2024 Whole House Generator Cost By Size, Type & Brand

Table Of Content

• Do You Need a Generator Installation Service?
• Rep. Castor, Sen. Cortez Masto Introduce Legislation to Lower Energy Costs, Improve Electricity Grid Reliability
• Best Reviews: Generac Guardian 3-Phase 20kW Automatic Standby
• Generac Guardian 3-Phase 20kW Automatic Standby Generator Wi-Fi Enabled
• Cost factors of whole house standby generator
• Whole House Backup Generator Guide

Liquid propane burns cleaner than diesel or gasoline, and it's more dependable than solar power. With no municipal gas lines required, liquid propane—stored in large tanks near the home—allows you to run the whole house generator fully off-grid. The type of fuel used by the whole house generator—propane, natural gas, diesel, or solar—affects the cost of the generator and installation. Fuel type has a direct bearing on the cost of running the generator over the long term.

Do You Need a Generator Installation Service?

Home standby generators run on propane, which is safer to store than traditional gasoline. All home generators with over 5,000-watt output are required to have an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). A whole house generator, also known as a standby generator, is a device that provides backup electrical power to an entire house in the event of a power outage. It operates automatically and is designed to restore power quickly and seamlessly, allowing you to maintain essential functions and appliances in your home even when the grid power is down.

Rep. Castor, Sen. Cortez Masto Introduce Legislation to Lower Energy Costs, Improve Electricity Grid Reliability

Cummins generators feature sound-insulated enclosures, remote diagnostics, and intelligent load management to balance power use across multiple appliances so a smaller generator can power an entire home. If the homeowner is away and there’s a power outage, they can make sure that the generator has kicked on. A smart load manager can help create different zones in the home and switch the power between them.

Best Reviews: Generac Guardian 3-Phase 20kW Automatic Standby

For instance, wireless monitors allow you to monitor your generator’s status remotely, and they cost between $200 and $400, on average. You can also opt for a smart load manager, which can protect your generator from overloading and costs between $150 and $300. Hire a top-rated generator installation service for your home to stay up and running even in the event of a power outage, blackouts or utility shortages. Generators only operate outdoors, so it’s not surprising that they’ll need a little maintenance periodically.

Once a power outage is identified, the generator’s engine is automatically activated and fueled by natural gas, propane or diesel stored on site. This engine drives an alternator to produce electricity, which is then converted to the appropriate voltage and frequency for household use. The type and size of generator you get is among the biggest factors affecting overall cost.

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A small to medium size U.S. household averages a minimum of 5,000 to 7,500 watts, so many generators are sold with 7,500 to 10,000-watt outputs. If, for example, you wanted to power a window air conditioning unit, your immersion water heater and a microwave, you’d need a generator with a 10,000-watt output to be safe. You’ll want to assess your power demands to choose the ideal transfer switch for your whole house generator. The size of your generator dictates the transfer switch capacity you’ll require. A transfer switch that aligns with your generator’s output ensures efficient power distribution across your household circuits. While the Champion 14-kW aXis generator is one of the most expensive whole house generators on our list, it includes excellent features to help it stand apart from its competition.

Noise Level (10%)

The generator can also be run on a low-speed mode to reduce noise, save fuel and tighten your control. As a general rule, we don’t recommend you to DIY any projects involving large appliances, utilities, and risky work environments. A faulty generator installation is not only costly to fix but also extremely dangerous.

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But if you live somewhere that sees lots of daily sunshine, these generators can save you quite a bit of money on your long-term energy bills. Standby generators can power select circuits or a whole home, depending on the generator's size in kilowatts (kW) and circuits in the transfer switch. It’s important for a homeowner to ask a potential contractor some questions before hiring them. As always, homeowners will want to ask about licensing and insurance (and the licensing and insurance of any subcontractors or workers who are expected to take part in the project). The following are some additional questions specific to generator installations that homeowners can ask about whole-home generator costs. Some homeowners prefer to estimate the costs themselves, whether to check the accuracy of a contractor’s bid or to choose the size on their own.

Each generator was evaluated based on whether or not it offered a load management option, which is a popular add-on for many generator inquirists. This coolant absorbs heat from the engine, then is cycled through to the radiator, where it cools off, then moves back to the engine to maintain an appropriate temperature. Generac Guardian 3-Phase 20kW Automatic Standby Generator Wi-Fi Enabled runs about $5,599 on average. The Generac PowerPact 7,500 Watt Standby Generator runs about $2,049 on average. The Champion 14-kW aXis Home Standby Generator with 200-Amp Whole House Switch runs about $4,799 on average.

It consistently ranks four or five stars on different retailer websites. Customers report helpful technical support, reliability and durability over several years of use. Buying a generator and having it installed aren't the only expenses to keep in mind. Running your generator when needed will also add to your energy bill. A home generator with an endless supply of fuel and no mechanical issues could theoretically run until it needs regular maintenance. A generator engine is similar to your car engine in that it requires upkeep such as oil changes, belt replacements and similar maintenance.

National Fire Protection Association codes allow smaller generators to be a minimum of 18 inches from an exterior wall, but you should check local codes as they may have more specific requirements. Professional installers should know the local codes and help you plan the optimal placement for your generator as well as pull any necessary permits. Consumer feedback is a crucial indicator of how a generator performs and the level of customer service provided by the company.