Generac Quote Review | What does it cost?

What to expect from a Generac Quote, and example cost detailed out in the quote.
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Cost of the unit
01:44 Total cost
02:34 Purchase Agreement

[@richardbenson4048]

My experience in New Jersey. Cost of installation was 3 times the cost of the generator. Getting local government approvals took weeks. The mobile link does not work because I can't get connection. Requested help from installer, mobile link, and Generac but no response. Paying for service that doesn't work. Neighbor has same setup with similar problems. Any service form Install company of Generac is excessive in cost. Everything displayed is accurate as far as I can tell looking at my contract. My COPD requires oxygen that I get from respirator machines that I need 24 hrs a day. Since I don't think I can rely on the utility company. I bought the Generac. All three of the companies involved in the installation and Maintenace will not respond to any calls for help. I can't say if the other vendors of systems like this are any better or worse. Such have our companies become in this country. We are left with recourse but to accept the situation.

[@MooGary1]

Wow! We ultimately decided against doing this after going through the quote, but reviews like this would have certainly helped us make our decision. We put in a backfeed plug ourselves (I need to do a video on that) and can run a portable generator to serve our purpose (and our budget), but we don't have the medical issues like you described either... We also didn't have to get approvals, so that would be another cost/headache for folks to consider. I hate to hear it's gone badly for you, but thanks for commenting and helping others!

[@blackrifle6736]

*Once again New Jersey living down to its reputation. In your case and that of many others, "You get what you vote for" can be a life-threatening experience. Cheers and best wishes from a happy Florida 26K Generac 7291 owner.*

[@kenherrera2819]

Your information is spot-on! We had an 18KW system installed two years ago, we have natural gas everything so didn't need as much power, the Generac-authorized dealer handled everything, from permits to supplies to complete install and our price was just a few dollars over 14K. We just wrote a check and they did everything else, it was a complete turn-key transaction! Here is something that was a pleasant surprise for us. Shortly after the install we had the house re-appraised and the appraisal sheet gave us an additional 7-thousand dollars in value for the Generac generator! When considering comparables our home was given a 7-thousand dollars credit for having a generator when the comparables had no such back up power system. In effect, while the generator cost 14-thousand thanks to the added value of our home I feel as though we got the whole thing done for 7-thosuand! I know, We DID pay 14k, but it was wonderful to see that half of that price was tacked onto the value of our home. Everything works perfectly, including Mobile Link and the generator has served us well during several blackouts!

[@MooGary1]

You know I hadn't thought about the appraisal value of the home being affected by the installation. Thats a good point. If you are going to have one installed that would help ease the pain. Thanks for the comment!

[@jc8247]

We live in Florida and my wife and I are both 79 years old, we decided that we needed a backup generator. Like you say the price is outrageous, but living in florida everything is way way over priced, but what can you do, you either pay or go without. At our age going without was not an option. I wish we did this years ago. I agree with this guy.

[@ronpecinajr]

Price is outrageous? You must not have a clue what labor and materials, not to mention training to get these generators up and running.

[@nhojcam]

we were without power after a hurricane for 8 days. we checked into a generac whole-house standby generator afterwards and absolutely could NOT cost-justify it. $18k. absolutely rip off on installation. i decided to put in a 10-circuit transfer switch myself ($400) and a portable 6500 watt generac ($500) gasoline generator for a grand total of less than $1000 (2023 pricing). did the 30 amp outlet and everything myself. sure, i've got to cart around and go get gas for the generator, but the hassle factor is well worth the $17k difference.

[@MooGary1]

Yeah I agree. In my other video I show my set up which is pretty similar to what you are describing kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3zGipimZtmqoK8si=5oqnRrH6fzKwY18A

[@saintmichael7252]

What happens when the gas stations run out of fuel? Last outage I dealt with in Houston, gas stations were tapped in 48hrs

[@yfdfireman2]

We are similar, 4.3k sqft with electric stove, double oven, electric dryer and a 4 ton ac. I was quoted a 26kw generator with similar costs. We went with a 14kw that runs everything including the ac for about 1/2 the cost. The trick is to use a soft start on the ac which drops inrush from just over 100amps to just under 40. We could actually get by with a 6000 watt generator now. Might be something to look into with your current setup if you want ac.

