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Guides

How Long Does Generator Installation Take? A Realistic TimelineHow long generator installation actually takes, from load calculation and permitting through inspection, and what speeds it up or slows it down.ProcessTransfer Switch Cost: What You'll Pay and Why You Need OneWhat a transfer switch costs, why it's required by code for any standby generator, and the safety reason you can't legally skip it.CostDoes a Standby Generator Add Value to Your Home?Does a standby generator raise your home's appraised value? What real estate agents in outage-prone markets actually say about resale impact.CostNatural Gas vs. Propane Generator: Which Fuel Should You Choose?Natural gas runs as long as your utility service is up, propane works anywhere but needs an on-site tank. Which fits your situation.Fuel TypeHow to Size a Whole-Home Generator (Sizing Calculator + Guide)How generator sizing actually works, the three common capacity tiers, and how to get a real load calculation instead of a square-footage guess.SizingGenerator Fuel Consumption: What Actually Determines ItWhat actually determines a generator's fuel consumption: load, fuel type, and tank size, and what to ask your installer about your specific model.Fuel TypeStandby vs. Portable Generators: Which One Fits Your HomeStandby generators start automatically and cost more upfront, portables cost less but need manual setup every outage. Side-by-side comparison.ComparisonGenerator Financing Options: How Homeowners Pay for InstallationCompare dealer financing, HELOCs, personal loans, and cash for paying for a standby generator, and what to check before comparing offers.FinancingGenerator Permit Requirements: What Texas and Florida Homeowners Need to KnowGenerator permit requirements in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Orlando, and why skipping a permit can cause real problems later.PermitsAir-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled Generators: What's the DifferenceAir-cooled and liquid-cooled generators differ in cost, noise, and capacity. See which one fits a typical home versus larger or light-commercial systems.SizingGenerator Maintenance: What a Standby System Actually NeedsWhat routine standby generator maintenance actually covers, why the weekly self-test isn't a malfunction, and who should do the work.MaintenanceBackup Power for Medical Equipment: What to KnowWhat to know about generator transfer gaps, utility medical baseline programs, and what to tell your installer if you rely on electrically powered medical equipment.SafetyGenerators for Well Pumps and Sump PumpsWhy well pumps and sump pumps need special attention in a generator load calculation, and what to tell your installer if you have either.SizingWhat Size Generator Do You Need for Your HomeWhy square footage alone doesn't determine generator size, and the three common sizing tiers based on which circuits you want backed up.SizingGenerator Warranties: What's Actually CoveredWhat manufacturer and installer workmanship warranties on a standby generator actually cover, and the questions to ask before you sign.WarrantiesGenerator Installation Cost by City: 2026 Local Price GuideTypical whole-home generator installation costs in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Orlando, and why Florida runs higher than Texas.CostPower Outage Preparedness: A Practical ChecklistA practical checklist for before, during, and after a power outage, including generator, food-safety, and carbon-monoxide safety basics.PreparednessGenerator Installation Checklist: What to Ask Before You Sign a QuoteThe questions to ask before signing a generator installation quote, and the red flags that mean it's time to walk away.ProcessWhole House Generator Cost: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026See typical whole-house generator costs in 2026, including equipment, installation, transfer switches, permits, and the factors that affect pricing.Cost

Generator cost guides by state

Real installer- and city-reported pricing for 40 states.