Whole-Home Generator Installation cost in the United States: typically $5,000–15,000 as of 2026. The exact price depends on job scope, materials, urgency (emergency and after-hours work costs more), and local demand. Compare verified local pros and request free, no-obligation quotes for real prices on your job.
- Typical cost
- $5,000–15,000
- Whole-home standby generator installation in the US (equipment + install)
Generator cost by size
| Capacity | Covers | Installed cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 kW | Essentials (fridge, lights, well pump) | $5,000–$8,000 |
| 14–18 kW | Whole house, small AC | $7,000–$11,000 |
| 20–24 kW | Whole house, central AC | $9,000–$14,000 |
| 26 kW+ | Large home with multiple AC zones | $12,000–$20,000+ |
Cost in the United States
Most US homes pay $8,000–$13,000 for a 20–22 kW Generac or Kohler installed. Demand spiked after Texas's 2021 winter blackout and ongoing hurricane seasons. Many homeowners finance through manufacturer programs or home-equity loans. Annual maintenance contracts run $200–$400.
What affects the cost?
- Fuel type — natural-gas connections are cheap; propane needs a tank ($1,500–$4,000)
- Transfer switch — automatic (ATS) costs $400–$800 more than manual
- Distance from gas line/panel — long runs add trenching and conduit
- Pad and weather protection — concrete pad and enclosure add $500–$1,200
- Permits and inspection — most municipalities require gas + electrical permits
How to save
- Off-peak install — late winter and early spring offer 10–15% discounts
- Bundle gas hookup with other work if your home isn't on natural gas yet
- Consider battery backup instead for shorter, more frequent outages
- Right-size — most homes don't need the maximum capacity their lot supports
Frequently asked questions
How much does a whole-home generator cost installed?
A standby whole-home generator costs $5,000–$15,000 installed in the US — the generator ($3,000–$6,000) plus the transfer switch, gas hookup, and labor. Size drives the price: a 10–14kW unit covers essentials; 22kW+ powers a whole large home including AC.
Standby vs portable generator — which should I get?
A standby generator starts automatically during an outage, runs on natural gas or propane, and powers the whole home ($5,000–$15,000). A portable is cheaper ($500–$2,000) but must be started and refueled manually and powers only a few circuits. Standby suits frequent or long outages; portable suits occasional backup.
How big a generator do I need for my house?
Essentials (fridge, furnace, lights, outlets) need 7–10kW; adding central AC pushes you to 14–22kW; a large all-electric home may need 22–27kW+. An electrician runs a load calculation before recommending a size — oversizing wastes money, undersizing trips the unit.
First-party pricing data
See our aggregated reference rates and provider availability across 5 countries.
HireLocal Reference Pricing Index — Q2 2026: Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Service Rates Across 5 Countries