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Generator Installation: Benefits, Costs, and Procedure

Vance Electric • July 17, 2020

Explore the benefits, costs, and what's needed for a generator installation at your home. We walk you through the steps for getting generator services.

Whether the cause is a thunderstorm, accident, or natural disaster when the electricity goes out it can be frightening and costly. Your family is thrust into darkness as Mother Nature slams your home with rain and hail.

Food in the refrigerator can spoil and it could be hours or days before the electricity comes back on. A generator can provide your family with peace of mind and electricity to power your home. We’ll examine the many benefits of generators, average costs, and the importance of professional installation.

It can make sure your home never goes dark again.

The Benefits of Owning a Home Generator

People tend to take the electricity in their homes for granted. It’s something you never think about because it’s always there, but when something happens to disrupt that power it can throw your life into turmoil.



One of the biggest benefits of owning a home generator is it can power your home during a natural disaster or massive storm. If you have a family with small children, then the roar of the thunder mixed with no electricity can be very frightening.

It lets you keep the lights on, Internet, and gaming systems, so their life can be as normal as possible while the rest of the neighborhood is dark.


Sometimes the power goes out during the day because of an accident or planned maintenance. If you work from home, then you still need to get your work done. A generator lets you run your computer and other office equipment without worrying about losing anything because of the power outage.


There is nothing nicer than a full refrigerator and freezer. When the power goes out, all the food could go to waste. Let it protect your food and run your appliances such as ovens and microwaves so you can eat.

How Do Standby Home Generators Work?

It is connected directly into the main power system of your house and sits idle when the power grid is on. During a power outage, it senses the grid is off and automatically switches to power the home.



The generator is connected into the propane or natural gas line, so there is no need to refill it with fuel. It stays on and powers the home until it senses the power grid come back online.


It then switches back over to the main power grid and stands idle again until needed.

What’s the Cost of a Home Generator?

While there is an upfront cost of a standby home generator, peace of mind and the ability to have a normal life when the power goes off is enough to encourage the investment. The cost of the unit depends on the size of your home and your power needs.



It’s best to get a free in-home assessment from Vance Electric in Springfield, VA to find the Generac generator that is right for your home. You want something that won’t leave you short on electricity, but also isn’t so large that you’re not using the unit to its fullest potential.


Generac standby generators start at about $2,000 for a 7-kilowatt and can go up to $5800 for a 22-kilowatt unit plus home generator installation costs. Keep in mind the 22-kilowatt unit can power a 5,000 square foot home.

What’s Involved with Generator Installation?

The first step is determining the proper place for the unit. It must be in an area that is stable and won’t flood. There must be enough room all around it for technicians to work on it when needed. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, then you’ll want to check on their rules as well.



All generators must be at least 1½ feet from the house and 50 inches from any doors, air intakes, and windows. There must also be at least 3 feet in front of the unit. Ideally, it’s as close to the natural gas or propane line for easy installation and cost savings.


Once the site is chosen, the area has pea gravel installed or a concrete slab, and the unit is placed on top. The technicians connect the fuel line, transfer switch, and the generator to the main house electrical.


Finally, they check the wiring to make sure it is correct and then does an outage simulation to make sure it works when needed. They also set up self-tests to be performed weekly.


It takes only a day to install a unit.

Costs Associated with Home Generator Installation

The total cost of the installation depends on several factors from the type of unit installed to if it’s connected to all circuits or just essential ones. Factors such as how close the electrical meter and gas meter are to each other also play a part in costs.



A general rule of thumb for generator installation costs is it is near the cost of the unit. For example, if you purchased a $4,000 one then the installation will be $4,000 as well. It’s best to talk with Vance Electric in Springfield, VA certified professional installers for a more defined cost estimate.

Have Your Unit Installed by Professionals

It’s natural to want to save money, it’s important that your Generac generator is only installed by certified professionals such as the Vance Electric in Springfield, VA. If it isn't installed improperly, then it could fail when needed or become damaged when turned on.



We adhere to all local, state, and federal codes when installing your unit. Each of our technicians is factory-trained and certified. If you want your unit working and ready for action, then don’t trust the home generator installation to anyone else.

Never Let the Lights Go Out Again

A standby home generator can give your peace of mind that when the power goes out, your home and family will be safe and warm inside their well-lit home. The cost of the unit and generator installation pales in comparison to the feeling you’ll have when you’re the only house on the block with the lights on.


Vance Electric in Springfield, VA can help you find and install the perfect unit for your home. If you want to learn more about Generac generators or would like an in-home assessment, then please contact Vance Electric in Springfield, VA today.

