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After the recent storm and resulting power outages, many homeowners are thinking about installing a whole-house generator. Here are some things to consider before making your purchase.

Whole-House generators are expensive.

It typically runs between $10,000 and $12,000 to properly install a generator for a home. Keep in mind the unit is hooked into your home’s electrical system and the feed from your electrical company as well as your gas or propane service. A properly installed generator includes the generator unit and a transfer switch to safely connect and disconnect your home from the commercial power system. It also takes a qualified technician to start up and inspect your new generator system the first time.

Is it worth the expense?

Homeowners who have installed a whole-house generator think so. In our area we can have power outages lasting several days when weather events knock down trees. A whole-house generator allows life to go on almost like normal aside from the noise the generator’s engine makes. You would want to run space heaters instead of a gas furnace and reduce hot water usage if your water heater also runs on gas, but those are small changes compared to having no power at all.

Is it really automatic?

Yes. It takes a few seconds for the generator to crank up and the transfer switch to throw, but you don’t have to do anything other than wait those few seconds. When commercial power is detected again, the transfer switch throws and the generator turns off.

If you’re on a propane tank, you will need to check the level every so often but the generator uses very little fuel.

Does installing a generator increase the value of my house?

No. Installing a generator does not increase the purchase price of your home. It may give your home the advantage over a similar one without a generator when it comes time to sell, though.

If you have any other questions or would like to install a whole-house generator, call Appalachian Contracting Services at 706-864-8777.

We are general contractors and also offer bathroom, basement, and kitchen remodeling as well as custom home building to clients throughout Dahlonega, GA, and the surrounding area. Call (706) 864-8777 to learn more about this licensed and insured team or visit the website for remodeling service information.

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