[@MooGary1]

Yup, that's right. I hope folks realize there are lots of options out there and you are not necessarily stuck with the first bid you get.

[@pedalforsanity]

I’ve had one for 6 years and it’s been great. Money spent well worth it. My install all totaled was $8k and I’d gladly spend it again

[@MooGary1]

Good deal. How much have you used yours?

[@trith72]

That's about spot on for my install cost I had done last September. I only had 1 ATS and I went with the 24kw because I have gas heat and gas hot water heaters and gas dryer so I didn't need the extra few watts. I did have to pay a little extra because my gas and electric were on opposite sides of the house so I had to pay for the cable run across the attic. I have an elderly dad who has dementia, and I work from home in IT so I have to have power at all times, so for me 14k was a solid expense vs having to worry about my dad's health when temps in the home get to 100-120 degrees with no power. We have a lot of power outages down here in Louisiana because our grid is so old and out of date and power companies will not invest in upgrades in this state. Natural gas is dirt cheap and abundant so this was a good trade for the cost, and we've already used it for about 30 hours since install....it's nice to be able to get up, work, and go to bed in a nice warm or cool home while you neighbors are packing everything they own and trying to find a place to stay or a hotel that hasn't filled up. I can see the 14k being a tough pill to swallow if you circumstances don't 100% require it like mine did. I also have no issues with Mobilelink, it works great and never drops or goes down. My Installer is Johnny on the spot too, and they have come by twice since install just to check on things. I think a lot of it is a crap shoot on whether you get a reputable company or a fly by night. The one i went with has been around here for 30 years and is family owned. There are a lot of "pop up" installers unfortunately (especially after bad weather) who disappear like steam after the install is done, and they usually botch several things in the process. I got lucky and did my research.

[@MooGary1]

Yup, perfect scenario for this application. We went all electric (except tankless water heaters and gas logs) so our wattage was higher.

[@noeltomas]

Well I had this bright idea that I was going to get a home back up generator like this Generac here, since most of my neighbors have it and the last time we had a hurricane outage, it lasted 21 days. But then my wife has a brighter idea. She says why not go for solar panels instead. So I did. For a net cost of $16,500 I now have a 12 kilowatt system that generates power every day. There are at least four months of the year where my electric bill is negative (I pay zero) and the utility saves the KWHrs for me. I love it. We haven't had a power outage since I got the panels so I'm way ahead. Ha.

[@MooGary1]

Nice! What part of the country are you in?

[@danlah1303]

Yep, the companies that specialize in generator installs are making money hand over fist. I got Honeywell-branded Generac at Costco and then found a electrical company that could install it for me including gas hookup which they dug about 6 ft underground using CSST in a conduit. The companies that specialize in generators won't install one if you buy it yourself. So I had to spend a fair amount of time finding a contractor that would. I did the generator sizing myself, which isn't hard if you can do a little bit of research and have a technical-mind. I had to do the work with the gas company to get my meter upgraded, which was a pain. I got 20kw done for about $7-8K back in 2019. I was lucky! I don't know if I could justify $15K.

[@MooGary1]

Yup, I agree.

[@kcgunesq]

In my personal experience, you can save several thousand dollars if you are willing to act as the general contractor, hiring the plumber and electrician. You will save even more if you are willing to install the trench yourself. Even renting a large trencher will likely be at least $1,000 less than having the plumber do it.

[@MooGary1]

That's a really good suggestion to help take the edge off the cost.

