Investing in a home standby generator can be a significant expense, but it offers invaluable peace of mind, especially in areas prone to power outages. When evaluating the cost, it's important to consider both the initial purchase price and the ongoing expenses associated with installation, maintenance, and operation.
Initial Purchase Price
The upfront cost of a home standby generator varies widely based on size, power output, and brand. On average, prices can range from $7,000 to $15,000 or more. Smaller units suitable for powering essential appliances in a modest home are on the lower end of this spectrum, while larger systems capable of running an entire house fall on the higher end.
Installation Costs
Installation is a crucial part of the overall expense. Professional installation is generally recommended, as it involves complex tasks such as connecting to your home’s electrical system and possibly installing a transfer switch. Installation fees can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity and region.
If you do not have natural gas, you will need to have adequate propane onsite. This will require the installation and filling of propane tanks. We recommend two (2) 120 gallon tanks to make sure your unit can run for days without refueling.
Operating and Maintenance Costs
Once installed, standby generators also incur regular operating and maintenance costs. They typically run on propane or natural gas, and fuel costs depend on usage frequency and local fuel prices. Additionally, routine maintenance, which includes oil changes and inspections, can cost between $200 and $500 annually. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the generator operates efficiently and reliably during power outages.
Additional Considerations
- Permits and Taxes: Some areas require permits for installation, which can add to the overall cost.
- Warranty and Insurance: Extended warranties may offer additional protection but come at an extra cost. It's also wise to check with your insurance provider to see if your policy can cover damages related to the generator.
Conclusion
While the initial and ongoing costs of a home standby generator can be substantial, many homeowners find the investment worthwhile. The ability to maintain comfort and safety during power outages can make the expense justifiable. As with any major purchase, it's important to carefully consider your needs and budget before proceeding.
We sell Kohler, and Briggs and Stratton. These two American brands have been leading the charge in home generators for a combined 175+ years, and we stand by which ever brand you decide to choose. As each brand offers different sizes, your quote will include the size and cost we feel that will effectively meet your power needs and desires.
We do offer 10 year warranties on our Briggs and Stratton units as an Exclusive Dealer, versus five on our Kohler units. This is something to keep in mind when comparing costs if quoted for an option of either brand, but do keep in mind you can purchase an extended 10 year warranty on the Kohler units.
One topical story we experience is reliability in cold weather, which we experience plenty in New England. Generac units are not as “responsive” in very cold weather, even with cold weather kits. Our Kohler units fire right up, cranking in less than a second, in weather routinely under 32 F.
Not necessarily. The differences come between varying sized units. There may be promotions or incentives available offered by each manufacturer, and we urge you to stay in the loop on these offers! Make sure you follow our social pages and join our email list!
We do offer ten year warranties on our Briggs and Stratton units as an Exclusive Dealer, versus five on our Kohler units. This is something to keep in mind when comparing costs if quoted for an option of either brand.
Do you provide service for the units you install?
Yes! We provide various preventative maintenance and service packages that include ALL of the major services to keep your generator running.
Depending on the size of the unit, this cost is around $400 annually.
These include oil changes, filter changes, load testing, and transfer switch maintenance, however the we have over 50 points of inspection that must be adhered to for proper unit lifespan and output.
Additionally, all of our techs are Briggs, Kohler and Generac certified for maintenance, meaning you will receive top of the line care no matter what unit you have.
Yes! We provide various preventative maintenance and service packages that include ALL of the major services to keep your generator running.
Depending on the size of the unit, this cost is around $400 annually.
These include oil changes, filter changes, load testing, and transfer switch maintenance, however the we have over 50 points of inspection that must be adhered to for proper unit lifespan and output.
Additionally, all of our techs are Briggs, Kohler and Generac certified for maintenance, meaning you will receive top of the line care no matter what unit you have.
When you call, you will first be set up with a free site visit. We will come to your property and take notes on electrical design , service rating, and property layout.
It will take about a week to receive a quote from this visit.
Once you accept the quote, we usually can schedule installation three to four weeks from acceptance date. In this time, we ask that you reach out and coordinate with your gas company, so that they can have the tanks and lines installed before we arrive.
We can install in winter with our heat mats, however, if there is too much snow on the ground, we must wait.
Installation can take one to two full days depending on the generator’s size and location.
Some projects can be done as fast as half a day if everything is on site ready to go, including gas hookups.
Some projects are inherently more complex than others, and sometimes our team runs into unexpected hiccups, however, we maintain constant communication with our clients to meet proper expectations.
We are in Northfield, Vermont, but can install RESIDENTIAL generators in Vermont, and New Hampshire, along I-91 in Massachusetts, and the lakes region of Warren and Washington Counties New York.
You bet! We have large heat mats that can thaw the ground in cold weather. We cannot install right after huge snow storms as the snow hampers our ability to trench, lay concrete, etc.
We also make sure to keep our techs and install team safe, so please understand if we must move winter installations for any reason.
Transfer Switches are easy to forget about as they are not the loud, shaking elephant in the room! However, they are just as important, if not MORE, than the generator.
According to NFPA 70 and 110, these parts need to be serviced and inspected just as often as the main generator unit. If you are in a qualifying facility, and DO NOT service regularly, fines could be levied.
Moreover, only licensed technicians are allowed inside the transfer switch as this is an incredibly dangerous apparatus.
Do not try to service the transfer switch yourself, call us today and we will take care of the dirty work!
