A whole-home standby generator costs between $7,000 and $15,000 installed for most US homes in 2026, with the most common setup, a 22-kilowatt natural gas unit covering a 2,000 sq ft home, landing around $9,000 to $12,000 including the generator, transfer switch, and labor. Smaller partial-home units (7.5 to 14 kW) come in lower at $4,000 to $7,500 installed, while large luxury or whole-estate systems (36 to 50 kW) can reach $20,000 to $30,000 or more. Portable generators are not counted here since they are not connected to your home’s electrical system and cannot safely power your central HVAC, well pump, or sump pump. If you are waffling between portable and standby, this guide will help you see exactly what each path costs and what you are actually getting.
Why Homeowners Are Buying Generators Right Now
Power outages in the United States are increasing in frequency and duration. According to the US Department of Energy, major outage events have more than doubled over the past two decades, driven by extreme weather, aging grid infrastructure, and growing demand. Storms, ice events, hurricanes, and wildfires now routinely knock out power for days at a time in many parts of the country.
For most families, a multi-day outage means spoiled food, a cold house in winter, a sweltering one in summer, a flooded basement when the sump pump fails, and, for people on medical equipment, a genuine safety emergency. A standby generator starts automatically within seconds of an outage, runs on the existing natural gas or propane line, and keeps your home running as though nothing happened.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that households have a plan for extended power outages as part of basic emergency preparedness. A standby generator is not luxury prep. In high-risk areas, it is practical insurance.
Portable vs. Standby: The Core Decision
Before looking at costs, it helps to understand the difference:
Portable generators are wheeled units you run in your driveway, connected to your home through extension cords or a manual transfer switch. They run on gasoline (or dual-fuel gasoline and propane). They cost $500 to $2,500 for the generator itself. The downsides: you have to physically start them, keep gasoline on hand (which degrades and can cause carb problems), store and drag them out in the middle of a storm, and they can only power a fraction of your home. Carbon monoxide risk is serious if used incorrectly; the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that portable generators are the single leading cause of non-fire-related CO poisoning deaths in the US.
Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home, connected to your natural gas or propane supply and wired into your home’s electrical system through an automatic transfer switch (ATS). They start automatically when the power goes out, typically within 10 to 30 seconds. They can power your entire home or a targeted subset of circuits. They require no gasoline, no manual starting, and can run continuously for as long as your fuel supply holds.
This guide focuses on standby generators. If a portable is right for your situation, search for portable generator recommendations separately.
Standby Generator Costs by Size
Generator size is measured in kilowatts (kW) of power output. The right size depends on what you want to power.
7.5 to 12 kW: Essential Circuits
Installed cost: $4,000 to $7,500
A smaller standby generator keeps essential circuits running: lights, refrigerator, sump pump, a few outlets, and possibly a window AC unit or gas furnace fan. It cannot run central air conditioning in most homes. This is the right choice for homeowners who want protection from basic outage impacts without the cost of full-home coverage.
Common brands in this tier: Generac 7.5 kW Guardian, Kohler 12RES.
14 to 20 kW: Most Homes
Installed cost: $5,500 to $10,000
A 14 to 20 kW generator can typically power an average 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft home fully, including central air conditioning, a gas furnace, and all standard appliances, though you may need to manage load during peak demand. This is the sweet spot for most American single-family homes and accounts for the largest share of installations.
Common brands: Generac 18 kW, Briggs and Stratton 20 kW, Cummins RS20A.
22 to 26 kW: Larger Homes and Greater Comfort
Installed cost: $8,000 to $14,000
The 22 kW Generac is one of the most popular standby generators in the US and covers most homes up to 3,000 sq ft without load management. At this size, you can run everything simultaneously: central AC, electric dryer, electric oven, sump pump, EV charger, and more. The extra capacity provides headroom so the generator is not running at peak load continuously, which extends its service life.
