How Much Does a Whole House Generator Cost? [+Factors] 2023
How much does a whole house generator cost? The expense of a whole home generator fluctuates according to the selected type and size of generator. For example, a small standby generator may cost as little as $2,000, while a larger model may cost up to $20,000.
Portable generators are usually less expensive than standby generators, but they’re not as powerful and cannot be used for extended periods of time.
Installation expenses, permits, and the cost of gasoline or other fuel can all influence the overall price of a whole house generator.
In some cases, you may also need to purchase accessories which allow you to safely connect the generator to your home’s electrical system. Overall, the cost of a whole home generator can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
How much does a portable generator cost?
The price of generators varies with the change in size and design. For example, a small portable generator may cost as little as $200, while a larger model may cost up to $2,000. Portable generators are usually less expensive than standby generators, but they’re not as powerful and cannot be used for extended periods of time.
How much does a standby generator cost?
The minimum cost of a standby generator is around $2000 and the maximum cost is roughly $20000. However, the final price will vary with the size and type of generator you choose. A whole-house generator will be more expensive than a portable generator, but it will also be much more powerful and efficient. When choosing a generator, make sure to pick one that is the right size for your home and your needs.
How does the power generator cost vary with size?
On average, the total cost of only a whole house generator ranges from $900.00 to $20000.00. The cost will be determined by the unit’s size and power. A small unit that produces 2,000 watts of power will cost less than a large unit that produces 8,000 watts of power.
How does the power generator cost vary with fuel type?
The average cost of a whole-house generator can vary significantly depending on the type of fuel it uses. Natural gas generators tend to be the most affordable option, while propane and diesel generators typically cost a bit more. Electric generators are usually the most expensive option.
Here is a breakdown of estimated costs for each type of fuel:
-Natural gas: $500-$5,000
-Propane: $1,000-$10,000
-Diesel: $2,000-$20,000
-Electric: $3,000-$30,000
The exact cost of a generator will also depend on its size and power output. Larger generators that can power more appliances and equipment will typically cost more than smaller ones.
A generator should be compared from multiple vendors to get the best price. It is also important to factor in the cost of installation, as this can vary significantly depending on the type of generator and where it will be installed.
Factors in Calculating Whole Home Generator Cost:
There are a few key factors that play into the cost of a whole house generator. These include:
1- The size of the unit:
There are many sizes and power generation capacities of power generators. The cost of the generator varies with the size of the generator. According to size, the generator will cost around 1,500 to 20,000 dollars.
2- The type of fuel:
There is a choice of using natural gas or propane to run whole-house generators. Natural gas is usually less expensive than propane, resulting in a lower overall price. So the fuel will cost from $500 to $2,000 per year.
3- Installation:
The expenses of the generator’s installation are set by the degree of difficulty involved in completing the task. Generally speaking, however, it will be more expensive to install a whole house generator than a portable unit. The installation cost varies from $1,000 to $3,500.
4- Concrete Pad:
If you do not have concrete pads already then definitely you’ll need to add its cost to your final budget. This is required for the generator’s installation. The concrete pads may cost from 500 to 2,000 dollars.
5- Electrician:
If you are not comfortable doing the wiring yourself, you will need to hire an electrician to do it for you. The cost of the project will be higher as a result of this. Electrician will cost you around 500 to 2,000 dollars.
6- Type of Start:
In terms of generators, there are two types of starts – manual and automatic. Automatic is more expensive, but it is worth the money if you want the convenience of having the generator start up automatically in the event of a power outage.
7- Maintenance:
Remember to include the expense of routine maintenance for your generator. This will ensure that it functions properly and has a long life span. Maintenance will cost you around 200 to 1,000 dollars per year.
8- Transfer Switch:
A transfer switch is required to connect and join the generator to the electricity system of your home. Switches vary in price depending on their size and type. Transfer switch price can be from 500 to 3,000 dollars.
9- Permits:
If you want to install a power generator in your home or job site, you’ll almost certainly need a permit, but it depends on your city or municipality. This is typically a fairly inexpensive process, but it is something you will need to factor into the overall cost. The permits will cost you from $50 to $200.
10- Enhancement and Improvements:
You may enhance and improve your generator in a variety of ways. These include things like adding a remote start, automatic transfer switch, or extended run fuel tank. These enhancements will obviously add to the cost of the project, but they can be well worth it in terms of convenience and peace of mind. The cost of enhancement and improvements could be from 500 to 5,000 dollars.
11- Generator’s brand:
The cost of a whole-home generator may vary significantly, brand to brand. Do some research to find the best deal on the unit you want.
These are just a few of the factors that you need to consider when calculating the cost of a whole house generator.
For Installation: Hire a professional or DIY?
The cost of a whole house generator can vary depending on whether you DIY or hire a pro. If you DIY, you can expect to pay for the materials and any necessary permits. If you hire a pro, you can expect to pay for labor, materials, and any necessary permits.
Keeping the scope of a project in mind is important when deciding whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. There is an option to do it yourself if you feel confident that you are familiar with how to install a generator. However, if you don’t feel confident with electrical repairs, it’s usually preferable to hire a specialist. Before making a decision, get at least 3 estimates.
Final Verdict
So how much does a whole house generator cost? You might be surprised by the answer. Whole home generators can range in price from just a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and type of generator you choose. Installation costs, permits, and the price of gasoline or other fuel can also affect the overall cost of your generator.
To keep your home safe, you should get advice from a competent electrician. They will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate for the installation and give advice on what type of system would best suit your needs!
If you’re looking to purchase a whole home generator, do your homework and shop around before making a decision.
FAQs: Whole House Generator Cost
How much does the average whole house generator cost to install?
Installing a whole house generator costs approximately $2,000-$3500. Depending on the size and power of the unit, as well as the complexity of the installation, the price will vary.
How much does it cost to operate a whole house generator?
The average cost to operate a whole house generator is about $0.10 per kilowatt-hour. The price will depend on the size and power of the unit, as well as the fuel type.
How often does a whole house generator need to be serviced?
A whole house generator should be serviced every 12 months or after every 1,000 hours of use. Depending on the size and power of the unit, as well as its location, the service will cost more or less.
How long do whole house generators last?
The average lifespan of a whole house generator is around 09-15 years. Depending on its size and power, a new unit will cost more or less.
