Whole house Generators (Generac)

[WinnisquamZ]

I understand the want of a whole house generator, but todays cost must make it prohibitive. Would think a complete whole house generator installed is around 15k to 20k. At that cost weighed against the number of times you lose power how does one justify the costs. Outside of medical needs oh course


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[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

I understand the want of a whole house generator, but todays cost must make it prohibitive. Would think a complete whole house generator installed is around 15k to 20k. At that cost weighed against the number of times you lose power how does one justify the costs. Outside of medical needs oh course


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Sometimes comfort supersedes the justification…. Kinda like owning property on the lake… the prices are crazy yet anything that goes on the market isn’t there long, people want what they want and if they have the money why not. I personally would not have a home without a generator of some sort.

I would think a whole house generator in the 20K size is probably right around $12,000.00 permitted and fully installed. I paid about $8,000.00 but that was a few years ago.

Dan

[MeredithMan]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Sometimes comfort supersedes the justification…. Kinda like owning property on the lake… the prices are crazy yet anything that goes on the market isn’t there long, people want what they want and if they have the money why not. I personally would not have a home without a generator of some sort.

I would think a whole house generator in the 20K size is probably right around $12,000.00 permitted and fully installed. I paid about $8,000.00 but that was a few years ago.

Dan

Dan, you are pretty spot-on in your estimate. We put in a 20K Briggs & Stratton in Bedford in January, 2020. Complete cost was $14K through Powers Generators. They came out and sized it properly, based on the size of the house, what we wanted on it, etc. They did the permitting, installation and hook-up of both the electric and propane, arranged final inspection by the town....everything.

I would totally recommend that if someone who is the average homeowner who wants to go the "whole-house/automatic failover" route, find someone like Powers who is one-stop shopping, as opposed to buying the generator on line, and then finding individual tradesmen to do all the hook ups.

[camp guy]

A lot has been said about generators, all good. It is particularly important to look at the "big picture" when investing in a generator. In most Towns, there are local building Codes which describe necessary permits for installation. Pay close attention to these. I particularly like the suggestion of buying the generator from a licensed, registered, etc., etc. dealer, and having the installation be done by an equally qualified and certified person. For the money you are about to spend, don't scrimp on installation.
After the generator is all installed, and the installer is gone, and the landscaping is all back in place, take a little time to reflect on the investment you have just made in your home. This is the time to think about some type of annual maintenance plan. The mechanics of a generator aren't like a Formula I racing car, but there is annual maintenance to think about.
Personally, the gentleman who installed my generator does an annual maintenance program which, if nothing else, gives me great peace of mind. Also, if my generator ever fails to do its job, I will have no qualms about calling him for service. His fingerprints are the only fingerprints on this unit, and he knows it. So far, so good, 5 years flawless operation.

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

I understand the want of a whole house generator, but todays cost must make it prohibitive. Would think a complete whole house generator installed is around 15k to 20k. At that cost weighed against the number of times you lose power how does one justify the costs.

Cost prohibitive ?

I paid about $10,000 for my 22K Generac whole house. Installed. During Covid.
I bought the generator and transfer switch directly from Ziller.
Electrician hooked up.
My transfer switch is outside on a pole.
I did do the digging myself. My neighbor has a backhoe. So yes, I saved on digging. Also had a load of sand delivered. As they want (here anyway) sand in the hole.

Go to Ziller, A/mazon, Lowe's, Home Depot and check price. This will state how much they are charging for installation.

All of the Generac have an app. Can go to web site by computer or cell phone and view all activity. And get a text notice when power goes out.

Also took the Generac extended warranty for an additional year.

Here in the Lakes Region - some have lost power for 3 days or more. Wind shear - or semi-tornado.

Would never live in a house in the Lakes Region without an automatic whole house generator. I am away too much.