36 to 50 kW: Large Homes and Whole-Estate Systems
Installed cost: $15,000 to $30,000+
Very large homes, homes with multiple HVAC zones, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, pools, hot tubs, and outbuildings require generators in the 36 to 50 kW range. These are commercial-grade units and require commercial-grade installation. Expect longer permitting timelines and more complex utility coordination.
Cost by Generator Fuel Type
| Fuel Type | Generator Cost (unit only) | Annual Fuel Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas | $2,000 to $6,000 | Variable (lowest) | Most popular; pipes directly from utility supply |
| Propane (liquid) | $2,000 to $6,000 | Moderate | Good for rural homes without gas service |
| Diesel | $3,000 to $10,000 | Highest | Best for extended outages; fuel must be stored |
| Dual fuel (gas/propane) | $2,500 to $7,000 | Variable | Flexibility for mixed utility availability |
Natural gas is the most convenient option for homes with existing gas service. There is no fuel to store, no delivery to schedule, and the supply is reliable except in the rare event that a storm disrupts gas infrastructure (which is far less common than power grid disruptions). Most residential standby generators are natural gas units.
Propane is the standard choice in rural areas without natural gas. You will need an appropriately sized propane tank (often 250 to 500 gallons for a standby generator) and a relationship with a propane delivery company.
Installation Cost Breakdown
The total installed cost of a standby generator includes more than the unit itself. Here is how the money typically breaks down:
Generator unit: $2,500 to $9,000 depending on size and brand.
Automatic transfer switch (ATS): $500 to $2,000 installed. The ATS is the device that detects an outage, disconnects from the utility grid, and connects the generator automatically. It also prevents dangerous back-feeding onto utility lines, which can electrocute lineworkers. A quality ATS is not optional.
Electrical work: $500 to $2,500. A licensed electrician must connect the generator to your panel and the ATS. If you are upgrading to a 200-amp panel at the same time, add $1,500 to $4,000.
Gas line work: $300 to $1,500. A licensed plumber or gas fitter typically extends your existing gas line to the generator pad location. Longer runs or undersized existing supply lines cost more.
Concrete pad: $200 to $600. Standby generators require a solid, level mounting pad. Most installers pour a small concrete slab or use a pre-formed composite pad.
Permits: $100 to $500 depending on your city or county. Permit fees for generator installations vary widely. Some jurisdictions require separate electrical and gas permits.
Propane tank (if applicable): $1,000 to $3,000 for a 250 to 500-gallon tank, either purchased or leased from a propane supplier.
Generator Costs by State
Labor rates for licensed electricians and gas fitters vary significantly by state, which drives meaningful regional price differences:
| State / Region | Typical Installed Cost (22 kW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas, Florida, Georgia | $8,000 to $12,000 | High demand, competitive market, moderate labor |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI) | $8,500 to $13,000 | Moderate labor rates; ice storms drive demand |
| Southeast (NC, SC, AL) | $8,000 to $11,500 | Hurricane risk creates strong demand |
| Northeast (NY, MA, CT) | $11,000 to $18,000 | Highest labor costs; strict permitting |
| California | $12,000 to $20,000 | High labor costs; wildfire season drives demand |
| Pacific Northwest | $10,000 to $16,000 | High labor; wet climate means permitting delays |
Top Generator Brands Compared
| Brand | Reputation | Warranty | Notable Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generac | Market leader; widest dealer network | 5 years | Guardian 22 kW, PowerPact 7.5 kW |
| Kohler | Premium quality; strong commercial heritage | 5 years | 14RESAL, 20RESAL |
| Cummins | Excellent for large applications; quiet operation | 5 years | RS13A, RS22A |
| Briggs and Stratton | Budget-friendly; good for essential circuits | 3 to 5 years | 20kW Home Standby |
| Champion | Budget option; improving quality | 3 years | 14 kW aXis |
Generac holds roughly 70 percent of the US residential standby market and has the deepest network of authorized dealers and service technicians. If something goes wrong, finding a certified Generac tech is easier than finding support for a lesser-known brand. Kohler and Cummins are preferred by commercial installers and homeowners who want quieter operation and slightly higher build quality.
