When you start looking into a whole house generator, one of the first questions is always about the price. In California, you can generally expect the total cost, including professional installation, to fall somewhere between $5,000 and $16,000.

This initial investment buys you reliable, automatic power for your home, protecting your family and property during the increasingly common outages we're seeing. Of course, the final price tag will swing based on the generator's size and how complex the installation job is for your specific property. Ready to find out what a system for your home would cost? Contact RC Generators for a free, personalized quote.

Your Quick Guide to Whole House Generator Costs

When the grid goes down, a whole house generator is your family’s best defense against disruption. This isn't a portable unit you have to drag out and fuss with; it's a permanent home backup generator that automatically brings the power back on in seconds. Your lights stay on, the fridge keeps running, and your AC or heater doesn't miss a beat. It’s true peace of mind.

To understand the investment, it helps to see where the money goes. The total cost really breaks down into two main buckets: the price of the generator unit itself and the cost of getting it professionally installed. These are the two foundational expenses every homeowner should plan for.

Let's take a look at a typical cost breakdown for a whole house generator. Keep in mind these are averages for California homes, but they give you a solid starting point for budgeting.

Estimated Cost Breakdown for a Whole House Generator

As you can see, the hardware and the labor are the two biggest pieces of the puzzle. Getting these right is key to a reliable system.

Breaking Down the Initial Investment

The cost of the generator itself is directly tied to its power output, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). A smaller unit might be set up to power just the essentials, while a larger, more powerful model can run your entire home without you even noticing the grid is down.

• Generator Unit: The actual machine can range from around $3,000 for a smaller 10 kW model to over $12,000 for a 22+ kW system that can handle a large home with all the modern comforts.

• Professional Installation: This is a critical step that involves serious electrical work, preparing the site, and connecting the fuel source. You should budget between $2,000 and $4,000 for a standard installation.

This infographic gives you a quick visual of how those costs stack up.

As the diagram shows, both the generator's power capacity and the professional labor are significant chunks of the overall cost. Choosing the right size is essential; our guide on how to choose a home generator can walk you through that decision so you don't end up overspending.

Ultimately, the goal is to perfectly match the generator's capabilities to what your home actually needs. For a precise quote tailored to your property here in California, your best bet is to contact the experts at RC Generators and Electric today.

What Determines the Generator's Price Tag?

The generator itself is the heart of your home's backup power system, and its price is the single biggest piece of the total cost. The main thing driving that price is its power output, measured in kilowatts (kW).

Think of it like the engine in a car. A bigger, more powerful engine can handle heavier loads and costs more, while a smaller engine is more economical but has its limits. This relationship between power and price is key to understanding the cost of a whole house generator. You’re not just buying a machine; you’re investing in the capacity to produce a specific amount of electricity.

The goal is to match that capacity perfectly to what your home actually needs—without paying for extra power you’ll never use.

Matching Generator Size to Your Home's Needs

In California, every home’s power needs are different. A smaller house might just need to keep the essentials running during an outage. On the other hand, a larger property with central air conditioning and a bunch of major appliances is going to demand a lot more power. This is where getting the generator sizing right is so important.

A 10kW generator is often a great starting point for covering the basics. It can comfortably handle things like:

• The refrigerator and freezer, so your food doesn't spoil.

• A few key lighting circuits to help you move around safely.

• Your furnace or a small heating system.

• Outlets for charging phones and keeping the internet on.

But if you want to keep living your normal life without making any compromises, you'll need a bigger unit. A 22kW or larger generator can run all the essentials plus high-demand appliances like your central AC, electric dryer, oven, and even a Tesla charger. This level of power ensures your entire home operates seamlessly, as if the grid never went down.

To dig deeper into finding the perfect fit, check out our comprehensive home generator sizing guide.

How Brand Reputation Affects Price

Just like with cars or appliances, the brand of the generator plays a big part in its cost, reliability, and features. The industry-leading brands have built their reputations on years of dependable performance, especially when it matters most. For California homeowners, three names consistently come up.

• Generac: Often seen as the most popular choice, Generac offers a wide range of models known for being reliable and user-friendly. They hit a sweet spot between performance and value.

• Kohler: Known for their commercial-grade engineering, Kohler generators are built for extreme durability and a long lifespan. They often come at a premium, but they’re trusted for their rock-solid construction.

