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.

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.