Are you tired of dealing with power outages that disrupt your daily life at home or cause costly downtime for your business?
A reliable backup generator like the Generac 22kW model can give you peace of mind, keeping your lights on and your critical appliances running when the electricity goes out.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Generac 22kW Generator?
But before you invest, you’re probably wondering: How much will it cost me to get one of these generators fully installed and ready to go?
Don’t worry, we’ll break it all down everything about the Generac 22kW Generator for you in this article!
What is a Generac 22kW Generator?
The Generac 22kW generator is a reliable, whole-house backup power solution. It automatically starts during outages to keep your essential appliances running.
With WiFi monitoring and flexible fuel options, this generator offers peace of mind and convenience for homeowners seeking dependable emergency power. Check the Brochure
Generac Generators: A Reputation for Reliability
First off, let’s talk about why Generac generators are so popular and well-regarded. Generac has been a trusted name in backup power solutions for over 60 years. Their generators are known for:
- Dependability – Generac generators are built to withstand extreme weather and provide power when you need it most.
- Advanced features – Many models come with convenient capabilities like Wi-Fi connectivity and automatic startup when an outage is detected.
- Versatile fuel options – Generac generators can typically run on either natural gas from your home’s supply or liquid propane from a tank.
The Cost of Different Generac Generator Models:
Generac offers a range of home backup generators at different power output levels and price points. Here’s a table summarizing several of their most popular models and the fully installed cost you can expect:
| Generator Model | Quick Specs | Installed Price |
|---|---|---|
| Guardian 26kW | Whole House, WiFi | $10,500 – $10,700 |
| Guardian 24kW | Whole House, WiFi | $10,300 – $10,900 |
| Guardian 22kW | Whole House, WiFi | $9,900 – $10,700 |
| Guardian 20kW | 3-Phase, WiFi | $10,900 |
| Guardian 18kW | Whole House, WiFi | $9,400 – $10,200 |
| Guardian 14kW | 16 Circuit – Whole House, WiFi | $8,600 – $9,300 |
| Guardian 10kW | 16 Circuit – Whole House, WiFi | $7,700 – $8,300 |
| PowerPact 7.5kW | 8 Circuit | $6,500 |
These prices include the generator itself, installation labor, and additional components like an automatic transfer switch to transition your home’s power supply to the generator when needed.
However, your specific install cost may vary a bit based on your home’s setup and location.
Cost Factors for Installing a Generac 22kW Generator
Let’s zoom in on the Generac Guardian 22kW model as an example and look at the main factors that impact how much it will cost to get one hooked up at your house:
Generator Size and Capacity
The 22kW generator is a popular choice for whole-house backup power, supporting essential appliances and systems during an outage. In general, higher-capacity generators like this have higher upfront costs compared to less powerful models. Expect to pay more for a 22kW than you would for an 18kW or 14kW.
Power Needs Assessment
An important step in generator installation is figuring out how much power output you need to back up the most critical components of your home. You’ll want to work with your installer to determine which appliances and rooms are essential to power during an emergency – things like your refrigerator, lighting, medical devices, etc.
Properly “sizing” your generator helps ensure you get a unit that meets your needs without overspending on excess capacity. Online calculators are available to help with this, or your installer can guide you through an evaluation.
Choice of Power Source
The two most common fuel types for home standby generators are:
- Natural gas – Connects to your home’s existing natural gas utility line. Very convenient if your house already has gas service.
- Liquid propane – Supplied by a tank installed on your property, which requires periodic refilling. Offers more flexibility for homes without natural gas.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost differences between gas and propane generator installation:
| Fuel Type | Typical Install Cost |
|---|---|
| Natural Gas | $2,000 – $21,000 |
| Liquid Propane | $2,000 – $21,000 |
In most cases, the overall cost range is similar for both fuel sources. Your installer can help you determine which option makes the most sense for your home’s setup and location.
Electrical Upgrades and Modifications
Beyond just placing the generator itself, your installation will likely require some electrical work to connect it to your home’s wiring.
This often includes:
- Installing a transfer switch to detect outages and switch the house to generator power
- Adding a sub panel to split off circuits for the backed-up appliances/rooms
- Running new wiring to link the generator to your main electrical panel
- Burying utility lines in a trench if needed
Some of the potential costs for this electrical work are:
- Transfer switch and subpanel: $600 – $2,000+
- New circuit wiring: $500 – $1,000+
- Buried line trenching: Cost varies
Your specific home and property layout will dictate which of these elements are needed and how complex the job is, which impacts the final price. Having detailed electrical diagrams on hand is helpful.
