Sears Home Services
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
telephone logo800-413-3629
RepairHome WarrantyHome ImprovementClean & MaintainShop PartsResource Center
RepairHome WarrantyHome ImprovementClean & MaintainShop PartsResource Center
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup

Table of Contents

Air-Cooled Generators

Liquid-Cooled Generators

  1. Resource Center
  2. Improve

What Are the Differences Between Air-Cooled and Liquid-Cooled Back-up Generators?

Updated Mar. 08, 2024Lyle Weischwill2 min read
What Are the Differences Between Air-Cooled and Liquid-Cooled Back-up Generators?

When choosing the type of whole house back-up generator to install, you’ll need to decide whether you need an air-cooled or liquid-cooled model. Learn about the differences so you can find the model of standby generator that best fits the needs of your home.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • An air-cooled generator draws air from outside the unit to cool internal generator parts.
  • A liquid-cooled home generator uses dispersed coolant circulated by a radiator and pump to cool internal parts.
  • Liquid-cooled generators are bigger and designed for larger load sizes.

When considering the purchase of a Cummins QuiteConnect™ whole-home generator, understanding the differences between air-cooled and liquid-cooled designs can help make it easier to decide which one is right for your needs.

All whole-home standby generators produce a large amount of heat during operation. Keeping the unit from overheating is essential to the life of the generator, and every generator is built with a system to keep it cooled; air or liquid.

Air-Cooled Generators

An air-cooled generator draws air from outside the unit. The air is circulated across internal generator parts, cooling the unit. Air-cooled generators are typically smaller, ranging in output from 13 kilowatts to 20 kilowatts.

Air-cooled generators are simple to use and easy to maintain. Due to the smaller size, they are very efficient in both design and costs. But even though they’re smaller, it doesn’t mean they’re not effective. A 13 kilowatts generator can power the essentials such as the refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner and garage door opener in most homes.

The Cummins QuietConnect air-cooled models all offer the following advantages:

  • Neighborhood-friendly, quiet design–with sound levels of 65 decibels from 23 feet
  • Built-in remote monitoring
  • Intelligent load management
  • Compact, sleek design
  • Natural gas or propane fuel source
  • Proprietary no-start exercising
  • 5-year limited warranty

Liquid-Cooled Generators

A liquid-cooled home generator uses dispersed coolant circulated by a radiator and pump to cool internal parts. Liquid-cooled generators are larger, between 25 kilowatts and 50 kilowatts.

Liquid-cooled generators tend to be more expensive, but they are extremely reliable, especially in periods of extended power-outages or larger load sizes. And the robust design handles the harshest weather conditions, including winds up to 180 MPH.

As with the air-cooled units, Cummins QuietConnect liquid-cooled generators have a sleek design, can run on natural gas or propane, and have the proprietary no-start exercising. In addition, they also include these features:

  • Industry-leading, self-diagnostics
  • Hardy, robust design
  • Quiet operation-60 to 64 decibels from 23 feet with the optional sound-reducing enclosure
  • 2-year limited warranty

Knowing the differences between air-cooled and liquid-cooled generators will help you decide which type is best for your home. Now that you know more about the different types of back-up generators, schedule a free in-home consultation with a house generator expert to begin the process of installing your new back-up power source.

Install a whole home generator!

Have a backup when the power goes out. Get a free estimate so your home is prepared for the next power outage.

Call (800) 413-3629 or schedule online now.

Was this content helpful?

Related Articles

How Can I Prepare for Rolling Blackouts?

Prepare for rolling blackouts with Sears Home Services expert tips.

GeneratorMar. 22Kimberly Hillegass4 min read
How To Be Ready for a Power Outage

Discover how to be ready for a power outage and keep your family safe and comfortable during unexpected blackouts.

GeneratorMar. 20Terry Mehilos9 min read
How to Survive a Heat Wave

Discover how to survive a heat wave with helpful advice and services from Sears Home Services.

GeneratorMar. 20Eric Wood8 min read