Installing a generator may be more economical than you think, especially when you consider the loss it can prevent in spoiled food, water damage and frustration. The #GeneratorCost can range from $2500 to $6000 depending on the size. This price is for the generator unit only. An average cost for the installation and transfer switch is around $3000.It may be possible to purchase the generator yourself from a box store or other supplier. Sometimes you can save a little by doing this. If you go this route, keep in mind that the installer will not warranty the generator, only the installation. You'll have to work directly with the manufacturer or store where it was purchased. This can be a real pain. Most people prefer to count on their electrician for the entire purchase, installation and warranty. If anything goes wrong, you know who to call. There's no waiting on the supplier to send a technician and no expense from the installer to troubleshoot and tell you it's a equipment failure and not an installation error.
Ask for an installation quote from your #LocalElectrician. Always get a price in writing! A price over the phone is not equivalent to a price on paper. To get an accurate price, the generator installer must to come to you in person. There are many variables to take into account that may have an effect on price such as location of the unit which may require some digging or proper ventilation in which case it cannot be in front of a window. These situations require a visual inspection.
Some other things to remember when getting quotes for your #GeneratorInstallation is be sure to compare apples with apples. At first glance, one price may be better than another. Look deeper. Compare line items. One quote may contain a transfer switch when the other doesn't.
Be sure to ask about lead time. When can the electrician complete the installation? How long will it take to complete? The generator installer may not have your required unit in stock which will add to the lead time. An efficient installer should be able to schedule your installation within a couple of weeks and complete the installation in a couple of days. You can usually judge how efficient your electrician will be by how quickly you receive your estimate. Did you receive it within a day? Good! This is a sign that the installation will go smoothly and quickly with few hiccups. Did you have to keep calling to schedule your estimate? Did you have trouble getting a written estimate? This is a red flag! You're probably low on the priority list which means you may not receive the best service. Go with the first even if the price is slightly higher. Your time is too valuable to get the run-around!
Don't be afraid to ask questions. This is an important purchase. Ask all the questions you need to in order to feel comfortable.
The size of generator you need depends on if you'd like to back up your entire home or only a few circuits. Here's what you need to consider....
What rooms do I want to back up?
Bedrooms, basement, kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry area, hallway, bathrooms, office
Bedrooms, basement, kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry area,
hallway, bathrooms, office - See more at:
http://www.magictolight.com/generator_cost.html#sthash.MEPJ4ucJ.dpuf
What extras do I want to back up?
Sump pump, well pump, air conditioner, gas furnace or boiler, garage door opener, jacuzzi tub, swimming pool, hot tub
What appliances do I want to back up?
Microwave, freezer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water heater
Generac has a great calculator to help you figure this out. Check it out here.
http://www.generac.com/for-homeowners/home-backup-power/build-your-generator
Article written by J.L.C. www.magictolight.com
Extras Include;
sump pump, well pump, air conditioner,
gas furnace or boiler, garage door opener, jacuzzi tub, swimming pool,
hot tub - See more at:
http://www.magictolight.com/generator_cost.html#sthash.MEPJ4ucJ.dpuf
Think about which appliances, rooms, and extras you want to maintain
power to.
Extras Include; sump pump, well pump, air conditioner, gas furnace or boiler, garage door opener, jacuzzi tub, swimming pool, hot tub
Appliances Include; microwave, freezer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water heater
Rooms Include; Bedrooms, basement, kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry area, hallway, bathrooms, office
- See more at: http://www.magictolight.com/generator_cost.html#sthash.MEPJ4ucJ.dpuf
Extras Include; sump pump, well pump, air conditioner, gas furnace or boiler, garage door opener, jacuzzi tub, swimming pool, hot tub
Appliances Include; microwave, freezer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water heater
Rooms Include; Bedrooms, basement, kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry area, hallway, bathrooms, office
- See more at: http://www.magictolight.com/generator_cost.html#sthash.MEPJ4ucJ.dpuf
Think about which appliances, rooms, and extras you want to maintain
power to.
Extras Include; sump pump, well pump, air conditioner, gas furnace or boiler, garage door opener, jacuzzi tub, swimming pool, hot tub
Appliances Include; microwave, freezer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water heater
Rooms Include; Bedrooms, basement, kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry area, hallway, bathrooms, office
- See more at: http://www.magictolight.com/generator_cost.html#sthash.MEPJ4ucJ.dpuf
Extras Include; sump pump, well pump, air conditioner, gas furnace or boiler, garage door opener, jacuzzi tub, swimming pool, hot tub
Appliances Include; microwave, freezer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water heater
Rooms Include; Bedrooms, basement, kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry area, hallway, bathrooms, office
- See more at: http://www.magictolight.com/generator_cost.html#sthash.MEPJ4ucJ.dpuf
Think about which appliances, rooms, and extras you want to maintain
power to.
Extras Include; sump pump, well pump, air conditioner, gas furnace or boiler, garage door opener, jacuzzi tub, swimming pool, hot tub
Appliances Include; microwave, freezer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water heater
Rooms Include; Bedrooms, basement, kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry area, hallway, bathrooms, office
- See more at: http://www.magictolight.com/generator_cost.html#sthash.MEPJ4ucJ.dpuf
Extras Include; sump pump, well pump, air conditioner, gas furnace or boiler, garage door opener, jacuzzi tub, swimming pool, hot tub
Appliances Include; microwave, freezer, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water heater
Rooms Include; Bedrooms, basement, kitchen, dining room, family room, laundry area, hallway, bathrooms, office
- See more at: http://www.magictolight.com/generator_cost.html#sthash.MEPJ4ucJ.dpuf
