Are Generators for the Home a Good Investment?

March 26, 2025

Ever wondered, “Are generators for the home a good investment?” Home power outages can be disruptive and, in some cases, even dangerous. More homeowners than ever are recognizing that it’s a good investment to own a standby generator to keep their homes powered during unexpected blackouts.

Whether it’s due to severe weather, grid failures, or unexpected emergencies, losing electricity can make life difficult. That’s why so many people are realizing that generators for the home are a good investment. Residential generators allow them to maintain comfort, safety, and convenience even when the power goes out. Our home generator experts discuss all the factors that can help you determine whether buying a home generator is a smart investment.

Why is a Generator for the Home a Good Investment?Are Generators for the Home a Good Investment? image of home generator

A home standby generator is a permanently installed system that provides backup power when the electrical grid goes down. Unlike portable generators that require manual setup and refueling, a standby unit is connected to your home’s electrical panel and is powered by either natural gas or liquid propane. These generators automatically detect power outages and activate within seconds, keeping essential appliances, HVAC systems, and security devices operational.

Without a backup generator, families can face a range of challenges during extended power outages. Food can spoil in refrigerators and freezers, heating and cooling systems stop working, and essential medical devices may become unusable. Internet service is often lost, which can be a major inconvenience for those who work remotely or need to stay connected with loved ones.

For those who experience prolonged outages, the only alternative may be to seek temporary shelter at a hotel—an expensive and inconvenient option, especially when entire communities are affected. The costs of hotel stays, dining out, and lost productivity can add up quickly. A home generator eliminates this hassle, allowing you to remain in the comfort of your home with uninterrupted power.

Standby Generators & the Changing Climate

Severe weather events are becoming more frequent and intense across the U.S. Due to hurricanes, ice storms, wildfires, and extreme heat waves, the risk of extended power outages is on the rise. These unpredictable events can leave thousands of homes without electricity for days—or even weeks—at a time.

As weather patterns shift, more homeowners are investing in generators as a proactive measure. The demand for standby generators has surged in recent years, as people look for ways to protect their families from the uncertainty of grid failures caused by extreme weather. A home generator provides peace of mind, making it an increasingly valuable addition to any household.

Home Backup Generator Installation Cost

One of the most common concerns homeowners have is the home backup generator installation cost. While prices vary based on factors like size, fuel type, and generator installation requirements, the home backup generator installation cost is often justified by the long-term benefits.

Smaller generators designed to power essential appliances are generally more affordable, while whole-house models that keep an entire home running come at a higher price point. Additional expenses, such as fuel hookups, permits, and professional installation, should also be factored into the total cost.

Although a standby generator requires an initial investment, it can save homeowners money over time by preventing food spoilage, reducing hotel expenses during outages, and protecting against costly home damage caused by extreme temperatures. To get an accurate home backup generator installation cost estimate, talk to our team today!

How Do I Determine My Home’s Power Needs for Generator Sizing?

Choosing the right generator starts with understanding your household’s energy requirements. Home generator dealers often recommend performing a load calculation to determine how much power is needed during an outage.

To estimate your home’s energy needs:

  • Identify essential appliances – List the appliances and systems you want to keep running, such as refrigerators, sump pumps, heating and cooling systems, and medical equipment.
  • Check wattage ratings – Each appliance has a wattage requirement, usually found on the manufacturer’s label.
  • Add up power usage – Total the wattage of all essential devices to determine the minimum generator size needed.
  • Factor in starting watts – Some appliances, like air conditioners, require extra power to start up, so a generator should have a higher wattage capacity than just the sum of running appliances.

A professional assessment can help homeowners determine whether a partial or whole-home generator is the best choice for their needs.

Does a Home Standby Generator Improve Resale Value?

A standby generator is a strong selling point for any home. Potential buyers see value in a property that offers protection against power outages, making a generator a worthwhile investment for those looking to increase their home’s resale value.

Real estate experts note that homes with generators tend to sell faster and for higher prices in areas prone to frequent outages. A generator provides buyers with the added benefit of security and convenience, making it a desirable feature in today’s housing market.

Tri-State Water, Power & Air: Your Go-to for All Your Home Generator Needs

If you’re interested in exploring your backup power options, Tri-State Water, Power & Air has been the go-to choice for countless homeowners. As an experienced home generator dealer, we provide professional home backup generator installation backed by decades of industry expertise.

Our process begins with an in-depth consultation to assess your power needs and recommend the best generator for your home. We handle every step of the installation process, from site preparation and fuel connections to system testing and final setup. Our technicians are highly trained, ensuring that each installation meets industry standards for performance and safety.

We Offer the Best Home Generators on the Market

At Tri-State Water, Power & Air, we only install top-tier products from trusted brands. We proudly offer generators from Generac and KOHLER, two of the most respected names in the industry.

Generac Generators

Known for their reliability and advanced technology, Generac standby generators are a popular choice for homeowners looking for automatic power backup.

KOHLER Generators

With a reputation for durability and quiet operation, KOHLER generators provide consistent power during outages and are built to last.

Both brands offer a range of options, from whole-house generators to smaller units designed for essential power needs.

We Can Also Provide Regular Maintenance

Owning a generator is an investment, and regular maintenance is key to keeping it in peak condition. At Tri-State Water, Power & Air, we offer ongoing service plans to help homeowners protect their generators. Our maintenance services include:

  • Routine inspections
  • Oil and filter changes
  • Battery checks
  • Performance testing

By keeping your generator well-maintained, you can avoid unexpected failures and extend the life of your backup power system.

Protect Your Home With a Standby Generator

Don’t wait until the next major outage to think about backup power. A standby generator is a reliable way to keep your home running no matter what happens. If you’re considering a home backup generator installation project, turn to Tri-State Water, Power & Air for expert service and top-quality products.

Contact us today to learn more about our generator options and get a professional installation quote.

These folks are great! Had two whole house generators installed and both are flawless. Customer support is top notch. Highly recommend.
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Standby Generator
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Bathroom Remodeling
Tri State Water Power and Air just installed three whole house water systems for my family. The representative that came to my home was very courteous, professional, and not pushy.
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Standby Generator
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