1. Plan for your home’s power requirements.
A home standby generator is permanently installed on your property, ready to automatically kick into gear the moment it senses a failure in power coming from the grid. But it does more than keep the lights on and the fridge cold; it powers you through the outage with confidence and peace of mind.
Money is a factor, we get it. And when it comes to an investment in a home standby generator, the costs can vary a lot. On average, installation costs of a home standby generator range from $8,000-16,000, including the generator itself. Pricing can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the installation process, fuel type, permits, your location and more. The best way to understand how much it will cost to get a home standby solution tailored to your needs and your home is to meet with an authorized Generac dealer in person.
Just as everyone has different things on their “must power” list, every home and property have different requirements that can determine the specifics around installation of a home standby generator. A local authorized Generac dealer can come to your property, walk the area with you and discuss considerations including proximity to your home, how loud the generator might be while running, and how local codes and regulations might impact placement as well.
You may not be conscious of it, but the region in which you live will also play a role in your generator decision-making. For example, if you’re in a coastal region, flood risk is something you live with and react to almost as second nature. But did you know that risk of flooding will change how your generator needs to be installed? A local authorized Generac dealer will guide you, but you’ll definitely want to consider building a raised stand to ensure it stays above flood waters. Or, if you’re in the south where temperatures often stay above 100º in the summer, or the north where there is significant snowfall, there are installation details to consider.
How much capacity does your home standby generator need to have? In addition to your list of necessary systems, you’ll also want to know how long, on average, outages are likely to last in your area. This can vary widely from state to state, or even city to city, depending on how your local grids are organized. But if longer outages are more likely, that may change the total amount of backup power you’ll want, considering garage doors, powered sheds, workshops and other outbuildings.
When it comes to selecting the right home standby generator for you, it’s vital to consider the reliability of the product itself. Generac has worked hard to earn the title of leader in energy preparedness since we pioneered the industry in 1959. We are proud to make the #1 Home Standby Generator in North America, empowering millions to take control of keeping their homes up and running.
Let’s get right to the point: you can’t afford downtime. We know how quickly things can pile up when you’re dealing with an extended loss of power. You lose the food in your fridge and freezer. You can’t work. You worry about the impact on other home systems like sump pumps, frozen pipes and more. Avoid all the worry and financial loss with a permanently installed home standby generator.
When you initiate the investment in a permanently installed home standby generator, you’re doing it for your family’s comfort and your own peace of mind. But the benefits don’t stop there. If you do ever sell your home, you’ll likely appeal to buyers who also want that confidence. Plus, many insurance companies offer discounts of 5–10% on homeowners’ premiums for installing a standby generator1. These discounts serve as a reward for reducing the likelihood of power outage claims. To qualify, you may need to provide proof that a licensed professional permanently installed the generator.
Having power is more than a creature comfort; climate control means health and safety. It keeps mold from growing in hot, humid environments. It keeps the family cool enough or warm enough and any necessary devices running until the grid is back. When you have a home standby generator installed, you have the peace of mind that comes from automatic, consistent power.
At the time of installation, your authorized Generac dealer will give you info and a tutorial on how to properly care for your home standby generator. Generally, annual check-ups and regular servicing are important to ensure your backup power source can function at top performance. Your dealer will talk to you about ways to manage maintenance, checkups and monitoring options during your in-home consultation.
We have authorized dealers in your area who can talk you through all the details about choosing the right home standby generator for your home.
