"Talk to your plumber and your utility company before you buy a generator to make sure you can get an affordable power source," says Brad Corgill, a technical sales rep at Colorado Standby in Colorado Springs. (Even if your generator never kicks in, it will burn about 10 gallons of fuel a year in weekly self-tests.) You may need to plumb for a gas line, for instance, or purchase and install a propane tank.ĭiesel units come with their own tanks, but diesel fuel is expensive and needs regular treatment so that it doesn't clog the engine over time. A large-capacity 22kW to 45kW model ranges from $9,000 to $15,000.įuel also affects cost. An emergency panel unit of 7kW runs $2,500 to $4,500 installed, while a mid-size 17kW unit cost $4,000 to $10,000. Prices vary by brand and location (just try buying one in South Florida after a hurricane). They should also be familiar with local codes that govern such things as how close the generator can sit to the house, how big the fuel storage tank can be, and whether you need a permit. Make sure both pros are licensed and certified for the brand of equipment you're installing. That's a good option, because you know the installer will be familiar with your equipment.Ī less expensive way to go - and your only option if you've purchased the generator online - is to hire a plumber to connect the unit to its fuel source (usually propane or natural gas, though some run on diesel) and an electrician to hook it into your house's power supply. Most of the time, your generator supplier will also provide setup service. Related: Will You Regret Not Buying Hurricane Insurance? Consult the Right Professionals Such a system could run that same 3,000-square-foot house with about 20kW, cutting power to nonessential circuits as necessary. A 3,000-square-foot house with two central air conditioners, an electric range, and a whirlpool tub might require as much as 25kW to 30kW.Ī newer option is a "load-management system," a generator that can power everything in your house, just not all at once. If you live in a northern climate with no AC and gas heat, your emergency panel could be as small as 7kW, enough to power some lights, the fridge, and gas furnace. "A 17-kilowatt unit is the standard size for an emergency panel, because it has enough power for a central AC unit," says Will Ferrigno, owner of Assurance Power in Boca Raton, Fla. At minimum, you can run an "emergency panel" of necessities - say, a central air conditioning unit, the refrigerator, and a handful of lights and outlets. Next, decide what you want your generator to power. You can also get general guidelines from national dealers such as Colorado Standby or Electric Generators Direct. Or you can estimate the type of generator you need with this interactive guide showing what various generators can power in your home. Your generator supplier or local electrician can do a wattage assessment. Wattage usage varies from house to house. Generators are sized according to wattage produced: The more watts, the bigger the unit - and the higher the price tag. If you decide the benefits are worth the cost, here's how to proceed. "It's a lot more expensive to have your pipes freeze and flood your house than it is to buy a generator." "A lot of weekenders buy standby generators," says dealer Chris Sauer, owner of G&G Lawn and Power in Stone Ridge, New York. If you own a second home, particularly in areas where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, it can protect your property when you're not around. If you live where hurricanes strike, a generator safeguards family members, especially children and the elderly, against the risks of sweltering heat. If you live in an area with frequent, prolonged outages, rely on electrically powered medical equipment, or work at home and need to stay connected, a backup generator can protect you from a disruption you may not be able to afford. Whether it's worth the investment depends on your personal situation, your tolerance for interruptions, and your budget. There's no telling when, or even if, you'll need it. Think of a standby generator as an insurance policy. Here’s how to decide if a standby generator is right for you. These systems start at about $2,500 and go as high as $15,000. If the power goes out, an electronic switch automatically signals the unit to turn on, keeping essential household systems and appliances running even if you're miles away.īut always-on protection doesn’t come cheap. There's no need to roll it out of the garage or shed in an emergency. It lives on a gravel bed or concrete pad next to your house. Unlike a portable generator, a standby generator is permanent. Your answer might just be yes once a storm knocks out your power - yet again.
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