Home power security is not only a matter of convenience but one of safety as well. More than 1,300 people die every year in the United States from extreme heat.
This is where home backup power can come in. There are many different whole-house generator systems available, of varying quality, capabilities, and price points. It can be difficult to know which is best and how much you can expect to pay.
This article covers the factors that impact whole-home generator prices in Nashville, TN. Keep reading to find out what these variables are, so that you can make the best choice based on your home energy needs and budget.
Benefits of a Whole-House Generator
The convenience of having a continuous power supply is the most obvious advantage of having a whole home generator. However, there are other, related benefits to consider.
One is convenience. Even compared to a portable generator, you do not have to choose which appliances and devices you wish to use. You can proceed as if nothing has happened–using the internet, watching television, running hot water, and keeping all your appliances going.
This can save food in a freezer. It can be a major plus if you work from home and require computers and internet connectivity. It also ensures home cooling and heating, which is especially important in extreme heat or cold weather.
Reliable power can literally be a lifesaver if anyone in your family relies on home health equipment. These include things like oxygen concentrators, medical refrigeration, dialysis machines, or ventilators. You also can power electric wheelchairs and chair lifts.
A final major advantage of a whole-house generator is that it can increase your property value. It is an amenity that prospective homebuyers love to see, making it a major selling feature.
Factors That Impact Generator Cost
Like with any commodity, the key is ensuring you are comparing apples to apples. Below are the variables that can impact generator costs in Nashville and the middle Tennessee region.
Location
Like other services or products, where you live can impact cost. This is true across regions and states, as well as urban areas versus rural ones.
However, most whole-home generators cost between $3,000 and $6,000 for the equipment alone. This wide range is attributable to the many different brands and features (see below) you can select.
Labor costs for whole-home generator installation can vary as well. However, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the extent of the project.
Generator Type
While most quality generators cost in the same ballpark, there can be some variation in cost among brands. In general, you get what you pay for.
You can expect high-end generators to last and operate well for a long time, with minimal maintenance and potential for problems. You also will likely spend less money on repairs in the long run-a major factor to consider from a cost standpoint.
Generator Features
That being said, like all tools or major appliances, there are various features you can opt for (or forego) that can bump the cost up or down. For instance, an automatic transfer switch will detect when there is a power outage and turn the generator on. Likewise, it will turn it back off when power is restored.
Other features, like remote monitoring capabilities and noise-reducing mufflers, will increase the cost of the generator. You can also add a weatherproof enclosure that can drive the cost up (though these can extend the life of your generator).
Generator Size
One of the biggest factors that will influence how much a whole-home backup system costs is the size of the generator. What capacity you require is determined by two factors: the size of your home and your electrical needs.
Unless you have a system of independent mini-splits, your HVAC is either on or off. You can either choose to run it or not from a generator–there is no in-between. For this reason, the size of your home and the power it takes to heat or cool it is a major factor in determining the requisite generator size.
You have more of a choice when it comes to other electrical needs. However, most people installing a whole-home generator want the ability to run everything. This includes lights, appliances, and other items that they normally would when they have electricity.
An estimate of your home’s energy usage is easy to find. You can simply look at your utility bills or use an online calculator. A professional installer can also help you better calculate the maximum power needs of your home.
Installation Requirements
The next major factor that can influence home power backup system costs is how straightforward or complex the installation. This includes permitting fees and whether major electrical or other upgrades are needed. This largely has to do with labor costs.
The good news is that experienced installers should be able to identify any major hurdles at the outset. Reputable companies will be upfront with you about labor costs, regardless of how minimal or extensive they anticipate them to be.
Generator Fuel Type
Another variable that can influence generator costs is type of fuel it uses. Generators can run on many different types of fuels.
Common ones include diesel, natural gas, and propane. There also are solar-powered home generators.
Diesel generators are known for their reliability and high power output. They can be more expensive than other types though.
Natural gas generators are slightly cleaner burning. You can expect them to cost in the same range as diesel ones.
Propane generators are more popular in areas where natural gas is not readily available, but can also be comparable in price. Solar generators require a battery backup and are on the high end of generators in terms of fuel type.
Find the Best Backup Generators Near You
Now that you know some home generator advantages and the factors that can impact cost, you can move forward. A quality installer can help you find a generator that meets your power needs but is within your budget.
At Lanham Mechanical Contractors, we value loyalty, honesty, and reliability. We provide the highest quality HVAC services to Nashville, Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, and the surrounding areas.
Reach out to us today for a free estimate on whole-house generator installation or other emergency power solutions.
