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Generac: The Whole House Gas Generator Installation Cost and Fuss
Did you know Veteran Electric is a factory certified Generac backup generators dealer in TX? Generac are among the most reliable backup power generators on the USA market today. From small businesses to homeowners in United States, people rely on them for power in case of a blackout. They have a wide variety of products that can suit your needs, whether you have an RV or want a smaller generator to back up the major appliances and a couple of lights or the whole house generator 22Kw unit. The sizing process is professional and smooth to assist you in selecting mobile generators, home standby or portable generator sales will be done with highest standards and values. The warranty gives you piece of mind and Generac chore parts for repair and maintenance after installation. Consumer dealer locator is priceless to save your time. Based on our vast interaction with Generac recall information service is fast. As long as global logistics don’t have a bottleneck to deliver parts to home backup retailers rapidly. Spec sheets mobile App helps to order products parts based on model when we need to perform generator repair. Veteran Electric inc offers now a new model 28 kW Generac generator emergency unit for residential properties.
Generac Whole-House Generator Installation Cost (Quick Facts)
– Typical installed cost (gas-powered, whole house): $12,000–$20,000 in TX.
– Generator unit: $5,000–$8,000 to power up entire home.
– Electrical installation: $3,000–$6,000
– Gas plumbing + permits: $2,000–$5,000
– Installation timeline: 1–3 days (excluding permitting)
– Lifespan: ~15–20 years with regular maintenance
This article from a Master Electrician with over 25 years of experience will help to provide valuable insights. In addition, it will detail all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing one of this standby gas generator. They run on natural gas, liquid propane, or diesel to produce electricity using a transfer switch installation to energize your home or office circuits. We focus on gas units. Generac provides customers support, comprehensive manuals and factory dealer residential or commercial in TX. From blogs, you can learn a lot about hurricane preparedness. We like installation partner programs for distributors, repair as a business solution. The quote is smooth and detailed which meets our need to serve our customers in Montgomery County and Harris County, TX. Tap for 👉 industrial Generac generator installation estimates
The headquarters is in Wisconsin, the USA, as are the manufacturing facilities. Where to buy a whole-house generator isn’t a problem. Who can professionally install it is. Continue reading to learn and educate yourself about backup generators, making an informed decision on why to hire the nearest Generac dealer to install a Generac system at a competitive cost.
How Big Generator Do I Need?
Generally, homeowners can keep the most critical household equipment running with a generator rated 5,000 to 7,500 watts. These wattage levels can support the operation of good pumps, kitchen appliances, and lighting circuits. We also have FAQS page with great answers.
One of the most effective ways to ensure the backup generator meets your needs is by making sure it has enough backup power output, which is measured in watts.
For example, small generators used for camping output 1000 to 300 watts, whereas those used for homes and construction sites can generate more than 10000 watts. This high amount of wattage is enough to run critical household appliances or power heavy-duty electrical tools.
The best way to figure out the size of the backup generator you need is by calculating how much wattage is required. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Create a list of the devices you want to keep running in your home in case of an outage. Be sure to add critical appliances such as your refrigerator, stovetop, HVAC system, and lighting!
Calculate the total wattage needed by all of these components to run at optimal levels.
It’s worth noting that there are two important figures – first, the starting watts. Starting watts are the power needed by the appliance to power up the major appliances. The second is running watts. Running watts is the amount of energy necessary to run after the component initially turns on.
For example, a standard 10,000 BTU air conditioner requires 2,200 starting watts to switch on. After this initial startup phase, the energy demand reduces to a constant supply of 1,500 running watts to stay operational. When choosing a backup generator, portable generator, or natural gas generator, pay attention to both numbers.
A portable generator with 2,200 starting watts and 1,800 running watts could run the 10,000 BTU AC in the above example.
However, a backup generator with 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts may not be sufficient to backup power to the machine due to its high starting wattage requirement. The wattage provided by this generator is not large enough.
If in doubt, choosing emergency generators that are slightly larger than your anticipated needs can accommodate for any oversights or increased power needs you didn’t initially expect.
