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Click on any type of generator below to see what it will run in your home. “If you’re willing to pay more up front for a quieter and more fuel-efficient unit, potentially saving down the road if you use it often, then look at inverters,” Kollontai says. Always run a gasoline generator outdoors at least 20 feet from the home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
How to Use a Generator When the Power Goes Out
Let’s explore all of them and we’ll share the factors that we have dealt with, when adding a backup generator to our own home, and to clients we’ve helped have them installed. It’s essential to balance your budget and your power requirements. Assess your essential appliances and systems that need backup power during outages. This evaluation will help you determine the generator’s capacity that suits your needs without overspending. Whole house generators come in various sizes and capacities, each with a corresponding price range.
$6,000 – $11,000 average total cost installed (unit & labor)
Another option is the portable generator, which can range in power from about 1 to 7.5 kW. These are less expensive but are limited to powering a couple of lights and appliances—they will keep the most basic electrical items running but won’t power the whole home. About the size of a central air conditioning unit, they run on natural gas or propane, so they don’t need to be refueled as often either. Every generator, whether portable or standby, has a manual start option. Most portable generators have a pull cord, but some have an electrical switch. Generators with this added convenience come at a higher price point of $2,000 to $30,000.
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Large generators are often more expensive and come with high installation costs. Inverter generators are more expensive than traditional generators delivering the same wattage but they also have distinct advantages. “There’s no need to go larger unless you want to be able to power more in a pinch and are comfortable with needing to keep more gas on hand,” Kollontai says.
They vary by hours or days, so always check the owner’s manual for your model’s limitations. A plumber is needed to connect your generator to your propane tanks or natural gas line. All automatic generators have a manual start option, but all manual generators remain manual.
The labor costs to install a whole house generator range from $2,375 to $6,500, for an average cost of $4,440. Purchase a whole house generator that's sized right for your home's power draw. Build in allowances for planned changes like additions or basement remodels that increase the demand for electricity. While solar whole house generators derive their power from the sun, they are dependent on a majority of sunny daylight hours. Generators in overcast areas may not be able to keep up, no matter how extensive the array of solar panels.
Portable generators come in many sizes, from small units that power small areas to larger units that power most of a home. The generator and fuel are usually stored outside, often in a container made for that purpose. They are turned on, started manually, and connect to your home via an extension cord. You must monitor the generator’s fuel level and refill it if you need to use it for an extended time. Transfer Switch – A transfer switch is a built-in switch system that allows you to run one cord from your home to your generator to allow for backup power instantly.
Portable generator cost vs. standby
It’s always a good idea to get your generator inspected at least twice per year, ideally before the seasons when you most often lose power. Basic generator maintenance services usually range from $80 to $300. Some municipalities, and even homeowners’ associations, require you to obtain a permit before installing a generator.
As the name suggests, portable generators are on-demand devices. On average, a 20KW whole house stationary generator costs around $5,000, and a 22KW generator costs around $5,800. If you are looking for generators using solar or other clean energy sources, be prepared to pay more. If you’re unsure about where to start, your local electricity company and your HOA are both excellent places to gather information.
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Natural gas generators cost $2,000 to $6,000 for a whole house unit, depending on size. They can be installed to a home’s existing gas line and require no fuel storage. Natural gas is cheaper than diesel or propane, but relies on pipelines that may be shut off or damaged during severe storms. Standby models are designed to continue running until the power is restored. It can continue operating as long as there is a fuel source, and the unit is in good operating condition. Proper maintenance is required to ensure a standby model can continue functioning in this capacity.
In the end, your total cost of repair and replacement is dependent on the size, type, and fuel used by your generator. Whole house, standalone units are usually more expensive to keep up than smaller ones. The other main piece behind whole house generator costs is the cost for installation. When buying from a mainstream manufacturer, you are usually limited to using one of their certified installers. If you go with someone else, you may lose warranty protections, which could be a major expense if anything goes wrong in the future.
A gasoline powered portable generator costs from $500 to $2,800. Diesel is an efficient fuel source, and it allows you to run the whole house generator fully off-grid. If you want a whole house generator that can power % of your home on natural gas or propane, call a pro from the start. They’ll know which size is right for you, as well as handle the wiring of the automatic crossover switch and other electrical requirements to power your home properly. Most U.S. homes need at least 5,000 to 7,500 watts to cover minimum needs, so you’ll see standby generators offer nine to 20 kilowatts. Whole house generators will typically start at 22,000 watts and can run as high as almost 50,000.
Choosing the right whole house generator based on your budget involves careful consideration of your power needs and available options. While these generators offer excellent backup power solutions, your choice should align with your financial constraints. Be sure to purchase the right type of generator for the fuel you’re looking to use, or check to see if it can be easily converted from one fuel source to the other (most can be).
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