How Much Does It Cost to Install a Generac Generator?
The Average Cost of Installing a Generator
The average cost of installing a home backup generator for your home varies depending on its size. Most average installations will cost between $2,500 and $1,000 before adding in fuel costs and maintenance fees. The size of the generator you choose will largely depend on the amount of power you need to cover all the appliances and systems in your home. Larger generators may have a higher initial cost, but they frequently pay for themselves over time by avoiding large repair bills caused by power outages. On the other hand, a larger backup home generator can be more costly to install and could also require more space than some homes have available. Installing smaller models also means having to decide which appliances and systems are most important during a power outage. Additionally, smaller models may not be able to handle the amount of load that bigger units can supply and may become overtaxed if all devices are turned on at once. Installation costs must also be factored in when deciding on the number of outlets required and how much power each outlet needs. Additionally, additional expenses such as having an appropriate fuel storage tank (whether permanent or portable) Fuel lines, running conduit for wiring, and other elements must be included in the overall cost estimate for installing a whole house generator. When making your decision about what size of generator is necessary for your home, it is important to weigh all factors of cost, convenience, and safety to ensure you select the best option for your needs. The next section will discuss how to determine what size of generator is appropriate for your home’s needs.
What is the Best Size for My House?
When it comes to purchasing and installing a Generac generator, one of the most important decisions is what size of the generator to make. The size of your Generac generator will depend on how many appliances and items around your home you want to power in the event of a power outage. Generally, for a medium-sized home, a whole house unit between 8,000 and 20,000 watts would be an appropriate size. However, it is also important to think about any large appliances you may have, such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave and well pump. For these types of items, you’ll likely need a larger whole house unit with more power given that these types of appliances typically require more energy to run. This means opting for somewhere between 28,000 and 48 000 watts for larger homes. Every home will have different information because of factors for the home. Building codes, utility grid fuel types and generator sizes will all be different for every home. When assessing the appropriate size for your home, think about which items inside and outside your home are essential if there’s ever a power outage or blackout. Once you know the answer to this question, you’ll easily be able to determine what type of Generac generator best suits your needs in terms of size as well as budget.
Why is Working with a Professional Important?
When it is finally time to make a decision about a generator and its installation, it can be difficult to decide whether or not to work with a professional. Working with pros comes at an additional cost, but there are some significant benefits that may make this cost worthwhile for many people. For one, professionals come with years of experience and technical know-how that DIYers may not have. This level of expertise means the job can be completed safely and efficiently without having to worry about problems arising due to inexperience. A professional installer will also usually offer warranty on parts and labor. Which gives homeowners peace of mind that their new generator will work as expected over time. On the other hand, some people argue that DIY installation can save money compared to working with a pro. In addition, DIYers may take pride in their accomplishments and enjoy learning the process along the way. It is possible that a homeowner may have enough skill to complete the job themselves with the right tools and internet resources. However, they should be sure to weigh the risks thoroughly before getting started. In summary, it is important for homeowners to consider all aspects before deciding whether or not working with a professional makes sense for their particular situation. Both sides of the argument should be considered in order to make an informed decision.
How Are Professionals Insured and Licensed?
When it comes to installing a Generac generator, one of the most important factors in considering the cost is insurance and licensing. Professionals who are insured can provide you with valuable protection and peace of mind that the job will be done correctly and safely. Licensed professionals may also be more reliable and offer more accountability. Now let’s look at what else should be factored into your decision-making process. When it comes to choosing the right generator brand: What is the brand of generator you choose?
- According to Lawes, the national average cost of a Generac generator installation is approximately $3,000-$13,000.
- The total cost will vary based on how much power output you need, as well as what type of features you decide to include in your installation.
- It’s estimated that an average 7 kilowatt (7kW) home backup standby generator costs about $4,200 for just the unit and installation.
What is the Brand of Generator You Choose?
Choosing the right brand of generator is a crucial first step when determining your home’s power needs. But with such an array of options available on today’s market, it can be difficult to decide which one to go with. Between Generac, Cummins, Briggs & Stratton, and Kohler, it is important to research the features and operational costs for each before deciding which generator is best for you, as well as installation cost. Generac is the leading household generator in America. Offering robust and reliable products that continue to generate consistent results at a comparatively low cost. They feature easy installation with prewired components and their Quiet-Test Mode allows for quieter nighttime runtimes. Plus, their customer service is top-notch and you can receive 24/7 technical help if necessary. Cummins generators are also popular choices due to their reputation of being built with heavy-duty construction. And delivering consistent performance in extreme conditions. With state-of-the-art transfer switches and an innovative monitoring system. They provide optimal safety and excellent control over generator operations. Some people argue that they provide added peace of mind with their advanced warning notifications. While others argue that they can be costlier up front than other brands. Briggs & Stratton is another popular choice due to its affordability, making it a great option for those on a tight budget. Their easy operation makes them excellent options for even beginners in the world of generator installation. although some argue that their models come with fewer features than competitors like Generac or Apex. At the end of the day, selecting the right brand of generator depends on a variety of factors like budget constraints. Size of your home or office space, local regulations, and so forth. Taking into consideration all these elements will help you choose the most suitable product. Now that you have considered what brand of generator works best for you, let’s discuss what features you should look for in your next purchase.
What Features Should You Look for?