• Briggs & Stratton: A well-respected name in power equipment, Briggs & Stratton offers dependable and budget-friendly generator options, making them a strong contender for homeowners focused on value.

Choosing a reputable brand isn't just about paying for a name. It's an investment in quality components, better warranty support, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your generator was built to last for decades.

A Look at the Numbers

Getting a feel for the typical price ranges helps put the total investment into perspective. The generator unit itself often makes up a large chunk of the overall project cost.

In 2025, the total cost to install a whole house generator typically ranges from $6,000 to $11,000 for most homes. The generator unit itself might cost between $3,000 and $6,000, with labor and other materials making up the rest. For larger systems or more complicated installations, total costs can climb higher, which is why a professional assessment is so important.

Ultimately, the generator's price tag reflects its capability and quality. By carefully picking the right size and a trusted brand, you can ensure your investment provides reliable power that's perfectly tailored to your family’s needs. For a personalized quote and expert guidance on selecting the perfect generator for your California home, contact RC Generators and Electric today.

Understanding Professional Installation Costs

Buying the generator itself is just the first part of the equation. The real magic—and what ensures your system is safe, reliable, and truly gives you peace of mind—happens during the professional installation. This is so much more than just dropping a box in your yard; it's a detailed process that turns a powerful machine into a seamless part of your home’s electrical system.

Think of it like getting a new furnace. You wouldn't just buy the unit and hope for the best. You'd hire a certified technician to make sure every duct, wire, and gas line is connected perfectly and up to code. The same logic applies to the cost of a whole house generator installation. You’re investing in a licensed California electrician’s expertise to guarantee your system works flawlessly when you need it most.

What Goes into the Installation Bill

That installation fee isn't just one number. It’s actually a bundle of several critical jobs, each one requiring a specific skill set and a sharp eye for detail. A professional crew takes care of everything from start to finish.

Here’s a breakdown of what that covers:

• Site Preparation: Before anything else, the crew has to create a stable, level spot for the generator. This almost always means pouring a dedicated concrete pad to serve as a rock-solid foundation for the unit.

• Electrical Wiring: This is where the pros really shine. A licensed electrician runs heavy-duty wiring from the generator all the way to your home's main electrical panel. Every connection has to be perfect to meet strict local codes.

• Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Installation: The ATS is the brain of the whole operation. This smart device is constantly watching the power grid. The second it detects an outage, it automatically disconnects your home from the utility lines and switches you over to generator power. It's what makes the system truly "automatic."

• Fuel Source Connection: Whether you’re using natural gas or propane, a professional has to safely connect the fuel line from its source to the generator. This involves precise calculations to ensure the right fuel pressure and, of course, leak-free connections.

Why DIY Is Not a Safe Option

It can be tempting to try and save a few bucks by doing it yourself, but installing a whole house generator is one project you should never tackle on your own. You’re dealing with high-voltage electricity and flammable fuel lines—a dangerous combination for anyone without extensive training and the right licenses.

Attempting a DIY installation can void your generator's warranty, violate local building codes, and create serious fire or electrocution hazards. For a system this critical, professional installation by a licensed California expert is the only safe and viable path forward.

On top of that, things like the distance between your generator, your electrical panel, and your gas meter can really change the final labor costs. Longer runs mean more wire, more pipe, and more time, which will all be factored into your quote. To get a better idea of what your property might need, check out our detailed guide on whole house generator installation costs.

Ultimately, that professional installation fee is an investment in safety, compliance, and performance. When you partner with a trusted local installer like RC Generators and Electric, you know your system is set up right from day one, giving you the reliable backup power you paid for, without any of the risks.

Calculating the Ongoing Cost of Fuel

The upfront investment for a generator and its installation is a huge part of the budget, but it’s definitely not the whole story. To really understand the total cost of a whole house generator, you have to factor in the ongoing expense of fuel. Just like a car, your generator needs fuel to run, and that cost adds up over the life of the unit.

For the home backup generators we install here at RC Generators, you’ve got two main fuel sources: natural gas and liquid propane (LP). Think of it like choosing between an electric and a gasoline car. Both get the job done, but how you “refuel” them, their convenience, and the running costs are completely different.

Getting a handle on these differences is key for budgeting, especially with extended power outages becoming more and more common across California.

