Are Home Generators Worth Your Money?
one home generator Gives you peace of mind and backup power for essentials unexpected power outage. From keeping your refrigerator running during a storm to keeping your home comfortable, generators come in many forms—portablestandby or even Solar powered – Tailor-made to meet different needs and budgets. As you explore your options, understanding the costs, installation requirements, and benefits can help you determine whether a generator is right for your lifestyle and home setup. This guide covers key points to help you weigh the pros and cons of adding a generator to your home.
The average American experience 5.5 hours of power outage in 2022partly due to bad weather. That’s less than the previous two years, but long-term trends suggest Power outages are becoming more commonincreased due to weather-related power outages.
Addressing the conditions that lead to extreme weather requires systemic solutions, but you can keep the lights on and gain a little peace of mind with a home generator. But the cost of generators can make them seem more like a luxury than a necessity.
Consider the cost of a home generator, learn about the installation process, and learn about What to expect from this backup power supply. You can then make an informed decision about whether you want to start your home generator when the lights go out. Because maybe you’re better suited or feel more comfortable with another option Prepare to stay in the dark Until the outages pass, even if they become more common.
How much does a home generator cost?
The cost of a home generator depends on a variety of factors, from make and model to power capacity and features. according to family counselorthe typical cost of a whole home generator ranges from $5,000 to $25,000.
One of the biggest factors in a generator’s price is its power, usually measured in kilowatts. according to U.S. Energy Information Administrationthe average U.S. household consumes less than 900 kilowatt hours of electricity per month, or about 30 kilowatt hours per day. Typically, a generator with a capacity of 20 kW is considered a whole-home generator and costs more. If the generator has less than 10 kW, it is suitable for smaller jobs and will cost less.
Another factor that plays a big role in the cost of a generator is the fuel source. Gasoline generators are the most common type of generator and generally cost less than other generators Solar battery backupstoring power for when you need it.
You have to factor the cost of the fuel itself into this equation, since you need to fuel the generator in order to use it. Some home generators run on natural gas, which is generally cheaper than gasoline. Propane is a common fuel source portable power stationit is not so important for the choice of the entire family. Diesel is considered the most efficient generator fuel, although it is less efficient in cold temperatures. These trade-offs and considerations will influence your decision.
Generator installation, maintenance and other costs
“The largest expense by far is the cost of purchasing and installing the generator,” it was said Don Wileyfounder and former president direct energy. Installation costs will vary depending on the type of generator you purchase.
With a portable generator, there are no real installation costs. In comparison, a whole home generator is a more permanent structure that requires proper setup. Installation costs include labor and electrical work, including electrical circuits and transfer switches. It may include installing a concrete pad for the generator. All of this can cost between $500 and $5,000, according to HomeAdvisor.
The annual cost of maintaining your generator is minimal. You should also inspect your generator before the season when you are most likely to need it. This can cost as much as $80 to $300.
Then there’s the actual cost of running the generator, which varies depending on the type of generator. Estimates from HomeAdvisor suggest that if you run a full-home generator that runs on diesel or propane, you can expect to pay around $200 a day for 20 kilowatts of power. A portable gas generator providing 5 kW of power costs approximately $100 per day to operate, depending on natural gas prices.
Installation costs, including any specific work required, are part of the total cost.
Natural gas is commonly used for whole home generators and tends to be the most affordable option, although it can also increase costs depending on how long you need to rely on it.
“Assuming the fuel is natural gas piped to your home, the cost to run the machine can be quite high,” Wiley said. “But in the current market, natural gas is hovering at or below Three dollars per MMBtu (Millions of British Thermal Units), which can become very costly if the outage lasts longer. “
What are the benefits of a home generator?
Keeping power in your home during a power outage isn’t just about convenience, although it does make weathering the storm easier. It’s also about safety. “A power outage that lasts for days is not only an inconvenience, it can also be life-threatening,” Wiley explained.
When the power goes out for a short period of time, a generator can prevent the ensuing troubles, such as food from spoiling. Generators can prevent disaster when outages are prolonged or due to extreme weather events.
Texas experienced a severe winter storm in 2021, leaving many households unprepared for power outages and freezing temperatures. The storm and resulting power outages have killed more than 240 people, according to the weather service. Texas Department of Health and Human Services. Generators can also keep your air conditioner running during heat waves when the power goes out. In these situations, purchasing a generator can save lives.
The chart below shows data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showing the average number of outages per state per state for the average utility customer between 2018 and 2022 (using all reporting methods). We also looked at the average total outage duration in hours per year. Generally speaking, coastal and southeastern states have the most and longest power outages.
Is a home generator worth buying?
Having a home generator during a power outage can be convenient, or potentially life-saving, depending on the situation, but it does come with significant costs that some people may not be willing or able to pay.
“Based on the amount of electricity generated compared to the cost of generating electricity from the grid, it’s unlikely that the system will pay for itself,” Whaley said. Generators are more of a conservation investment than the return you can expect.
Whaley believes it’s worth considering your situation and how your family could benefit from a home generator. “Generators make the most sense for households with young children or elderly parents. They are a vulnerable segment of the population and the least adaptable to prolonged power outages,” he explains.
Whether owning a home generator is worth it depends on whether you can afford the upfront costs and ongoing maintenance, and how much risk you and your family might face if you lose power for an extended period of time. In addition to budget, consider the support network around you and your access to other necessities.
Battery backup is a relatively new alternative to home generators.
Alternatives to home generators
Generator provides power to your entire home during power outage May be too costly or overkill for some families. There are alternatives that can power a basic system for an entire room or entire home, but the cost may better fit your budget.
Portable generators are typically designed to power a single room for a limited time and typically cost between $500 and $2,000, or $5,000 to $18,000 for an entire home. There are also critical systems generators designed to support essential systems including heating, lighting and kitchen appliances. The estimated cost of a critical system generator is $2,000 to $6,300.
These systems typically use fossil fuel sources, but can also use solar energy. most Solar and battery storage options cost moreespecially for higher capacities, but can operate without fossil fuels.
Home Generator FAQs
How much does a home generator cost?
The cost of a home generator depends on features, capacity, fuel source and other variables. Generally speaking, a home generator can be expected to cost between $5,000 and $25,000. You’ll also need to pay for fuel, maintenance, and installation, which can lead to higher costs.
Do I need to back up my entire home?
You don’t need backup power for your entire home. You can use a home generator to back up essential systems like electricity or appliances, or to equip one or two key rooms in your home with a generator. Choosing to back up only a portion of your home often reduces the capacity required of the generator, meaning it may cost less to buy and run.
How big of a home generator do I need?
As power outages become more common, it’s more important than ever to make sure your home generator doesn’t break down. arrive Determine the size of your home generator you should start with Online calculatortalk to a generator company representative, learn about their catalog, and ultimately make a decision based on your budget.
