I've owned the Generac 7500 EXL for a couple of yrs now. My first choice for a generator would
            have been a Honda but if you have priced the Honda's you understand. For my needs the Generac
            has done pretty well. All I use the generator for is backup power so it sits quietly covered most of
            the time. I live out in the country and power failures are pretty common (during hurricane Rita it ran
            for 32 hours straight).  As with most of the less expensive generators it is loud! I added a muffler shown
            below and this does help but most of the noise is from the engine itself and the generator, not the exhaust.
            It's also heavy at 250 lbs. the wheels / tires are not very heavy duty. I don't move mine around much
            so it's not a problem for me (solid tires would be nice).
            As for generating electricity the Generac has worked perfectly, runs very smooth.
            It also has a fully pressurized oil system with oil filter ( Fram PH 4967 )  I like and it has a large 7 gallon fuel
            tank ( I average about 10 hrs run time on a tank of gas ). Also has the auto idle and electric start that are
            both big pluses. It's no camping generator but it does make good electricity!
 
 

             I also purchased the Gen-Tran Home Generator Transfer Switch from CVF Supply Co.
            It's the easiest and safest way to run circuits in your home for the generator. It has a breaker
            arrangement  that prevents the generator from back feeding through the electrical utility.
            I also hard wired a generator connection outside my house where the generator sits.
            Just roll it outside and plug it in. If you don't use a power transfer switch or panel I would
            recommend just using extension cords from your generator.
            With a transfer panel all you have to do is plug in the generator and flip the utility breaker off
            and the generator breaker to on ( a metal bar between the utility breaker and generator prevent
            both from being on at the same time).
            After this all the circuits you have wired through the transfer panel can be ran with the generator.
            I have my lights, microwave, kitchen plugs, computer, TV,  refrigerator, freezer, window ac / heater
            wired in. Sure makes it easy and quick to hook up the generator.