Generator Installation Cost Guide

An automatic backup generator is a back up electrical system that operates whether you are home or away. Within seconds of an outage, it automatically supplies power directly to your home’s electrical circuit breaker box. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and waits for the next outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane gas and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit.

During a utility power outage, an automatic backup generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator:

• The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.
• With an automatic backup generator properly installed outside, your home is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators.
• Running on the home’s natural gas or LP fuel supply, it is less expensive to run than gasoline and sources such as natural gas do not need to be refilled.
• They start automatically within seconds of a power outage, and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.
• They provide protection 24/7, whether you’re home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.

An SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, similar to your car. In general, when the temperature is over 40 degrees F, the most recommended oil is a 30-weight detergent product. When the temperature drops below 40 degrees F, you should use 10W-30. Refer to your owner’s manual for details.

Air-cooled generators come with engines that use fans to force air across the engine for cooling

Liquid-cooled generators use enclosed radiator systems for cooling, similar to an automobile. Generally, liquid-cooled engines are used on larger kW generators due to the larger engines required for the higher power output.

No. The generator fuel costs would be much more expensive than buying power from the utility company since their cost to produce electricity is divided among thousands of customers. Our automatic generators are produced for use as backup to utility power specifically and should not be used as primary power. Please refer to the warranty policy for additional information.

Most portable generators do come with a rechargeable battery. However, our standby units do not. But don’t worry about where to find a battery—a standard car battery you can get at your auto parts store will be compatible.

This is a maintenance reminder light. You can reset the light by pressing the Enter key on the control panel. Service reminders include inspect battery, change oil and filter, change air filter, inspect spark plugs, and change spark plugs.

We recommending contacting your gas provider, or a licensed plumber, and they will be able to size the gas line for you. Gas pipe size will depend on length of run from the source and how many elbows and T’s there are.

Every home is different, and so is every installation. The placement of the generator, the amount of materials required, and the installation of the natural gas or LP fuel source all make estimating installation costs unique. A simple installation might cost about $2,000, but it can be more than that depending upon your specific situation. The best way to know for sure is to get a free in-home assessment. They will listen to your needs, assess your home, and give you a detailed quote. All at no charge, with no obligation, and no pressure.