Average Cost of A Standby Generator: Crunching the Numbers
Twenty years ago, just 0.63 percent of homes in the United States had backup generators installed. Today, that number has reached 5.77 percent.
Are you thinking about joining the rapidly growing number of people purchasing generators? Are you on the fence about whether or not a generator is a good investment?
Premiere Generators, the number one Generac Home Standby Generator dealer in Crossville, Tennessee, is here to help you decide.
In this blog, you’ll find answers to some of your most pressing standby generator questions, including “What is the average cost of a standby generator?” and “Is a standby generator worth it?”
Is a Standby Generator Worth It? Top Benefits to Consider
Is a Generac generator a good investment? The answer depends on your current situation and the benefits you’re hoping to experience.
Here are some of the top reasons why you might want to move forward with purchasing a quality standby generator:
Instant Electricity Access
Having a standby generator means that if you experience a power outage, whether it’s due to a storm, an accident that affects your neighborhood’s power lines, or anything in between, you can restore electricity right away.
Furthermore, a standby generator will provide you with sufficient electricity for your home. During the installation process, the dealer will work with you to choose the appropriate generator size and type for your house, specifically, ensuring you and your family have all the electricity you need until the power gets restored.
Automatic Outage Detection
Standby generators save you a step when dealing with a power outage, too. They can detect when a power outage has occurred and will kick on right away, meaning you don’t have to worry about starting up the generator. You can trust that you’ll have power again shortly after you lose it.
Peace of Mind
Finally, there’s no denying the peace of mind that a standby generator can bring.
For many people, this benefit alone is reason enough to move forward with buying a generator for them. Knowing that they’ll have instant access to electricity and won’t have to wait around for the power to be restored allows them to rest easy during what would otherwise be a very stressful time.
What Is the Average Cost of a Standby Generator?
What is the average cost of a standby generator? Several factors will play into the final price tag, including the following:
Home Size
The first factor that influences the potential cost of a standby generator is the size of your home. Here’s a quick breakdown of the average cost of a generator based on home size:
- A small home (up to 2,000 square feet): $3,000 to $5,000
- A medium home (2,000 to 3,000 square feet): $5,000 to $8,000
- A large home (3,000-plus square feet): $8,000 to $12,000
Generator Features
In addition to paying a higher amount for a larger generator, you may also pay extra for features like a higher kW output, advanced connectivity options for superior monitoring, and dual-fuel capabilities (meaning it can use natural gas and propane).
Brands with more extended warranties may come with higher price tags as well (but they also provide longer protection, which means greater peace of mind in case something goes wrong).
Installation Fees
Along with the price of the generator itself, you must also factor in the installation costs.
Installation fees for a basic generator typically range from $1,500 to $3,000. Meanwhile, if you need to upgrade your electrical panel before installing the generator, you may end up spending closer to $3,000-$5,000.
A complex installation, such as one that involves gas line service or extra permitting fees, may cost as much as $5,000-$8,000.
Maintenance Fees
Like other appliances, your generator will need periodic maintenance to continue functioning properly. Here are some examples of maintenance fees you may need to pay:
- Oil and filter changes: $75 to $150 every 200 hours of runtime
- Tune-ups and inspections: $150 to $300 per year
- Battery checking and replacement: $75-$200 every 3-5 years
Based on these numbers, you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars per year maintaining your generator. However, these fees will provide extra peace of mind and help you trust that the generator will function correctly when you need it.
Tips for Choosing a Standby Generator Installer
Is a Generac generator a good investment? It can be, as long as you work with a reputable generator installation company. Here are some tips to help you choose the best team for the job:
Look for an Authorized Dealer
Choose an authorized dealer to install your generator. These professionals have received extensive training and know exactly what to do to ensure the generator is set up correctly the first time around.
Read Testimonials
If you’re trying to decide between a few different installers, don’t forget to read testimonials from previous customers. Testimonials help you understand what other people’s experiences have been working with a particular installer and save you from trusting a team that doesn’t know what they’re doing.
Consider Financing Options
Maybe you’re not confident that you can cover the full price of a generator installation upfront. Don’t let that stop you from investing in one, though. Many installers offer financing options that make the installation process much more affordable.
Ask for an Estimate
Finally, one of the best ways to find an answer to the question, “Is a standby generator worth it?” is to ask for estimates from a few different installers. Compare estimates to see which installer will give you the best deal while also providing the highest quality service.
Is a Generac Generator a Good Investment?
Now that you can answer questions like, “What is the average cost of a standby generator?” and “Is a standby generator worth it?”, what do you think? Is a Generac generator a good investment?If you’re ready to move forward and invest in a Generac generator, our team at Premiere Generators is here to help. Reach out and schedule an estimate today.