Natural Gas: The Convenient Connection

If your home is already hooked up to a natural gas line, this is almost always the most convenient and budget-friendly way to go. It’s like having an unlimited fuel tank connected directly to your home.

The biggest perk here is the unlimited runtime. As long as the utility company's gas lines are working, your generator has a constant, uninterrupted fuel supply. You’ll never have to stress about scheduling a refill or running out of fuel during a week-long outage, which is a massive relief for California homeowners.

On top of that, the running cost is typically lower. Natural gas is usually cheaper per unit of energy compared to propane, and those savings can really add up over time. The only catch is that a professional will need to confirm your existing gas meter and piping can handle the generator’s demand.

Propane: The Off-Grid Powerhouse

So, what if your home doesn’t have a natural gas connection? That’s where propane shines as a fantastic alternative. It delivers the same reliable power but works completely independently from the utility grid.

With a propane-fueled system, a large storage tank is installed right on your property. This tank holds all the fuel your generator will need, and it’s up to you to keep it filled. It’s a lot like owning a car you have to refuel—every now and then, you have to top it off.

The main advantage is total self-sufficiency. Since you have your own fuel supply, you aren't relying on the gas utility during a widespread emergency. The trade-off is that you need space for the tank, and you have to keep an eye on the fuel level, scheduling refills with a propane supplier when it gets low. Installation costs can also be a bit higher because of the tank and extra plumbing required.

Regardless of your choice, fuel costs are a vital component of your generator's total cost of ownership. The right fuel for your home depends on your property's existing infrastructure, your budget, and how much hands-on management you're comfortable with.

Breaking Down the Running Costs

The actual cost to run your generator will bounce around based on its size, how much power your home is drawing, and local fuel prices. During an outage, the more electricity you use, the more fuel the generator burns every hour.

Fuel expenses can really shape the total cost of ownership, with daily operating costs for a standard 15 to 20 kW unit falling anywhere from $50 to $220. Depending on how often you use it and local fuel prices here in California, your annual bill for natural gas or propane can vary widely. If you'd like to dig deeper, you can discover more insights about generator operational costs on Angi.com.

Choosing the right fuel is a key decision in managing the long-term cost of a whole house generator. Whether it’s the set-it-and-forget-it convenience of natural gas or the independent reliability of propane, our team at RC Generators and Electric can help you figure out the best fit for your home.

Factoring in Maintenance to Protect Your Investment

Your whole-house generator is a sophisticated machine, built to jump into action the moment you need it. But just like your car, it needs regular tune-ups to perform reliably when the power goes out. Thinking about routine maintenance isn't just an extra expense—it's the best way to protect your investment and keep your peace of mind on standby.

You wouldn't drive your car for years without an oil change, right? That small, predictable cost prevents massive, expensive engine failure. Generator maintenance works exactly the same way. This proactive care is what guarantees your system will fire up without a hitch during the next California power outage.

This ongoing upkeep is a key part of the total cost of a whole house generator, and budgeting for it from day one is just plain smart. It extends the life of your equipment and prevents the kind of emergency repair bills that always seem to show up at the worst possible time.

What Does Annual Maintenance Include?

When a certified technician from a trusted company like RC Generators services your unit, they're doing a lot more than just checking a few things. A typical annual service is a deep dive designed to catch small issues before they become big problems.

A professional maintenance plan usually covers several key tasks:

• Oil and Filter Change: Just like in a car, old oil breaks down. Fresh oil and new filters for the oil, fuel, and air keep the engine running cleanly and efficiently.

• Battery Inspection: The battery is what allows your generator to start automatically. A technician will test its charge, clean the terminals, and make sure it’s ready to go on a moment's notice.

• Full System Diagnostic: Here’s where the professional expertise really matters. The technician runs the generator through a complete test cycle, simulating a power outage. They’ll check the voltage, frequency, and automatic transfer switch to confirm every component is working perfectly.

• General Inspection: This covers all the other important bits, like checking belts, hoses, and spark plugs, and cleaning the enclosure to ensure proper airflow and prevent debris from causing trouble.

This thorough check-up ensures your generator is in peak condition, ready to handle whatever the grid throws at it.

Budgeting for Generator Upkeep

So, what should you plan to spend on this essential service? While prices can vary, a good maintenance plan is a surprisingly affordable way to safeguard a five-figure investment.

