Honeywell and Generac are two of the most popular brands of generator manufacturers. We often receive questions from people that asking which of the brands is better than the other. Instead of telling you exactly what we feel, we’ll make the comparisons and allow you to decide which one is better.
10 Major Differences between Honeywell and Generac Generators:
1. Maintenance
One feature that distinguishes both brands is easy maintenance. As long as you service Generac generators as and when due, you’ll be able to maintain them easily. This is true for Honeywell generators too.
Their standby backup generators run a self-diagnostic test every week. This keeps the generators in top condition always. So, both Honeywell and Generac performed creditably well in this area. Their generators are easy to maintain.
2. Fuel Consumption
Generac and Honeywell have numerous models of generators. They both have portable generators that run on gasoline, they have slightly bigger ones that run on diesel, and they also have heavy-duty generators that run on both propane and natural gas.
As for us, we usually advise people to buy the ones that are fueled with natural gas or propane. This is because gasoline is highly volatile and both gasoline and diesel give off a lot of harmful gases.
After testing some Honeywell generator models and Generac models, we realized that both of them conserve fuel more than other brands. They are highly efficient.
If you have either a Honeywell generator or a Generac generator and it suddenly begins to consume much more fuel than usual, something must be wrong with its engine. Hire someone that will check and fix the problem.
3. Durability
Another reason why we will recommend both brands is their durability. After much investigation, we found out that virtually all the models of Generac generators and Honeywell generators are very rugged and durable.
We selected some models of each brand at random and we interviewed some of the users of the generators. A vast majority of them were of the opinion that the generators are durable. So, we’ll conclude this section by saying the generators of Honeywell and Generac are durable.
4. Warranties
Based on our findings, Generac seems to be the winner in this category. Honeywell offers 2- 5 years warranties on its generators, and that’s commendable. However, Generac offers something more. Generac offers up to 10 of years warranties on many of its generators.
Nevertheless, it is important that you take the time to study the warranty terms and conditions. You don’t want to take any action that will void the warranty on your generators.
One thing that can void the warranty on any generator is when the generator is installed, wired, or repaired by unqualified personnel. If the manufacturer or distributor finds out, the warranty will be voided.
Another reason to check the warranty terms of your generator is that it helps you know what it covers and what it doesn’t cover. For example, if your generator catches fire, it won’t be fixed for you. Most warranties don’t cover fire.
Furthermore, some warranties cover only the parts and not labor but some cover both parts and labor. The warranties offered by Generac and Honeywell are limited warranties that cover only parts and not labor.
5. Prices
Also, the prices of both brands of generators range from $2,500 to about $9,500. What determines the prices is the generating capacity. The higher the watts it generates, the higher its price will be. This means that for both brands, a 20KW generator costs more than an 18KW generator, with other factors being equal.
Also, it costs about $500 to $5,000 to install the generators. The bigger the generator, the higher its cost of installation will be. It is as simple as that.
We have tested some of the products and we’ll tell you not to allow the prices to discourage you. Although the prices of Honeywell and Generac generators are relatively higher than the prices of other brands, you’ll get additional value for the additional cost.
6. Availability of Parts
Nobody likes to buy a generator that cannot be fixed because of lack of parts. If you buy the generator made by a new or an obscure brand, you’re more likely to have problems with the parts. This is another area where both Generac and Honeywell shine brightly.
They have numerous designated distributors where you can get the parts of their generators as long as the generator model is still in production. If any of the generators packs up, you should be able to get it replaced easily.
7. Noise Level
One factor that tops the priority list of most people is a low noise level. Nobody wants to buy a generator that will constitute a nuisance in their neighborhood. Yes, we understand that you can install your generator far away to reduce its noise.
Remember, the further the generator is, the higher it will cost you to install it. Generally, people love to purchase a generator with a low noise level. Both Generac and Honeywell have passed in this aspect again.
The noise of their generators is relatively lower than the noise of other generator brands. The noise of these generators ranges from 45dB to about 72dB. You’ll agree that this noise bracket is fair.
