Whole house generators are an excellent investment for homeowners. They are designed to automatically start up when the power goes out and provide backup power for the entire home, including lights, appliances, HVAC system, and more.
They also offer an added layer of protection against theft and weather-related power outages. Because of this, insurance companies often reduce homeowners’ premiums for homes with generators installed.
Cost of Installation
Whole house generators are a permanent power source that keeps your home and appliances running in the event of an outage. They also help keep your heating and cooling systems working during extreme weather conditions like hurricanes.
While whole house generators cost more than portable generators, they are a great investment and add value to your home. They can also help you save on energy costs during long power outages.
Unlike portable generators, standby models connect directly to your electrical panel and are fueled by the natural gas or liquid propane that already supplies your home. These models generally offer higher power levels than portables, as they can range from 5 kW up to hundreds of kW.
Installation costs vary depending on the model, fuel type, and distance from your electrical panel and gas meter. They typically include a professional installation by a licensed electrician and plumber, as well as permits for gas plumbing, a new fuel tank, and site preparation.
Cost of Equipment
A whole house generator is a large, standby electrical unit that runs on natural gas or propane fuel. It sits outside your home and needs to be installed by a professional electrician.
The cost of equipment depends on your home size and the energy needs. Most mid-size homes need a 22kW to 32kW generator to provide enough power for the home.
Partial or critical systems generators will range in price from $3,000 to $12,000. These units are designed to provide power for certain circuits, such as the furnace or air conditioner, that may be needed during a disaster.
An automatic transfer switch is essential to ensure that the generator turns on automatically and supplies electricity to all of your home’s circuits during a power outage. They can be added with manual functionality for portable units or automatic for standby generators and cost $800 to $2,000 including labor. They will require a permit, so contact your local building department to find out if you need one.
Cost of Fuel
Whether you’re camping or running your home during a power outage, a whole house generator can help you stay powered. However, the cost of fuel is a major factor to consider.
Propane and diesel are the most common types of fuel used for whole house generators, but natural gas is also a good option. If you’re considering a propane generator, be sure to get the largest tank possible so that you won’t run out of fuel.
In addition to the cost of fuel, you should also consider the cost of professional installation. This can be a significant expense, especially if you choose to have a liquid-cooled whole house generator installed.
Cost of Maintenance
If you want to keep your power on during hurricane season, a whole house generator can be a great investment. These systems can provide power to your entire home, and they can help you avoid the inconvenience of losing food and other essential items when the power goes out.
However, like any machine, a whole house generator needs to be regularly maintained. This is to ensure that it works properly, as well as to prevent it from depreciating in value over time.
Depending on the size of your generator, it may need to be serviced once or twice a year. This maintenance can include changing the oil, cleaning the air filters, and other services.
This can cost between $300 and $550, depending on the model of your generator. It’s important to get a routine maintenance check before a storm or other severe weather hits, so that your system can stay in top condition and work when you need it most.