carolina, who want a reliable, long-lasting standby power solution should install a Briggs and Stratton home generator. These standby generators are very safe and ideal for residential building owners looking for commercial-grade engine build quality and reliable natural gas performance.
On top of the high-quality, you also get cost-effective options with easy part replacements. Choose Briggs and Stratton if you want solutions with long warranty periods and an extensive service dealership.
Get a Local Expert to Install Your Briggs and Stratton Generator
When you want a Briggs & Stratton home generator, reach out to Ewing Electric Co for expert installation and maintenance services.
We are a trusted local installation expert serving homeowners in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Our licensed technicians apply local building codes, permitting requirements, and utility installation regulations. We advise you on the best B&S unit to purchase and make sure that standby generators are installed correctly and safely.
Call (704) 804-3320 for Briggs and Stratton standby generator installation in North Carolina.
FAQs
Briggs and Stratton is better if you want commercial-grade, built-to-last portable generators and a longer warranty. However, Generac is still a good choice depending on your backup power needs.
Briggs & Stratton is one of the most reliable backup generator brands available. They have been around since 1908, providing top-notch standby generators to American families. You can always trust the brand to deliver reliable generators that last for decades to its customers.
Briggs and Stratton generators are manufactured at various locations in the USA, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Missouri. They also have multiple factories abroad.
Yes, Briggs and Stratton generators are suitable for home use. They offer a wide range of power wattage, which you can choose from based on the expected electrical load in your house. And, they are relatively quiet, which is perfect for neighborhoods.