The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $10,000 - $13,000
The average natural gas generator costs $12,000, but it can range between $10,000 and $13,000, depending on labor and capacity.
How we get this data
Photo: 为轩 张 / Adobe Stock
Photo: 为轩 张 / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
The average natural gas generator costs $12,000, with most homeowners spending between $10,000 and $13,000.
Manual-start generators cost $2,000 to $4,000, while automatic units with transfer switches span a much wider range from $2,000 to $25,000.
Generator size greatly affects the budget, with small units costing $2,000 to $3,500 and large systems reaching $16,200 to $25,000.
Annual operating costs vary significantly from $2,000 to $21,000, with expected yearly repair expenses of $500 to $3,000.
National Gas Generator Cost Factors
Here are the main factors to consider when installing this type of generators.
Types
Most natural gas generator installations feature an automatic transfer switch that detects an outage and starts the unit automatically. While uncommon, manual start units cost significantly less, but are not suitable for homes with frequent outages.
| Generator Type | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Start | Powered via a pull cord or electrical switch; only suitable for homes with rare outages | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Automatic Start | Wired into the electrical panel via an automatic transfer switch | $2,000–$25,000 |
Size
The size of the natural gas generator directly impacts your budget for this installation. Larger units provide more power but require a larger initial investment.
| Generator Size in Kilowatts | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 7.5–10 | $2,000–$3,500 |
| 14–18 | $4,000–$5,500 |
| 20–24 | $5,000–$6,500 |
| 26–32 | $6,500–$15,000 |
| 36–38 | $14,000–$16,000 |
| 45–48 | $16,200–$25,000 |
Labor
Hiring a licensed local general contractor is essential for a safe and code-compliant natural gas generator installation. Labor costs will depend on factors like local rates, permitting requirements, and whether any additional electrical work is needed.
National Gas Generator Ongoing Costs
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Apart from the initial upfront investment, these are a few ongoing costs to consider when planning your budget for a natural gas generator.
Operating Costs
Costs for operating a natural gas generator range anywhere from $2,000 to $21,000 per year. Actual operating costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the generator, frequency of use, and fuel prices. If your generator is running frequently due to power outages, the annual operating costs will increase accordingly.
Repairs
Repairs for natural gas generators range between $500 and $3,000 per year. The cost of repairs will vary based on the extent of damage or malfunction. While well-maintained generators often experience fewer issues, it’s important to budget for unexpected repairs.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance for your natural gas generator costs between $200 to $1,000 a year. Maintenance tasks include oil changes, battery checks, and air filter replacements. This is one additional expense that you won’t want to skip, as it ensures the safety and functionality of your generator, helping you get the most from its lifespan.
Why You Should Hire a Generator Installation Pro
Hiring a local generator installation pro costs more upfront, but you benefit from proper sizing, safe gas and electrical connections, and long-term reliability. Pros bring the right tools, certifications, and experience to ensure your generator operates safely and meets all local codes and utility requirements.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a natural gas generator installation pro
Installing a natural gas generator involves gas line plumbing, electrical integration, ventilation planning, and coordination with local utilities. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:
Professionals ensure the generator is correctly sized for your home’s electrical load, preventing overloads or insufficient backup capacity.
They are licensed to safely connect natural gas lines, ensuring proper pressure, leak-free connections, and compliance with local permitting requirements.
Hiring a pro reduces the risk of electrical hazards, carbon monoxide issues, or improper wiring that could damage appliances or create safety concerns.
Many installers can bundle services such as transfer switch installation, routine maintenance, and system testing to ensure seamless operation during outages.
If you want to DIY parts of the project
If you want to take on some tasks yourself, here are a few DIY steps that can help reduce time and labor costs:
Prepare the installation area by clearing vegetation or debris and ensuring there’s adequate space for the generator and ventilation clearances.
Confirm local permitting requirements ahead of time to help avoid delays once the installer begins the project.
Identify the household circuits or appliances you want powered during an outage so the installer can design the electrical setup efficiently.
5 Ways You Can Save Money on a National Gas Generator
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Follow these tips to cut down the cost of investing in a natural gas generator.
Calculate the electrical load of your necessary systems, appliances, and electronics to avoid purchasing a unit with a larger wattage capacity than necessary.
Schedule your generator installation during a contractor’s slow season (late winter or early spring) for potential discounts.
Opt for a manual transfer switch (when feasible) if you don’t mind manually switching power.
Get several quotes from licensed contractors to find the best deal before hiring.
Schedule regular maintenance visits for your generator to avoid costly repairs and extend its lifespan.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Generator Pro
Tell your pro the size of your home and which circuits or appliances you want powered so they can recommend the right generator capacity.
Discuss where the generator will be placed and whether the location meets clearance, ventilation, and noise requirements.
Ask what prep work you may need—such as installing a concrete pad, upgrading your electrical panel, or running new gas lines.
Confirm whether unexpected costs could arise from permitting, trenching for gas lines, or panel upgrades.
If you're considering extras like automatic transfer switches, remote monitoring, or surge protection, ask whether it’s cost-effective to bundle them with the installation.
Get quotes from top-rated generator installation pros near you
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
Natural gas generators emit carbon monoxide, a harmful gas. Learn about what carbon monoxide is and tips to operate your generator safely.
The type of generator and its fuel source can make the difference between whether it provides temporary relief of long-term comfort. Find out how long a whole house generator can run continuously.
Whole house generator sizing can be tricky to figure out if you don’t know a few key factors. Our guide can help you determine what size works best for your needs.