When looking for a Generac generator installer, it’s better to ask if you need to purchase one that is slightly larger than you think is necessary rather than end up with too little capacity. Extra power is critical for generators because operating a generator at total capacity can significantly shorten its lifespan.
Another consideration is that a generator running at or near 100% capacity will be much louder than one not running at maximum level. If you have a smaller home, this extra noise level can be bothersome and a nuisance.
For example, if your power requirements are around 1600 running watts, you should get an automatic standby generator with about 1800 rated watts. By doing so, you can help to ensure you have the extra standby power if you need it.
Site Selection for Standby Backup Generator
When choosing a location for your generator, make sure to place it in a stable area with good drainage. By doing so, you can help to reduce the likelihood of flooding that can damage the generator. Also, remember to keep the generator at least 3 feet away from any utility meters, air conditioning units, flammable material, or serviceable components. These same guidelines apply to commercial customers. After the Generac generator was installed, you guessed it right. The correction bill will be hefty if your
Also worth noting, you’ll want to install the backup generator as close as possible to the electric meter and the natural gas supply line to keep installation costs lower. A great feature Generac manufacture has is mobile link.
How Do Generac Backup Gas Generators Work?
Home backup generators will turn on automatically when it senses power has been cut and deliver backup electricity to your home. This investment in the safety and comfort of your home operates using either liquid propane or natural gas. Often, it looks similar to a central air conditioning unit.
Home backup generators provide power to your entire home or all the necessary items in a planned or unexpected power outage. Generac offers the technology for owners to monitor the status of their generators without needing to be there in person. Free Mobile Link connects directly with your tablet, smartphone, or another internet-enabled device for wireless monitoring and management of your electrical system.
Home backup Generac generators turn on automatically and provide power during a power outage to keep your lights, TV, and other devices running. The generator will operate for as long as needed, whether for two hours or two weeks, as long there’s fuel, such as liquid propane, available to use.
Find A Generac Backup Whole Home Generator Installation Dealer
Veteran Electric Inc is an expert in home emergency power and electrical services. We are conveniently located to reach our local customers fast. Sometimes we book for the whole week or more. We recommend booking us in advance. We will find the best possible position to install your Generac standby generator quickly, professionally, and cost-effectively. We provide no-obligation, competitive quotes, including all parts and labor. We ask that you reach out to get your free quote to find the correct size generator for your needs. Then, if you decide to purchase solar generators or backup power generators, installation companies make the process quick and straightforward.
While the exact details of your custom Generac home generator installation may vary, here is a general overview of the installation process. If you are still looking for who sells and installs Generac generators near me.
Typically, generators can be installed in one day. However, homeowners must consider cost factors including material costs, fuel storage needs, generator battery costs, generator costs, power capacity, fuel tank costs, the square foot of the home, the number of essential appliances, gas line installation requirements, the threat of severe weather, gas meter installation, the location of gas lines, utility lines, electrical panels, and circuit breakers for actual project costs.
Generator Installers and Installation
Preparing the site before installing your generator is vital. Usually, installing a poured concrete slab or pea gravel is needed to stabilize the ground in preparation for the pad. In Southern Texas, the soil is swampy and moves often.
In addition to local ordinances, there are also manufacturer regulations that you should be following. For example, most manufacturers will state that your generator should always get placed outside and at least five feet from windows or entrances. Additionally, there shouldn’t be any exposure to flammable liquids. Building codes may also come into play.
Your professional installer will ensure the Generac is in an appropriate location that meets all regulations and guidelines. You don’t have any clearance issues, and access to the generator is simple.
Making The Fuel and Electrical Connections
Once the generator gets positioned, the automatic transfer switch gets installed beside the main breaker box. However, in some cases, this component may get replaced in its entirety. Though large generators are great for running your home’s entire power needs, they require fuel and wiring to reach them. Fuel lines need to get connected when the generator is in a remote location, from the breaker box that provides electricity to your home’s primary sources.
The Generac home backup generator runs fueled by natural gas or LP, so it’s vital to ensure you have these resources available for your generator to operate during outages.