By Vance Electric February 28, 2025
Is there anything as disruptive as a power outage? Whether there's an issue with the power grid or a powerful storm, a blackout can prevent you from enjoying the comfort of your home and adversely affect your work. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about one in four American households experience a power outage annually. Acquiring a Generac generator is a necessity if you want to avoid the inconvenience caused by an outage. Standby generators automatically detect outages, ensuring you don't sit in the dark or have the food in your freezer go bad. Let's explore Generac generators and why you need one in your home. How Generac Generators Work Installing a Generac standby generator ensures your home has backup power whenever necessary. The main types of generators are standby and portable. Generac generators function in the following ways: Detecting Power Outages These generators can come with a transfer switch that automatically monitors the flow of electricity in your home. When there is a power outage, the generator kicks in, supplying power to your home. A home Generac generator doesn't need you to connect any cables or physically switch it on. It will automatically supply your house with electricity, ensuring your appliances keep running. Continuous Running and Automatic Shutdown As a new generator owner , you'll realize that Generac generators run continuously as long as the power outage lasts. The generators are specifically designed to handle long run times and provide power for an extended period. They automatically shut down when the grid comes back on and go back to standby mode, acting as a reliable energy solution for future outages. Benefits of a Generac Generator Owning a Generac generator offers more benefits than just a continuous power supply. These generators can start running when the lights go out in under 30 seconds. The automatic function means you don't have to be home to turn it on. So, you will not incur any losses as your business or home will continue running smoothly. A Generac generator also adds value to your property and can help you get a high resale price if you decide to sell. Having a Generac generator can also reduce your homeowners' insurance premiums . Here are a few tips to extend your generator's life and optimize its benefits: Make preventive repairs Regularly inspect the battery Exercise the generator Test and replace the fuel Features of Generac Generators The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Americans experienced about five and a half hours of power interruptions in 2022. Unexpected power outages can result in heavy financial losses resulting from missed work and perishable goods going bad . These features of Generac generators enhance their reliability and efficiency: User-friendly control features All-weather features Fuel efficiency and durability Smart monitoring with some generators having features such as Wi-Fi Further, modern generators minimize sound output, reducing noise pollution in your house. Talking with one of the best Generac dealers in Springfield can help you understand the features of any unit prior to the purchase. Generac generators run on liquid propane or natural gas; you don't need to refuel them since they will connect directly to your house's fuel line. This feature also makes them less expensive to maintain than generators that run on gas. How Long Do Generac Generators Run As a business or homeowner, nothing comes close to the disruption of a power outage. Although weather conditions are the leading cause of outages, the power grid can go down for various reasons. Consequently, having a standby or home generator guarantees continuous, uninterrupted power. They don't run on gasoline, meaning you don't have to continually refuel them when the power grid is off for a prolonged period. The main factors that determine how long a Generac generator will last include: The generator model The load capacity Fuel type Natural gas generators, such as Generac generators, can last indefinitely. The continuous gas supply from your home's fuel line keeps the generator running as long as necessary. However, portable generators may not run continuously as standby models. One of the reasons to buy a Generac standby generator is that it can run 24/7 regardless of weather conditions. Maintenance Tips for Generac Generators Generator maintenance is necessary for smooth, continuous running when you need backup energy. One of the first maintenance tips you should follow is to get maintenance service from a reputable commercial dealer . But how can you know that a company has a good reputation? Some of the indicators of a great dealer are: Great online reviews from previous customers Level of experience Certifications and qualifications of individual vendors Referrals and level of customer service The maintenance needs of generators will vary depending on the type or model. A Generac vendor can help you understand the warning signs your generator needs maintenance. However, you shouldn't wait for visible signs to appear before getting your generators regularly serviced. Some of the signs your generator needs maintenance work include: Low power output Difficulty starting Fluid leakage Strange noise and faulty parts Age is another sign that your generator needs maintenance. Like other machines, generators experience wear and tear, so it's only normal that they'll need greater maintenance as they get older. Who Needs Generac Generators According to the Climate Central Organization, power outages are more common across the United States. The main reason behind this is the changing climate, which caused approximately 83% of all power outages from 2000 to 2021. Getting a Generac generator is a priority for any homeowner or businessman. You need to understand that there are different types of generators , such as: Backup generators Portable generators Standby generators Industrial generators Choose a generator that can meet your needs. Backup generators are ideal if you experience short-term blackouts, whereas standby generators are better suited if you need a continuous power supply . Keep Your Home Running With Generac Generators Today Generac generators are the best bet if you want an uninterrupted power supply for your home or business. A standby generator can run for weeks and even months if necessary. Vancelectric has experience dating back to 1998, and we've gained a reputation built on providing high-quality Generac generators . We also offer installation and maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly. Check out our website today to see all our energy solutions.
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