Sometimes called a fixed standby generator, a whole-house generator is installed permanently outside your home on a concrete pad in your yard. Whenever there is a power outage or equipment failure, the whole-house generator will automatically provide power straight to your home’s electrical panel, even if you’re not home. 

There is an automatic transfer switch disconnecting you from your utility as soon as there’s an interruption in service. An internal combustion engine is at the heart of the system, powering it. The generator can energize your home nonstop for days. When power has been restored, the generator will return to standby mode, ready for the next power outage.

The higher the generator’s capacity, the more circuits it can power at once. To determine the size of the generator to install, you need to determine your needs during a temporary emergency situation. Do not include powering all of the appliances in your home in your assessment. 

Whole-house generators themselves can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the size needed. You should also include the cost of fuel to run the generator when making a total estimation. Keep in mind, though, if you ever decide to resell your home, a whole-house generator greatly adds to the value of the house, so you could recoup much of your initial investment. One of our experienced technicians at Chesterfield Service can assist you with determining all of these costs.

DOES IT NEED MAINTENANCE?

Like any other system, there is always some upkeep involved. Be sure to get your generator serviced by a professional after 24 to 48 hours of continuous use. The oil and filter should be changed after about 10 days or so. Keep your generator healthy by checking its oil level daily during use and running it at no more than 75 percent of its rated capacity. Also, be sure to replace overworked or broken parts, such as brushes. Keeping up with this type of maintenance will ensure your generator will have a long and useful life.