Testing The System To Simulate a Power Outage
Upon complete installation, the installer will test the system by simulating an outage. This simulation helps ensure that the new generator and transfer switch work as intended during a power outage. The final step in getting your generator ready is running it for a weekly test run to ensure that everything remains in solid working order. It should be added to your regular generator maintenance schedule.
Seamless Operation
One of the most beneficial advantages of installing a Generac home backup generator is peace of mind knowing that you don’t even need to be close by to start, monitor, or stop operations. If the power goes off, the gasoline generators kick on automatically to provide alternative power to keep your home running.
Southern Texas Whole House Generac Backup Generator Prices
Installing a whole-house Generac generator cost starts at about $3,100 and goes up from there. The cost of branded Generac generators is somewhere between $2,100 and $20,200, depending on the type of unit you purchase, without professional installation.
When a Whole-House Gas Generator Is Worth It
Recommended if:
– You experience outages longer than 8–12 hours
– You rely on medical equipment, sump pumps, or home offices
– Natural gas is already available at the property
– You want a fully automatic backup (no manual setup)
Not ideal if:
– Outages are rare or short
– Budget is under $10,000
– You only need to power a few circuits (portable or standby is cheaper)
“Licensed electricians typically report that whole-house generator installations require coordinated electrical, gas, and permitting work, which accounts for a significant portion of total cost.”
Why Choose Generac Generator Installation For Your Property
To achieve customer satisfaction, we offer only the top brand, quality products, and equipment. With an operating history that spans over sixty years, Generac Power Systems is the leader in this product category. For these reasons, we exclusively sell Generac generators. Here are a number of the many reasons why we love installing Generac generators for customers in and around Southern Texas:
- Generac whole-home generators use commercial-grade engines, which are smaller and quieter to operate.
- Automatic self-test functions and simple controls make it easy to maintain.
- Feature-rich units include mechanical transfer switches, cutoff switches, automatic switches, wireless controls, and other accessories.
- Intelligent, uninterrupted power management for granular control of directing power to desired circuits.
- A five-year limited warranty is included, with extended coverage available for additional purchase.
- Residential generators wiring diagram is easy to follow.
- The availability of cold-weather kits adds dependability and reliability in harsh weather conditions.
How Long Can A Backup Generator And Portable Models Run Without Stopping?
Manufacturers recommend running your standby generator for up to three weeks or 500 hours continuously. Portable generators can operate for 8 to 14 hours on a ½ power load and one tank of fuel. Ideally, this type of generator shouldn’t run longer than a continuous 24-hour cycle without a break.
While portable generators can come in handy for handling short power outages, they aren’t reliable for supplying uninterrupted power for extended or indefinite periods.
On the opposite, Generac generators connect directly to your home’s existing systems to provide extended emergency backup if the power goes off for any reason. In addition, the configuration automatically turns on if electricity is lost from the utility company and can power the entire home so long as fuel is available.
How Much Does It Cost To Run A Generator?
Installed home generators can be expensive to manage when it comes to power and fuel. For example, during extended power outages, fuel costs may run higher than $30 daily to run, which could be the equivalent of $3,000 – $15,000 liquid propane.
To minimize this expense, you should only use the generator if no other power source is available and the electricity isn’t running at all. In this use case scenario, running in test or standby mode or using only when an outage occurs, the expense drops significantly to less than $10 per month.
What Is The Expected Lifespan Of A Generator?
While multiple factors can impact the overall expected lifespan, a Generac Guardian can provide up to twenty years of service if maintained properly and operated under normal conditions. Failure to maintain the equipment and frequent use can significantly reduce the unit’s lifespan, so this is an investment that you’ll want to preserve. In addition, each new automatic unit includes a limited warranty, and extended warranty options can further protect the Generator or compact unit.
On average, a standby generator has an expected lifespan of 15 to 30 years, providing 10,000 to 30,000 hours of use with regular maintenance.
Portable generators can serve for as long as ten years, providing 2,000 to 5,000 hours of power. In addition, reputable brands offer limited warranties on whole-house generators valid for 5 to 10 years, depending on the model.
Portable Generators Vs. A Whole Property Generator
When evaluating which type of power backup is best for your situation, having access to transfer switches is the key to keeping your structure powered.
