August 1, 2023

With power outages becoming increasingly common, more homeowners are considering investing in standby generators to keep their homes powered in emergencies. Standby home generators are backup electrical systems that automatically turn on within seconds when the main power supply gets disrupted. They run on propane or natural gas and can provide electricity to an entire house for days until regular utility service resumes.

While standby generators provide invaluable peace of mind for keeping a home livable during outages, they do require substantial upfront costs for purchase and installation. For homeowners weighing the investment in a standby generator for their house in 2023, here is an overview of the key costs involved:

Generator Equipment

The generator itself represents the biggest cost. Prices vary based on the generator’s power output, fuel source, and additional features. The size required depends on the square footage of a home and number of circuits needed to power. Here are typical generator equipment costs for common home sizes:

– Small home up to 2,000 square feet – $3,000 to $5,000
– Medium home 2,000 to 3,000 square feet – $5,000 to $8,000
– Large home over 3,000 square feet – $8,000 to $12,000

Additional charges apply for generators with higher kW output, dual-fuel capabilities (propane and natural gas), and advanced telemetry or connectivity options for monitoring and control. Top brands like Generac, Cummins/Onan, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton are more expensive but come with long warranties.

Installation Fees

Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper generator setup and integration with household electrical systems. Hiring a certified electrician or generator pro to install usually costs:

– $1,500 to $3,000 for a basic setup

– $3,000 to $5,000 if electrical panel upgrades are needed

Complex installations involving gas line service, transfer switches, and permitting fees can cost $5,000 to $8,000. Some generator companies include free basic installation with purchase.

Periodic Maintenance

Like any motorized equipment, generators require preventative maintenance to remain functional. This involves:

– Oil and filter changes every 200 hours of runtime – $75 to $150

– Annual tune-ups and inspections – $150 to $300

– Checking and replacing batteries every 3-5 years – $75 to $200

– Testing and service as needed – $150 per hour

Ongoing maintenance averages $400 to $800 per year but ensures your generator runs reliably when emergency power is needed.

Fuel Costs

Fuel consumption varies but homeowners can expect to allocate:

– 75 to 150 gallons of propane per year for small to mid-size generators

– 500 to 1,000 gallons or more for whole house generators

With 2023 propane prices estimated around $3 per gallon, yearly fuel costs typically range from $200 to $1,000+. Natural gas is slightly cheaper but also requires a monthly utility bill for gas line service.

Safety Upgrades

Properly sized automatic transfer switches that detect outages and switch power sources safely cost around $800 to $1,500. Surge protectors help avoid electrical damage during transitions for $50+. Lightning and surge arrestors also provide protection from voltage spikes with basic models starting around $100.

Total Cost Breakdown

In summary, factoring in all expenses involved with purchasing, installing, fueling and maintaining a home standby generator in 2023 generally totals:

– Small generators: $5,000 to $10,000
– Medium generators: $10,000 to $15,000
– Large whole house generators: $15,000 to $25,000+

The good news is that standby home generators can last 10-20 years when properly maintained. The peace of mind of reliable backup power often makes the investment worthwhile for many homeowners. Carefully considering all costs and requirements in advance allows for informed generator buying decisions.

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