Homeowners are insisting on getting a home generator installed in case of power outages and emergencies. Is your home protected if unexpected circumstances pop up?

Don’t let groceries spoil, the air conditioner goes down, or the home security system is out of commission. Understanding the basics of generators, and the various prices is a good place to start when shopping for a home generator. Be the first home on your block with a new generator.

Home Generator

There are many sizes and types of home generators on the market. Depending on what you want to use it for will dictate what size you should buy. Of course, there is also a quality difference.

For powering an entire house, generally, a professional electrician will estimate starting with the size of the house, then factor in how many appliances, etc will need to run off of the generator.

If you’re buying a generator so that you can run as much as possible off of it while without power, you’ll obviously want to go with a large a unit as possible. This will be the suggestion of almost any electrician.

Buying a Generator

The easiest way that a homeowner can estimate what size their generator should be is to look at their power bill. Finally, all of those numbers on your bill will come in handy! Or, take the one-step option, and call a local electrician who will handle it all for you.

Unless you are a certified electrician, it is not recommended to attempt to install a home generator yourself. Generator installation requires special tools and specific knowledge that DIYers do not typically possess.

• Low end unit- $2,000
• Top-end unit-$15,000
• Installation-$1,500-$7,500

Types of Home Generators

A major variable in price can be in what type of unit you choose. Also, how much it will cost to run the unit.

Natural gas– Does your home run on natural gas? This may be a good option for you and is the most common type. Average unit cost- $2,000-$6,000

Diesel– Typically used on job sites, a diesel-powered generator makes a powerful home generator. Said to run more efficiently of all the generators. Downfall aspect- needs to be filled with fuel. Average unit cost- $3,500-$15,000

Liquid propane– A liquid propane generator is twice as efficient as one that runs on natural gas, but fuel does cost more. Average unit cost- $3,000-$6,000

Solar– A solar-powered generator is a great way to go green, and save on fuel costs. However, it will be the most beneficial to those living in areas that get sunny days the majority of the year, but not reliable enough for year-round use in most areas.

Most units are small and would require several to power an entire house, plus a battery bank. Solar panels are a better choice.

How About Portable Generators?

Home generators and gas-powered portable generators are not the same things. The biggest differences are the prices and output capabilities. Portable generators are typically lower in price, but also lower in power output.

While you could definitely use a portable generator to power a few things in your home, it wouldn’t get you very far before you’d need to refuel it, and overloading it would cause it to shut off.

If you already own a portable generator, keep it for powering smaller appliances, or for use in remote places like a shed, or out in your backyard. It will still be useful, just not enough to power say the refrigerator or washing machine while running the lights and central air, as a home generator would.

Power Up

Once you factor in convenience, comfort, and security the price of having a home generator installed is justified. Did you decide on which fuel-powered generator is best for your home? What are you waiting for? Don’t wait for the next big storm to make your move!

For more helpful homeowner hints, check out Bonnie Roberts Realty Consulting!