Unfortunately, Veteran Electric inc DOES’T INSTALL a portable generator that isn’t powerful enough to power an entire home for lengthy periods. However, most portable generators supply enough power to run small appliances and keep the lights running for a day or two, at most.
Unlike standby generators as whole-home generators, portable generators connect with the home’s electrical panel using an interlock kit, limiting how the backup power gets distributed throughout the house. However, it isn’t powerful enough to keep HVAC systems, major appliances, and modern living conveniences running until the utility grid gets fully restored.
“For most homes, installation costs often equal or exceed the price of the generator itself due to labor, permits, and gas work. As a benchmark.”
What Can A Whole Home Generator Power?
A whole-home generator is powerful enough to power an entire home for lengthy periods up to 2-3 days on average. The liquid-cooled generator can run longer if the power outage continues. In some case when electricity in town is down. The gas supply might be off, too. Some smart owners install a propane tank with no dependency on City utilities. It is an emergency power backup equipment that Generac generator dealers will install for you. Whole house generators are available as standby, portable, and hybrid models, which means they can be placed at the home or away from it if the need arises. Contact us today for a Generac generator installed price quote.
“For most homes, installation costs often equal or exceed the price of the generator itself due to labor, permits, and gas work.”
Mini FAQs
How long does a Generac generator installation take?
Answer:
Most installations take 1–3 days once permits are approved by Montgomery or Harris Counties.
Do whole-house generators use a lot of gas?
Answer:
During operation, consumption is similar to running multiple major appliances simultaneously.
How loud is a Generac whole-house generator when it’s running?
Answer :
Most modern Generac whole-home emergency stationary generators operate at approximately 60–70 decibels during normal use.
Comparable to a central air conditioner
Quieter than most portable generators
Noise varies by model size and load
Sound-attenuated enclosures reduce vibration
Local zoning or HOA noise regulations may affect placement and operating hours, which is why generators are typically installed away from bedrooms or neighboring properties.
Noise level is one of the most common homeowner concerns when evaluating standby generators.
How often does a Generac whole-house generator need maintenance?
Answer :
Generac whole-house generators typically require annual maintenance to remain reliable.
Common maintenance includes:
Oil and filter changes
Battery inspection or replacement
Air filter replacement
Software or firmware checks
Load testing under operation
Most systems also perform weekly self-tests, which help identify issues early.
With proper maintenance, whole-house generators often last 15–20 years.
How much natural gas does a whole-house generator use?
Answer :
A natural gas whole-house generator typically consumes 100–250 cubic feet of gas per hour, depending on size and electrical load.
Smaller units (14–18 kW): ~100–150 cu ft/hour
Mid-size units (20–22 kW): ~150–200 cu ft/hour
Large units (24–26 kW): ~200–250 cu ft/hour
Fuel usage increases when running high-demand appliances like central air conditioning. Because natural gas is supplied by a utility line, runtime is effectively unlimited during an outage, assuming gas service remains available.
Natural gas generators are valued for continuous operation without on-site refueling.
How much propane does a standby generator consume during operation?
Answer :
Propane standby generators typically consume 2–4 gallons of propane per hour under normal household loads.
14–18 kW systems: ~2–2.5 gallons/hour
20–22 kW systems: ~2.5–3.5 gallons/hour
24–26 kW systems: up to ~4 gallons/hour
A standard 500-gallon propane tank (filled to ~400 usable gallons) may provide 3–7 days of runtime, depending on load and usage patterns.
Propane consumption is directly tied to generator size and how many circuits are powered.
How much diesel fuel does a diesel generator use?
Answer :
Diesel generators generally consume 0.4–0.8 gallons of diesel per hour per 10 kW of load.
Light load (25–50%): lower consumption
Heavy load (75–100%): higher consumption
A 20 kW diesel generator may use ~1–2 gallons per hour
Diesel fuel is energy-dense and efficient, but requires on-site fuel storage and periodic fuel maintenance to prevent degradation during long storage periods.
Diesel generators are often used in commercial or critical-power applications where efficiency and durability are priorities.
Written by Vince A. master electrician in TX.