Permit Requirements
Don’t forget about the paperwork! Most cities and counties require a building permit before installing a standby generator, and there may be inspections needed to confirm it’s hooked up properly. Permitting fees are usually in the ballpark of:
- $50 – $200 for a basic electrical permit.
- Up to $500+ if zoning/planning reviews are needed.
Be sure to check your local building department’s requirements and factor these costs into your overall budget.
Installation Costs
Okay, so how much will you have to pay the professionals to get your generator installed and fired up?
Here’s a rundown of the typical costs involved:
- Initial site assessment (often free)
- Pouring concrete generator pad: $50 – $75 per square foot
- Placing the fuel tank or connecting to the gas line: $50 – $100 per hour
- Doing electrical hookups, wiring, transfer switch: $65 – $85 per hour
- Additional materials like conduit, breakers, etc.: $300 – $2,000
Altogether, the labor and material costs for a typical Generac 22kW install fall in the range of:
- $1,500 on the low end for a simple, straightforward job
- Up to $5,000 or more for a complex install with trenching, subpanels, etc.
Of course, every job is unique – your installer can provide a detailed quote after evaluating your home’s specific circumstances.
Should You DIY or Go with a Pro Installer?
It may be tempting to try installing your generator on your own to save some money. But for most folks, it’s much better to leave this job to the professionals. Here’s why:
- Electrical work can be dangerous if you’re not trained in proper safety practices
- Improper installation can damage the generator or your home’s wiring
- Many generator warranties are voided if it’s not installed by a certified technician
- Inspectors may not approve a DIY install, leading to headaches down the road
Professional installers have the tools, training, and experience to get the job done right, with minimal hassle on your part. It’s worth the extra cost for the peace of mind that your generator will be reliable and up to code.
The Typical Generator Installation Process
So what does it look like to get your Generac 22kW installed?
Here are the basic steps your installation team will go through:
- Initial consultation and site visit to plan location and wiring connections.
- Obtaining necessary work permits and zoning approvals.
- Prepping the site, pouring a concrete pad, and positioning the generator.
- Hooking up the fuel source, whether a propane tank or natural gas line.
- Doing electrical connections to your breaker box and installing transfer switches.
- Testing the system startup, power output, and safety shutoffs.
- Final inspection walkthrough and paperwork for permitting and warranty.
The exact timetable depends on scheduling and the complexity of the job, but you can generally expect it to take anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks to get everything completed and certified.
Maintenance Costs to Keep Your Generator in Top Shape
Your expenses don’t stop once the installation is done – you’ll want to budget for some ongoing routine maintenance to keep your Generac 22kW in peak condition and avoid problems when you need it most. Typical annual maintenance includes:
- Oil and filter changes
- Spark plug cleaning/replacement
- Fuel system checks and cleaning
- Cooling and exhaust system inspection
- Battery charging and wiring check
- Transfer switch testing
Expect to spend around $200 – $300 per year if you have a dealer perform this maintenance. You can save a bit by doing some basic tasks yourself, like oil changes, but anything involving electrical or fuel systems is best left to a professional for safety.
Putting It All Together: Total Generac 22kW Generator Costs
Let’s add it all up! Here’s a quick summary table of the expected costs for purchasing and installing a Generac 22kW home backup generator:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Generator | $6,300+ |
| Installation Labor & Materials | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Permits | $50 – $200 |
| Annual Maintenance | $200 – $300 |
| Total Year 1 Cost | $8,050 – $11,800 |
As you can see, the all-in cost for getting your home equipped with one of these standby generators is significant – but for many people, the security and convenience of having backup power is well worth the investment.
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The Bottom Line: Reliable Backup Power Is Priceless
Yes, a Generac 22kW generator is a big purchase, and the costs of installation and upkeep aren’t trivial. But when you consider the benefits of having dependable electricity to power your essential appliances, devices, and medical equipment during emergencies, it’s hard to put a price on that peace of mind.
Plus, think of the potential savings compared to the alternative:
- Hundreds of dollars of spoiled food from a power outage.
- Frozen pipes burst when the heat goes out.
- Flooding damage because your sump pump couldn’t run.
- Lost work time if you operate a home business.
When you weigh those risks, a reliable standby generator starts to look like a very smart long-term investment.
So if you’re ready to take the next step, talk to a certified Generac dealer in your area to get an installation quote and make sure your home and family are protected from power outages.
