Generator Installation: What It Costs, How It Works, and Why Your Home Might Need One 

A Beginner-Friendly Guide from Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric 

Why You’re Probably Searching “Generator Installation” 

Power outages are becoming more common across the U.S. Whether it’s due to winter storms, high winds, or grid failures, one thing is clear: the modern home isn’t built to go without power. 

A professionally installed generator keeps your family safe, comfortable, and connected when the lights go out. But if you’ve never researched generators before, it can feel overwhelming. 

That’s why we created this guide—built specifically for homeowners who are just starting to explore their options and want a simple, straightforward explanation. 

What Is a Home Generator? 

A home generator is a backup power system that kicks in automatically or manually when your home loses power. Most home generators run on natural gas, propane, or gasoline, and can power either individual circuits or your entire home. 

There are two main types: 

• Portable generators, which are manually connected and started 

• Standby generators, which are permanently installed and start automatically using an automatic transfer switch (ATS) 

DIY installation is not legal or safe—fuel and electrical connections must be done by licensed professionals. 

What Does Generator Installation Involve? 

Here’s what to expect from a full-service installation: 

• A free consultation to assess your home’s power needs and available fuel sources 

• Generator sizing and a written quote with equipment recommendations 

• Permitting and code compliance (handled by your installer) 

• Site preparation, trenching, and pad installation 

• Electrical and gas hookups 

• Commissioning and safety testing 

• Walkthrough and training 

• Warranty registration and ongoing maintenance enrollment 

What Happens During Generator Installation? (Step-by-Step Process) 

Here’s how Paschal handles generator installations—start to finish. 

Step 1: Free In-Home Consultation 

We evaluate: 

• Your backup power goals (key circuits or whole home) 

• Available fuel type (natural gas or propane) 

• Your home’s electrical panel and installation site 

Then we provide a detailed plan and itemized estimate. 

Step 2: Sizing and Final Quote 

We calculate how much backup power your home needs in kilowatts (kW). A small home might need 8–10kW; whole-home coverage may require 22kW or more. 

Step 3: Permits and Utility Coordination 

We handle all local permitting, code compliance, and coordination with your electric or gas provider. 

Step 4: Site Prep and Concrete Pad 

We level the area and install a concrete pad to meet code and provide stability. 

Step 5: Fuel and Electrical Installation 

• Connect the generator to your natural gas meter or propane tank 

• Install the ATS and wire your electrical panel for seamless transitions 

Step 6: Commissioning and Safety Testing 

We simulate an outage and check: 

• Load distribution 

• Gas pressure and seals 

• Transfer timing and reliability 

• Generator startup, idle, and shutdown 

Step 7: Final Walkthrough and Service Setup 

We show you: 

• How to monitor and test your system 

• What to expect during automatic weekly test cycles 

• How to enroll in an annual maintenance plan 

Types of Home Generators 

Need help choosing a size? Try Generac’s sizing calculator. 

Generator Installation  (U.S. Averages) 

Hidden Costs to Watch For 

While we provide upfront quotes, some homes may need additional work: 

• Extending gas lines or installing a new propane tank 

• Upgrading old or undersized electrical panels 

• Generator maintenance ($250–$400/year) 

• Battery replacement in your ATS every 3–5 years 

• Extra fuel use during extended outages 

Why Are Some Companies More Expensive? 

Not all generator installation quotes are created equal. If you’re seeing a significantly higher price, it’s often due to: 

• Premium brands or models (like Kohler or high-capacity Generac units) 

• Extended warranties or bundled maintenance contracts 

• Electrical panel upgrades or major trenching work 

• In-house installation teams instead of subcontractors 

• Higher-end finishes or sound-dampening enclosures 

These upgrades may be worth it depending on your long-term goals—but be sure you’re comparing apples to apples when reviewing estimates. 

Why Are Some Companies So Cheap? 

On the flip side, be cautious with unusually low bids. In generator installation, lower prices can sometimes mean: 

• Cutting corners on permitting or inspections 

• Using lower-efficiency or refurbished generators 

• Skipping critical work like concrete pad prep or gas pressure testing 

• Subcontracting without oversight 

• No long-term service or warranty support 

If a price seems too good to be true, ask detailed questions about what’s included—and what isn’t. 

Lifetime Cost vs. Initial Price 

A generator is more than a one-time purchase—it’s a long-term investment in safety, comfort, and home value. Here’s a quick breakdown of lifetime ownership costs: 

Many homeowners recoup these costs within a few years by avoiding hotel stays, spoiled food, and lost income from work interruptions. And with proper care, a standby generator can last 20–30 years. 

What Does Maintenance Look Like? 

 Modern standby generators are designed to be low maintenance, but routine care is still essential. 

According to Generac’s official maintenance schedule, you should: 

• Have a licensed tech perform a full inspection once a year 

• Replace the battery every 3–5 years 

• Check and top off oil and filters 

• Verify carbon monoxide (CO) exhaust clearance 

• Test your system before storm season 

We also follow Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines for safe generator operation and CO monitoring. 

Is Generator Installation Worth It? 

If you spend $10,000 on a standby generator and avoid: 

• $300 in food spoilage 

• $500 in missed remote work 

• $250 in hotel stays during outages 

That’s $1,050 in savings during a single outage. Multiply that by two or three events a year, and the system can pay for itself in just a few years—while giving you comfort, safety, and peace of mind. 

What to Do Next 

Here’s how to get started: 

• List your essential appliances or medical devices 

• Confirm your fuel source (natural gas, propane, or neither yet) 

• Decide if you want whole-home coverage or just critical systems 

• Set a budget between $3,500–$25,000 depending on system size 

• Schedule a free consultation with a licensed pro 

Real Customers. Real Results. 

At Paschal, we don’t just install generators — we install peace of mind. Here’s what local homeowners are saying about their experience: 

Joe B
View Review on Google
“Paschal has been our go-to company for all our HVAC, plumbing and electrical since we moved here six years ago and we’ve never been disappointed with them. They installed our new whole house generator this time and were still just as timely, communicative, friendly and professional as always. Great job from great folks!” 

Kay Vandever
View Review on Google
“We have been using Paschal for HVAC and generator maintenance for the past several years and have always been pleased with their techs and service. We would like to send a special shout out to Dillon Matthews, who has been here to do the spring and fall maintenance for our shop HVAC, as well as the two systems in our house. Dillon is extremely conscientious, courteous, thorough, knowledgeable, and very professional. Thank you, Dillon!!” 

Generator Installation FAQs 

How long does installation take?
Most standby generator installs are completed in 1–2 days, after permitting and prep are finished. 

Can I use propane if I don’t have natural gas?
Yes. We frequently install systems using buried or above-ground propane tanks. 

Do I need a new electrical panel?
Only if your current panel is outdated or too small to support the ATS. We’ll assess this during your consultation. 

Can I finance my generator?
Yes. Many customers use monthly payment plans—ask us about current options. 

Is a permit required?
Yes. We handle all permitting and inspections to keep your install safe and compliant. 

Feel Like It’s Time to Take Control of Your Power? 

If you’re wondering whether a generator is right for your home, you’re not alone. Paschal’s team will work with you to design a backup power plan that fits your needs and budget. 

Schedule a consultation today.