Cost of Standby Generator Installation
By ProMatcher Staff
Standby Generator Installation: Cost Factors
The cost of standby generator installation will increase or decrease based upon a number of factors. This article is intended to provide you a checklist of questions to ask yourself and your contractor.
This key will serve as your guide:
$0 = No additional cost
$ = Standard cost
$$ = Additional cost
What type of generator do I want to install?
$ - When a standby generator is installed to supply power to a portion of the home.
This type of generator will supply power to the essential circuits that are central to the functioning of your home, but it will not power the entire home. This may include the refrigerator, the microwave, and the water heater, in addition to some key light fixtures.
$$ - When a whole house generator is installed.
This type of generator can supply power to your entire home, including all outlets and appliances. In the event of a power outage, it will be difficult to tell there is any sort of outage.
What fuel source will the generator run on?
$ - Natural gas or liquid propane.
$$ - Diesel or gasoline.
If a fuel tank needs to be installed, where will it be installed?
$ - When the fuel tank can be installed above ground.
$$ - When the fuel tank is installed underground.
If installing a natural gas generator, does a new gas line need to be installed?
$ - When there is an existing gas line.
$$ - When a new gas line needs to be installed.
What size generator do I need?
$ - When a 20 kW (or less) generator is installed.
$$ - When 20 kW (or more) generator is installed.
Related: Sizing a Standby Generator
Can the generator be installed close to the fuel source?
$ - When the generator can be installed close to the fuel source and the necessary meters.
$$ - When the generator is installed far away from the fuel source and additional lines need to be run.
Does the generator need to have an automatic transfer switch?
$ - When the generator has a manual switch.
$$ - When the generator has an automatic transfer switch that turns on immediately when there is a power outage.
Will the generator be liquid-cooled or air-cooled?
$ - When an air-cooled generator is installed.
$$ - When a liquid-cooled generator is installed.
(Uses anti-freeze to prevent the unit from overheating)
What type of base will the generator be installed on?
$ - When a gravel bed serves as the base.
$$ - When a cement or concrete is poured to create a base.
$$ - When a composite mounting pad is installed.
Does the generator need to be installed with an additional features?
$$ - When the generator comes with a remote monitoring system.
$$ - When the generator is installed with a muffler to reduce the amount of sound created.
Questions to Ask:
1. How long do you expect the installation of the generator to take?
2. What type of generator do you recommend?
3. How many of these generators have you installed in the last 12 months?
4. Do you have any references?
5. What type of warranty does the generator come with?
6. Does the workmanship come with a warranty or service package?
7. What type of maintenance does the generator require?
8. What can I expect the operating costs of the generator to be?
9. Is cleanup included in the quote?
10. Are permit inspection fees included in the cost estimate?
11. Is the cost of delivery included in the estimate?
12. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
13. Will you ensure that the electrical work is up to code?
14. What is the run time of the generator?
Related: How Does a Backup Generator Work?
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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