On average, you can expect routine maintenance costs for a home backup generator to range from $171 to $395 annually. Of course, that number depends on the generator's size; larger, more complex whole-house systems will naturally be at the higher end of that range. This is different from smaller portable units, which RC Generators does not service. Regular professional servicing is absolutely essential for reliability, and it's a justifiable part of the overall cost. You can learn more about how repair and upkeep costs are estimated over at Angi.com.

Investing in a maintenance plan is the single best way to maximize the lifespan of your generator and ensure it works correctly for years. It's not just a cost—it's an investment in reliability.

Ultimately, skipping maintenance is a gamble you don’t want to take. By factoring this predictable expense into your budget, you’re not just maintaining a machine—you’re ensuring your home, family, and comfort are protected without fail. For expert maintenance on your home backup generator in the Los Angeles or Ventura County area, contact RC Generators and Electric today.

Wrapping It All Up: What Your Investment Really Buys You

We’ve covered a lot of ground, breaking down everything that goes into the cost of a whole house generator—from the price of the unit itself to installation, fuel, and ongoing care. But the real return here isn't something you can easily measure on a spreadsheet. It’s about peace of mind.

It’s the quiet confidence you feel when the weather forecast looks grim. It’s knowing your family stays safe, your home remains secure, and life doesn’t grind to a halt just because the grid does. That's a feeling you really can't put a price on.

Every cost we've discussed plays a part in building that reliability. The generator's size is matched to your home’s specific needs, professional installation ensures it’s done safely and correctly, and planning for fuel and maintenance means it’s ready to go at a moment's notice. It all works together to protect your investment for years.

Investing in a whole house generator is about more than just keeping the lights on. It’s about maintaining a sense of normalcy, security, and comfort when everything outside is chaotic. It’s an investment in uninterrupted living.

If you're a California homeowner who's tired of being at the mercy of grid failures and rolling blackouts, the next step is straightforward. It’s time to find out what a real solution would look like for your home. Don't wait for the next outage to leave you in the dark.

Take back control of your home’s power and give your family the security they deserve, no matter what’s happening with the grid. Contact RC Generators today for a friendly, no-obligation consultation. Our local experts will put together a personalized quote tailored specifically to your property and power needs, giving you a reliable solution from a team you can trust.

A Few Final Questions About Generator Costs

Even after you've crunched the numbers, a few questions usually pop up. Here are some straightforward answers to what California homeowners often ask before investing in a home backup power system.

How Much Value Does a Whole House Generator Add to My Home?

A professionally installed whole-house generator is a huge selling point, especially in California where Public Safety Power Shutoffs are a concern. While it's tough to nail down an exact number, some estimates suggest you can get back over 50% of your initial cost when you sell your home.

But the real value is immediate. It's the peace of mind knowing your family is safe, your food won't spoil, and your life won't be turned upside down during the next outage. That uninterrupted security is what truly matters.

Are There Hidden Costs I Should Watch Out For?

We wouldn't call them "hidden," but there are definitely variable costs that depend on your property. For instance, your gas meter might need an upgrade to handle the generator's fuel needs. Or, if we have to run utility lines across a large yard, the trenching will add to the final bill.

A reputable, licensed installer like RC Generators and Electric will always give you a detailed, upfront quote. We make it a point to identify and explain every foreseeable cost before work begins, so you’ll never see a surprise on your final invoice.

Can’t I Just Use a Portable Generator?

While a portable generator can be useful in some situations, it's not a real solution for home backup. You have to manually drag it out, fill it with gasoline, and run extension cords all over the house. They're noisy, inconvenient, and can be dangerous if not used properly. RC Generators does not install or service portable units.

A home backup generator, also known as a whole house or standby generator, is a completely different solution. It’s a permanent, automated system that kicks on within seconds of an outage, powering your entire home without you lifting a finger. For true, reliable home backup power, a professionally installed standby system is the only way to go.

Ready to secure your home’s power with a solution built for California's unique challenges? RC Generators and Electric is your local expert for home backup generator installations. Our licensed electricians provide safe, reliable, and code-compliant services across Los Angeles and Ventura County, along with other electrical work like Tesla charger installations and panel upgrades.

Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote Today at rcgeneratorsandelectric.com