How much does it cost to install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>The cost to install a whole-house generator averages $5,200, with a typical price range of $1,500 to $8,900. However, total costs can vary from $400 for a small portable unit to over $18,000 for a large-capacity system. The most significant cost factor is the generator's size and capacity, but other variables include the brand, fuel type, and labor for assembly and installation.</p><p>Generator costs can be broken down by type:</p><ul><li><p>Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500 to $2,000</p></li><li><p>Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000 to $6,500</p></li><li><p>Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000 to $18,000</p></li></ul><p>To avoid paying for more power than you need, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load for your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes to find the best deal for your specific needs and budget.</p></div>

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Q: What happens if my whole-house generator is too small for my AC?

• <div><p>An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home&rsquo;s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.</p></div>

Q: How do generator specifications and installation requirements impact the overall cost?

• <div><p>Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.</p></div>

Q: What is a remote start generator?

• <div><p>These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.</p></div>

Q: Do I really need a generator transfer switch?

• <div><p>Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-an-electrical-emergency.htm">electrical emergencies</a>. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Elmore, MN

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Elmore, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Elmore, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on April 08, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
The basement floor was to be leveled before the new flooring was installed, that was not done. The flooring was installed with many mistakes and flaws that were all to be repaired or covered by trim. As time went on the contractor did not fix mistakes but made them worse and created more...
PC Obsidian
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Reviewed in May 2023
FOR THE PRICE WE PAID, we were expecting seasoned professionals to be doing the installing. While these young men were very pleasant, polite and hard working, they didn't seem ready to be sent out so far on their own. There was a misunderstanding with how far out the shower would come and so...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in October 2022
Friendly... knowledgeable.... affordable..job well done.
Hunt's Tree & Debris, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2022
These movers are really a team of good men. They did their jobs efficient and also with pleasantly surprising politeness and were also very respectful. They moved my stuffs appropriately and set things the way I instructed them including the big furniture. They helped me a lot; I am happy with...
USA Family Moving, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2022
He was very professional, I didnâ t have to provide water or electricity. No mess.
Advanced Interior Care, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2021
I have not seen our property but my son and DIL were very happy with the cleaning they did on the inside and outside.
Wood Ridge Property Maintenance
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Reviewed in February 2021
Promptly called us back. Answered all of our questions. Very professional. Showed up on time and actually early. We pointed and they took our garbage and hauled it away. We are very satisfied!!!!
G3 Contractors, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2021
They arrived promptly, Did a very good job. Cleaned the work area and charged exactly what they had estimated.
J & M Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2021
Great experience. Jeremy is great to work with and is very helpful throughout the process. Would use them again if needed.
Alpha Professional Roofing
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Reviewed in May 2019
The contractor who did the work was SUPERIOR in every way. Absolutely outstanding and we are so pleased with the new siding and the quality of his installation.
Paramount Siding & Windows, Inc.
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home’s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.

Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.

These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.

The cost to install a whole-house generator averages $5,200, with a typical price range of $1,500 to $8,900. However, total costs can vary from $400 for a small portable unit to over $18,000 for a large-capacity system. The most significant cost factor is the generator's size and capacity, but other variables include the brand, fuel type, and labor for assembly and installation.

Generator costs can be broken down by type:

Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500 to $2,000
Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000 to $6,500
Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000 to $18,000

To avoid paying for more power than you need, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load for your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes to find the best deal for your specific needs and budget.

Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for electrical emergencies. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency.

The Elmore, MN homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Who Installs Generators? A Complete Guide
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