[@anthonydooley3616]

I agree. $15,000 is way too much. I don't know why you would need two ATS. I would buy the generator and ATS. Then get a few quotes from local electricians for installation. You can save a bunch of money on installation this way. They added a lot of small things that aren't necessary. like carbon monoxide detector? The generator is outside. A friend of mine bought a brand new propane generator 22kw on marketplace for about half price. It had never been installed and was still in the box. He hooked it up himself and it works fine.

[@MooGary1]

For me, I have 2 separate panels that have homeruns back to the meter so that is why they quoted me 2. Agree on the shopping around for sure.

[@bobbray9666]

I'll soon get a quote for a Kohler 20KW unit installed but will probably hire a relative electrician who will wire it on a weekend and then find a plumber for the NG hookup. These generators companies make great margins because they can.

[@MooGary1]

Yeah, several folks have mentioned getting someone local to install or doing yourself. I'm not sure if it would affect the warranty on the unit if not a certified installer.

[@dianewilliamsbarbour4336]

Liked your video. One dealer states they would not and was told by Generac to lock out a heat pump because it would cause problem with the generator. They won't even do a delay start for a heat pump. What are your thoughts, was looking to get 24kw? Thanks.

[@MooGary1]

Thanks! Hope it helps. The only problem I could see is if you are undersized on your generator for the loads you are pulling. One thing to consider is that typically you are not starting everything at exactly the same time (start up on motors/compressors being your max current draw) and at full load so you could get away a little less generator than the max load on your panel.

[@1dartow]

My experience in Tennessee was, the Generator itself was about $5k but the installation was double that.

[@MooGary1]

Seems about in line.

[@BrianD-ds4dx]

If you required two ATS, am I to assume that you have a 400 Amp electrical service? That certainly adds additional work for the individuals who are doing the electrical work but it also makes me wonder if anyone explained to you that you technically probably would have to have load management for your system to work properly. I do see that they bid you on soft starts for your AC. I am a huge fan of those in the south and wish AC companies would push them harder the soft starts can be really good for the compressor

[@MooGary1]

Yes that is correct, very observant. I like the soft starts as well, not sure why they haven't transitioned to installing those on the AC units from the factory by default (other than additional cost).

[@BrianD-ds4dx]

@@MooGary1 it is cost, 100%. I’m In the generator business along the Gulf Coast. One comment I will make as a cautionary one is that if you end up running your genset in a summer outage for more than about 36-48 hours continual run, the engine has a tendency to bog down. You will certainly need to add some oil, which I suggest doing after a manual shutdown early in the AM. Thanks for the vid

[@davelamboley1695]

Seems I'm in agreement with most of ya's, way to expensive for what ya get. A little romex, a receptacle and 15000 watt generator and I power my house for under $3000. True, I gotta be home but factor in everything and I'm still satisfied.

[@MooGary1]

Thats what I ended up doing. Here is that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3zGipimZtmqoK8

[@ronl2463]

Since most involved with the sale and installation of a home generator want to hit a home run each and every time you can expect to pay a small (?) fortune!

[@MooGary1]

I don't mind folks making money, just don't want it ALL made off me!! 😉

[@mizzouxc3824]

wow 14k and they're not running your line.

[@MooGary1]

Yeah, tough...

[@philippusviridi6527]

Maybe I missed something here but 15.000 dollars and I still have to run my own gas line? Screw that keep it I will get a portable for my fridge and freezer.

[@MooGary1]

I know right! That's essentially what I did and ran a plug to backfeed my panel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3zGipimZtmqoK8

[@LeonardCooperman]

Get the Kohler. Better generator.

[@MooGary1]

I should have gotten a quote from them as well to compare.

[@LeonardCooperman]

@@MooGary1 it’s more light commercial, has better through put and provides cleaner power. The remote monitoring features by the dealer and auto shut off on low oil are worth the extra for the 26kw.

[@callmelarry7499]

Yep about $2k over charged about right .

[@MooGary1]

Yup