8. Variety
Another area that we tried to compare Honeywell with Generac is their variety of products. Both brands offer a wide variety of generators. If you need a portable generator to power a few electrical appliances, Honeywell and Generac both have something for you.
If what you want is a slightly bigger generator that has wheels for mobility, they both have products for you. And if you prefer a standby backup generator that will power your whole house, you’ll get what you want from both Generac and Honeywell. Also, whatever fuel type you want, Generac has it, and so does Honeywell.
If you want a gasoline generator, you’ll get it from both brands. If your choice is a diesel generator, you’ll also get from both brands. If you prefer natural gas or liquified propane like us, both brands have something for you. So, they have earned a pass mark in the area of product variety.
9. After-Sale Support
We called the customer care teams of both Honeywell and Generac, and we can tell you that we were blown away by their candor, knowledge, and professionalism.
They took the time to answer our questions in detail. In fact, we got our issues resolved at the very first call. So, we can safely conclude that the after-sale support of both brands is great.
10. Mobile App
Another feature that we love is the mobile app of both brands. Whether it is Honeywell or Generac, you can install their mobile app. Once the app is on your phone, you can monitor your generator from anywhere you are. That is quite impressive.
Are Honeywell generators made by Generac?
Yes, of course. Honeywell generators are made by Generac. This is why Honeywell generators look a lot like Generac generators and they have the same quality. Generac started the Honeywell brand in 2011. Generac was founded in 1920, in Wisconsin, in the United States of America.
Does Honeywell Make Home Generators?
Honeywell makes home generators as a subsidiary of Generac. This is why Honeywell generators are similar to Generac generators. None of them is better than the other.
What are The Parts of a Honeywell Generator?
Here are some of the parts and accessories of Honeywell generators.
Maintenance kits – The complete maintenance kit comprises spark plugs, air filter, oil filter, and engine oil.
Oil filters – When you change the engine oil of your generator, it is necessary to replace the oil filter too. This is for optimum performance and a longer lifespan.
Air filters – You need to replace the air filter to keep the air in your generator always clean. It also boosts adequate air flow. Dirty filters are usually clogged, and they hamper proper airflow.
Portable generator cords – This cord transfers electricity from the generator to your transfer switch or power inlet box.
Power inlet boxes – This box is usually mounted outside, and is linked directly to the generator with a generator cord. It takes electricity from the generator and sends it to your transfer switch.
For more information about the parts and accessories of Honeywell generators, click here.
How Do I Reset My Honeywell Generator?
To reset your Honeywell generator after changing its oil, follow the steps below.
Step 1 – Turn off your generator.
Step 2 – Wait for about a minute after turning it off.
Step 3 – Turn it to the “Manual” position and start it again.
Step 4 – Let it run for 5 minutes.
Step 5 – After 5 minutes, shut it off again.
Step 6 – Wait for another 60 seconds.
Step 7 – Now, switch it to the “Auto” position.
Done! You have reset your generator.
What Kind of Oil Does a Honeywell Generator Take?
Each Honeywell generator comes with some SAE 30wt oil from the factory. So, we will assume that this is the best oil for Honeywell generators. Remember, the quantity of oil in the generator may not be enough. So, you need to check it, and if it is not enough, you can add more to it.
To answer the question, the kind of oil Honeywell generators take is SAE 30wt.
How Do I Change the Oil in My Honeywell Generator?
Step 1 – Place the generator on a flat surface.
Step 2 – Put a container under the oil drain plug.
Step 3 – Remove the oil drain plug and allow the oil to drain into the container. Wait for it to drain up completely.
Step 4 – When the oil has drained off, fit the plug back tightly.
Step 5 – Fill the oil sump with SAE 30wt oil.
Step 6 – Wipe off oil spills, if any.
Step 7 – Dispose of the old oil appropriately.
Final Word
Based on the features of both brands of generators, it is difficult to say that one of them is better than the other. So, we’ll conclude by saying they are both the best brands in the generator manufacturing niche, and we recommend their products.