When choosing a standby generator, there are several important features to consider. The first is size—how large of a system do you need? Consider your usage and the number of appliances or other devices (like lights, etc.) that will be powered by the generator. You should also determine whether you will be using the generator on a regular basis or if it needs to be able to respond quickly to power outages on an as-needed basis, depending on the application. In addition, you need to consider the type of fuel you will use for powering the generator. Generator fuel can range from gasoline and propane to natural gas and even solar options. Each has its own advantages, so you’ll want to evaluate each one in order to decide which is best for you. Finally, you will want to consider the noise level of the generator you choose. Generac offers many models at different decibel levels, so it’s important to find one that meets your needs while also not disturbing anyone around it. These are just some of the features that should be considered when looking at a Generac generator. Choosing the right model and features for your needs can help ensure that you get one that will last for years to come. The next section will discuss the cost of purchasing a Generac generator, an important factor in any purchase decision.
The Cost of Your Generator Purchase
The cost of your generator purchase can vary significantly depending on the size, type, and brand of equipment you decide to go with. There are several things to consider when deciding which generator is right for you. For example, a small portable unit might be affordable upfront but will not provide the same amount of power output over the long run as a large stationary generator. On the other hand, a large stationery generator may come with a hefty price tag and require more maintenance than a smaller unit would. Another consideration is whether or not you want to install the generator yourself or have it professionally installed. Installing the equipment yourself can save money upfront. However, if you do not follow best practices and industry standard procedures, you could end up paying an electrician down the line to fix any mistakes made during installation. Furthermore, some Generac generators require additional components, such as transfer switches and expansion kits, that may add to your overall cost. In addition to the cost of buying or leasing the equipment itself, there are also ongoing expenses associated with owning a generator, such as fuel costs and regular maintenance costs. The amount of these expenses can vary greatly depending on how often you use your generator and how well it is maintained over time. to get an accurate estimate of what your overall costs could be. It’s important that you take into account all factors involved in owning a Generac generator, including the model you choose. Ultimately, it’s crucial that you properly research what your goals for generating power are before committing to any purchase, so that you can make sure you are getting the most efficient and cost-friendly option available for your situation. Now that we’ve discussed the cost of purchasing your generator, let’s look at what the cost is per kilowatt.
Conclusion: The Average Cost of a Generac Generator Installed
The cost of a Generac generator varies depending on the type, size, and power output of the unit. On average, a professionally installed Generac generator will cost between $2,500 and $13,000 before any additional costs such as permits, labor or material fees. Homeowners should budget for additional costs when having a Generac installed. Though the upfront investment for a Generac generator could be considered expensive. After installation it can pay for itself over time through lower utility bills. Installing a Generac generator may also increase the value of the home and offer peace of mind during periods of power outages.
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Appliance Wattage Guide
| Appliance/Equipment | Running Wattage |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator/Freezer | 600 – 800 |
| Electric Range (one element) | 2500 |
| Toaster | 1100 – 1700 |
| Microwave | 1200 |
| Hot Plate | 1250 |
| Coffeemaker | 400 – 800 |
| Electric Oven | 5000 |
| Television | 100 – 350 |
| Personal Computer | 500 – 2000 |
| Hair Dryer | 1200 – 1500 |
| Vacuum | 700 – 1400 |
| Space Heater | 1250 |
| Table Lamp | 150 |
| Electric Furnace | 5000 – 25000 |
| Heater (radiant) | 1300 |
| Central Air Conditioning | 2000 – 4000 |
| Water Heater | 3000 – 4500 |
| Water Pump | 1000 – 2000 |
| Window Air Conditioner | 600 – 1500 |
| Outdoor Lighting | 500 – 1000 |
| Sump Pump | 1500 |
How to Calculate the Total Wattage You Need for a Generator:
- Make a list of all the appliances and systems you want to power with your generator.
- Look up the running wattage for each item on your list. If you have the manuals for your appliances and systems, this information should be listed there. If not, you may be able to find the wattage information online.
- If any of the appliances on your list have motors (e.g. a refrigerator, air conditioner, or washing machine), you will need to calculate the starting wattage as well. To do this, use the formula: Running wattage (R) + Starting wattage (R x 3) = Total wattage needed. For example, if your refrigerator has a running wattage of 600 and a starting wattage of 1800 (600 x 3), you will need a total of 2400 watts to power it.
- Once you have the running wattage and starting wattage (if applicable) for all of the appliances and systems on your list, add them up to get the total wattage needed.
- Choose a generator that is rated for at least the total wattage needed. If you plan to use multiple appliances at the same time, you may want to choose a generator with a slightly higher wattage rating to ensure that you have enough power.
Example:
Here is an example of how to use this process to determine the total wattage needed for a generator:
- List of items to power: Refrigerator (running wattage 600, starting wattage 1800), microwave (running wattage 1200), television (running wattage 150), and a few light bulbs (running wattage 60 each).
- Running wattage for each item: Refrigerator 600, microwave 1200, television 150, light bulbs (60 x 4) 240.
- Starting wattage for the refrigerator: 600 + (600 x 3) = 2400.
- Total wattage needed: 600 + 1200 + 150 + 240 + 2400 = 4590 watts.
- Choose a generator that is rated for at least 4590 watts, or slightly higher if you plan to use multiple appliances at the same time.
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