Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
No power? No problem
Highlights
Whole home generators power your home during outages.
The right generator capacity is key to choosing the right system.
Natural gas and propane are the most common fuel types.
You might need an electrical and plumbing permit.
When a power outage strikes, worrying about critical medical devices, the food in your freezer, or the temperature in your house can make anyone panic. However, whole-house generator installation can help you avert a crisis by providing reliable back-up power. Here’s everything you need to know before you install this type of home generator.
Why You Need a Whole-House Generator
A whole-house generator, also called a standby generator, is the same piece of equipment that hospitals and commercial buildings use during emergencies. These large generators commonly appear in regions at risk of blizzards, hurricanes, or tornadoes to provide extra security to homes that rely on power round the clock.
Investing in a whole home generator benefits you in the following ways:
Helps prevent bursting pipes
Keeps the fridge and freezer on and prevents food from spoiling
Provides power for essential medical equipment
May increase your home’s value
Runs longer than a portable generator
Offers added security and peace of mind
Choosing the Right Whole Home Generator Fuel
The type of fuel you choose for your whole home generator largely influences the cost of running your generator. Some generators can run on natural gas, gasoline, or propane interchangeably, so be sure to check the manual for specifications. Your unit will use one of the following fuel types:
Natural gas
Propane
Diesel
Gasoline
Natural Gas
Natural gas is an affordable fuel for generators. While it carries less energy than the other options, natural gas is so widely available that you don’t have to worry about running out. Most local utility companies will deliver the natural gas through pipelines to your home. Keep in mind that this option might not be the best choice if you live in a rural area that doesn’t have a pipeline for natural gas.
Liquid Propane
Propane is the most environmentally-friendly fuel and comes in a close second to natural gas. This clean-burning and renewable fuel comes in tanks and has an indefinite shelf life. If you don’t have a tank large enough for storing propane, be prepared to store multiple tanks.
Diesel
The most energy-packed fuel is diesel. This option is easy to maintain since you don’t need spark plugs. To save money on the cost of powering your generator, consider using a local fuel delivery company to deliver and pump diesel directly into your fuel tank.
Gasoline
The most available type of fuel for generators is gasoline; however, you’ll find that gasoline-powered generators rarely come in whole home generators and are almost exclusively made for portable generators.
Additional Factors Affecting Your Home Generator Installation
Before you dip your toes in a home generator investment, you should keep a few things in mind when preparing your house for a generator.
Cost
Whole house generators are an investment, which means they come with a hefty price tag. Whole house generators cost on average $5,000 to $18,000. The price depends on your home size, generator size, and wattage needed to power your home. Generator costs also vary by brand, so compare multiple types of generators before purchasing.
Prep
Before you install a whole-house generator, you’ll want to prepare your home. Whole house generators require a dry, covered, and dedicated area since they’re a permanent structure of your home. You may need to move landscaping or outdoor items to fit your new generator. Most homeowners pour a concrete pad where the generator can sit. Ensure the generator easily hooks up to your fuel line, either with a natural gas line or with a fuel tank holding liquid propane or gasoline.
Homeowners should also consider what size of generator they need to power their home. The average generator is 24kW, but your home may need a larger or smaller device, depending on the types of appliances you need to run on generator power.
Electrical
The type of electrical system you have could significantly rack up the price of the installation. Standby generators work via an automatic transfer switch. This switch senses the onset of a power outage and activates the generator. Some generators also use a breaker panel to send power to specific circuits of your choice. You’ll need to hire an electrician near you to set up the wiring, install the transfer switch, and add an electrical subpanel if necessary. The average cost to upgrade an electrical panel is $1,230.
Plumbing
If you plan on using natural gas or liquid propane, you’ll also need to factor in plumbing to your generator installation. In some cases, you can use an existing natural gas line, but for propane tanks, you’ll need to hire a local plumber to install the plumbing.
Permits
Before installing a generator, you’ll likely need to acquire a permit for the electrical upgrades and a permit for the plumbing for your generator’s fuel tank or gas line. Usually, a generator installer will obtain the permits for you.
Location
Where you install the generator is important, as installing the exhaust too close to windows and entry points can pose a safety hazard to your home. You also might need to factor in a concrete slab if your generator doesn’t have a designated solid base at the site location.
Consider Hiring a Pro to Install Your Generator
Installing a whole house generator requires extensive electrical knowledge and skills, as well as assembly, placement, permits, and more. This is not a DIY project. Instead, hire a local home generator installer to install your new generator system safely. Generator pros will ensure your whole-house generator is placed correctly and safely, preparing you for the next power outage with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost to install a whole house generator averages between $5,000 and $18,000, which includes permits, assembly, placement, and wiring. The total cost also depends on the type of generator, size of generator, your location, and other price factors. Consult multiple generator installers in your area to find the best price.
A whole house generator can be worth the extra money for peace of mind if your home is prone to power outages for extended periods of time or if you have life-saving medical equipment that needs to maintain power at all times. These devices can also increase your home’s value, especially in areas prone to extreme weather and power outages.
A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.
A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the total wattage of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.