Find out generator costs by type and size in 2026. Portable vs standby generators compared. Installation costs included. Free guide.
Generator costs range from $500 for a portable gas model to $15,000+ for a whole-home standby generator with installation. After major hurricanes and ice storms demand surges and prices jump 20-40%. Understanding your power needs, the right generator size, and what installation requires helps you prepare before an emergency rather than overpaying in a crisis.
Generator price ranges: Portable inverter generator (1,000-2,000W): $500-$1,200 — powers essentials only, refrigerator and phone charging. Portable generator (3,500-8,000W): $400-$1,500 — window AC, appliances, not central HVAC. Standby generator (7-10kW, small home): $2,500-$4,500 equipment plus $2,000-$4,000 installation. Standby generator (14-20kW, average home): $4,000-$7,000 equipment plus $3,000-$5,000 installation. Standby generator (22-26kW, large home): $7,000-$12,000 equipment plus $4,000-$6,000 installation. Total installed whole-home: $7,000-$18,000.
Generator sizing guide: Essential circuits only (refrigerator, lights, phone): 3,000-5,000 watts. Add window AC unit: plus 1,000-1,500 watts. Add well pump: plus 750-1,000 watts. Central HVAC (gas heat, AC): requires 14,000-20,000 watts. Whole home including electric stove and dryer: requires 22,000-26,000 watts. Rule: do not run generator at over 80% capacity — size up from minimum calculated need. Online wattage calculators available from Generac and Kohler.
Whole-home generator value: Worth it if: you lose power frequently (more than 2x per year), have medical equipment requiring power, home office with critical work data, sump pump required to prevent flooding, or home in hurricane or ice storm zone. Payback analysis: $12,000 installed standby versus $500-$2,000 in spoiled food and hotel costs per extended outage. For areas with frequent multi-day outages: pays for itself in 5-10 events.
DIY generator installation: Portable generator: plug-in setup is DIY. Never run in garage or enclosed space — carbon monoxide kills. Use outdoor-rated extension cords. Standby generator: requires licensed electrician for transfer switch, licensed plumber for gas line connection. Permit required in most jurisdictions. Utility disconnect required to prevent backfeed to power lines — extremely dangerous if done incorrectly. Always hire licensed professionals for standby installation.
Generator fuel comparison: Gasoline: widely available, cannot store long-term, most portable generators. Propane: stores indefinitely, cleaner burning, requires propane tank. Natural gas: unlimited supply if connected to utility, cannot be stored — best for standby. Dual fuel (gas and propane): flexibility, good emergency option. Best for standby: natural gas — automatic and unlimited fuel. Best for portable: dual fuel or propane for storage stability.
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