In today’s world, where severe weather and power outages can disrupt the daily life we’re so used to, homeowners are increasingly turning to whole house generators for peace of mind and uninterrupted power supply. But beyond immediate convenience, does a whole house generator increase home value?

If you’re looking for ways to increase the value of your home, this might be something you’ve been thinking about.

When we purchased our current home on the marsh, we were surprised to see that it had a whole-house generator installed. While it was not something we had considered purchasing ourselves, it has proven to be a great value for our home and we love it.

The Value of a Whole House Generator

A whole house generator, unlike portable generators that provide limited power and require manual setup, gives you a seamless transition during a power outage.

If your power goes out, the generator automatically kicks in and starts powering your home, our kicks on within 30 seconds of power loss. It’s a permanent installation, usually powered by natural gas or liquid propane, capable of supplying electricity to your entire home.

This means essential appliances like HVAC systems, medical devices, sump pumps, and kitchen appliances remain operational, regardless of what’s happening with the power supplied to your home.

Home Value Considerations

According to Consumer Reports, investing in a whole-home generator installation can potentially increase your property’s value.

Prospective buyers find a lot of value in the assurance of an uninterrupted power supply, especially in places prone to frequent power outages or severe weather. The ability to maintain comfort, safety, and functionality during emergencies is a really good selling point.

Benefits Beyond Convenience

Imagine the scenario: high winds knock out power lines, or a severe storm (hello hurricane season!) causes widespread outages in surrounding areas. A whole house generator kicks in automatically, providing a reliable power source without the need for refueling or manual operation.

For families with small children, elderly relatives, or individuals relying on medical equipment like CPAP machines, a generator can be a literal lifeline. The value of a whole-house backup generator could vary depending on the buyer, but it definitely can be beneficial for everyone in some way.

Installation and Maintenance

The installation process usually involves placing the generator on a concrete pad near the home’s electrical system and connecting it to a gas line or fuel source. We have a large above-ground propane tank to power our generator.

Professional installation is required for compliance with local codes and for optimal performance. You’ll want that professional installation to make sure the generator will work properly in the event of an emergency.

Regular maintenance, including annual tune-ups, ensures the generator is ready for the next power outage and extends its lifespan. We have our generator serviced twice a year for less than $500 a year here in South Georgia.

Financial Considerations

While the upfront costs of a whole-house generator and its installation can be high, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment. We have a Generac 22kW generator which looks to retail starting in the low 6K range not including installation and the gas tank. I have familly members who have spent close to $15,000 for all of the equipment, installation, and maintenance plan.

A lot of the cost will depend on the power of the generator you pick, the fuel source, and the part of the country you reside in.

If you plan on living in the house for a while, you can benefit from the installation and then profit from it when it comes time to sell your home. Insurance companies may also offer discounts on premiums due to increased home security and reduced risk of damage from extended power loss.