How Much Does it Cost to Install a Generator for a 2000 sq ft House?

When it comes to powering your home during a power outage, you have several options. You can opt for a standby generator, a portable generator, a solar generator, or even a combination of the three. But how much does it cost to install a generator for a 2000 sq ft house?The installation location of the generator is typically determined by the location of the home circuit panel. It will connect from the circuit panel to the generator and to the transfer switch below.

Generators are usually located a few meters from the circuit breaker outside the house. To facilitate the source of fuel, you are allowed to move it a few meters away in one direction. The standard regulation is to install generators outside and at least 5 to 6 feet away from flammable materials, doors, vents and windows. The continuous operating time of generators varies. Standby generators operate continuously until power is restored, meaning the time can be days or weeks in a row.

Portable generators run until the fuel runs out. Portable generators are great DIY options, but it's best to hire a local generator installer if you decide to use them with a manual transfer switch. Solar generators work silently, produce no smoke and can be used indoors, but they can't store enough energy to power the entire house. The cost of installing a whole-house generator depends on the contractor you choose to install it. Manufacturers recommend using a backup generator for up to 500 straight hours, or about three weeks.

When budgeting for professionally installed standby generators for your home, it's best to assume that the installation costs will be much closer to the cost of the generator equipment. Inverters built into some generators allow them to power televisions, microwaves and other appliances. If you have someone in the house who depends on medical equipment that runs on electrical energy, such as an oxygen machine or a dialysis machine, it's essential to have backup generators in the home. Combining it with a portable generator can help you run other small appliances and charge your phones, leaving the portable generator to power your HVAC system and other large appliances. The cost of installing a generator for a 2000 sq ft house can range from $2,000 - $10,000 depending on the type of generator and installation costs. While this is considerably more than you would spend on candles, flashlights, batteries and a string radio in case of emergency, the benefits far outweigh the cost of the generator if you consider food that can go bad in the refrigerator and freezer, not having heat, etc. Generators require regular maintenance with regular oil and filter changes to ensure maximum performance and reliability.

Cummins generators feature soundproofed cabinets, remote diagnostics and intelligent load management to balance energy use across multiple appliances, so that a smaller generator can power an entire home.