What Homeowners Insurance Covers
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover the generator itself as standard equipment, though some policies include limited coverage for permanently installed systems. The more relevant insurance question is whether generator-related costs might be reimbursed after a covered peril.
If a storm damages your generator, your dwelling coverage may pay for repairs or replacement if the generator is permanently installed and damaged by a named peril (like wind or hail). Portable generators are typically personal property and subject to sub-limits.
What insurance almost never covers: generator purchase as a preventive measure, fuel costs during an outage, or food spoilage from a power outage (though some policies have a small food spoilage rider).
The most important insurance angle: make sure your home’s electrical work and the generator installation are done to code and properly permitted. Insurance companies can deny claims related to unpermitted electrical work.
Do You Need a Permit for a Standby Generator?
Yes, in virtually every US jurisdiction. A standby generator installation involves both electrical work (connecting to your panel and ATS) and gas line work, both of which require permits and inspections in all fifty states. The electrical portion must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The gas work must comply with local plumbing and gas codes.
Any contractor who offers to skip the permit to save you money is doing you a significant disservice. Unpermitted generators: void manufacturer warranties, can disqualify insurance claims, create legal problems when you sell the home, and, most importantly, have not been inspected to confirm they are safely installed.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Generator Installer
Before signing a contract, get clear answers to these:
- Are you licensed as an electrician and do you also handle the gas line work, or will you subcontract that separately?
- Will you pull all required permits (electrical and gas)?
- Which specific generator model are you recommending, and why that size for my home?
- What does the installation include: pad, gas line extension, transfer switch, electrical hookup, and startup?
- What does the warranty cover, and who handles warranty service locally?
- Does the generator include automatic weekly self-test, and will you set it up before you leave?
A reputable installer walks you through what is included in the quote line by line. Vague quotes that say only “generator installed” are a signal to ask more questions.
Annual Maintenance Costs
A standby generator is a small engine that needs regular maintenance just like your car:
- Annual service: $150 to $300, including oil change, filter replacement, spark plugs, and battery check. Most manufacturers recommend annual service, or every 200 hours of run time.
- Propane or diesel fuel: Variable based on outage frequency and duration. In an average year with minimal outages, costs are low. In a bad storm year, they can add up.
- Transfer switch testing: Most modern generators run a brief automatic self-test weekly to ensure everything is ready. This typically burns very little fuel.
Many generator brands offer service contracts through their dealer networks for peace of mind.
Is a Whole-Home Generator Worth It?
The math depends on where you live and your personal situation. In states like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and the Carolinas where multi-day outages from hurricanes are a real annual risk, the case is compelling. In areas with rare and brief outages, the numbers are harder to justify.
Consider these scenarios where a standby generator pays for itself relatively quickly:
- You have a sump pump and have experienced basement flooding during past outages
- You or a family member depends on electric medical equipment
- You have a home office and cannot work during outages
- You have a chest freezer with a year’s worth of meat
- Your home uses a well with an electric pump (no power, no water)
- You live in an area that experienced a multi-week outage in the past five years
The FEMA guidance on power outage preparedness does not endorse specific products, but it consistently recommends having a plan for extended outages. A standby generator is the most comprehensive version of that plan.
Official Resources
- FEMA Emergency Preparedness: https://www.fema.gov for power outage planning guidance and household emergency supply checklists
- US Department of Energy: https://www.energy.gov for grid reliability data and home backup power guidance
- CPSC Generator Safety: https://www.cpsc.gov for critical carbon monoxide safety information about generators
- NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code): https://www.nfpa.org for electrical installation standards that apply to generator hookups
- EPA on Portable Generators: https://www.epa.gov for emissions and indoor air quality guidance if you are also considering a portable unit
A whole-home standby generator is a real investment, but for homeowners in storm-prone regions or with critical home systems, it is one of the most practical upgrades you can make. Get quotes from at least three licensed electrical contractors, confirm the permit process, and do not skip the transfer switch. Done right, the generator sits quietly in your yard for years, tests itself every week, and then earns its keep completely the first time the power goes out.