Whole House Generator Cost Calculator

The total cost to install a whole house generator typically ranges from $6,000 to $25,000, with most homeowners spending between $7,000 and $15,000. This includes the generator unit ($2,000-$10,000), automatic transfer switch ($600-$1,200), installation labor ($2,000-$5,000), and permits ($100-$500). Costs vary based on generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity.

For a 2,000 square foot house, you'll typically need an 18-22 kW generator to power most or all of your home. Expect to pay $8,000-$15,000 total installed. If you only need essentials (lights, fridge, sump pump), a 14-16 kW unit at $6,000-$10,000 may suffice. For whole-home coverage including HVAC, plan for the higher end of that range.

Yes, whole house generators are generally worth the investment. According to Consumer Reports and Remodeling magazine, they provide up to 150% return on investment and can increase home value by about 5%. They're especially valuable if you work from home, have medical equipment, live in areas with frequent outages, or want to protect expensive refrigerated items and prevent pipe freezing.

Generally, whole house generators are not tax deductible for most homeowners. However, there are exceptions: if you need the generator for medical equipment (with doctor's documentation), you may deduct it as a medical expense. If you use part of your home for business, you may deduct a portion. Some states offer energy credits. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Generator size depends on your home's square footage and what you want to power. For essentials only: 10-14 kW. For most home needs including HVAC: 16-22 kW. For whole-home coverage: 22-30+ kW. A 2,000 sq ft home typically needs 18-22 kW for full coverage. Calculate your total wattage needs or use our calculator above for a personalized recommendation.

Quality whole house generators typically last 15-30 years or 10,000-30,000 running hours with proper maintenance. Brands like Generac, Kohler, and Cummins are known for longevity. Regular maintenance ($300-$600/year) including oil changes, filter replacements, and annual inspections is essential to maximize lifespan. Most come with 5-year warranties, with extended warranties available.

Both have pros and cons. Natural gas is convenient if you have an existing gas line - no fuel storage needed and unlimited supply. Propane is better for off-grid homes, stores indefinitely, and works during natural gas outages. Natural gas is typically cheaper per kWh but propane generators are often less expensive upfront. Choose based on your home's existing infrastructure and local fuel costs.

Running costs range from $30-$170 per day depending on generator size and fuel type. A 20 kW generator uses about 2.5-3.5 gallons of propane per hour at full load, or 200-300 cubic feet of natural gas. At typical fuel prices, expect $3-$8 per hour of operation. Most outages are short, so annual fuel costs for typical use are $100-$300 plus $300-$600 for maintenance.