Does a Whole-House Generator Add Value to Your Home?

When extreme weather hits, you want to know your home is ready and your family is safe. Power outages are a common occurrence during extreme weather, and there’s very little you can do to prevent them. Prolonged outages can cause several minor and major problems in your home and cost you a lot of money. 

Many homeowners are looking to whole-house generators as a way to avoid the impacts of power outages. Whole-house generators detect when the power goes out. When this happens, the device automatically turns on and restores power to your entire house. 

So, the answer to “does a whole-house generator add value to your home” is yes! This article will discuss the benefits of whole-house generators. Read on to see how adding a whole-house generator will add value to your home. 

Does a Whole-House Generator Add Value to Your Home?

A whole-house generator provides an easy solution to blackouts or crashes on the power grid. The advantages of adding a whole-house generator are multifold. We’ve listed some benefits of whole-house generators below. 

Keeps Your Food Fresh

The average family of four spends nearly $1,000 on groceries every month. Extended blackouts can render the entire contents of your fridge and freezer inedible after 24 hours. This costs many families hundreds of dollars and creates considerable food loss or food waste. Thankfully, a whole-house generator restores power immediately, keeping your fridge and freezer on and your food fresh.

Prevents Frozen & Burst Pipes

Extreme cold in winter months can cause power outages, taking your heating system down with it. This can lead to frozen and burst pipes that can cost you upwards of $10,000 every time it happens. A generator keeps your heating system on and prevents your pipes from freezing over and bursting.

Prevents Basement Flooding

For those with basements in an area prone to flooding, a sump pump is an essential item that removes water before it has a chance to accumulate and overflow. During power outages, a sump pump cannot operate and you may be faced with flooding of your basement. In these circumstances, a standby generator not only keeps your family safe and comfortable, but your basement dry. 

Ensures Your Family’s Safety

In the event of a power outage, your home’s security system will lose power, leaving you and your family vulnerable. A whole-house generator will ensure your security system stays on for the duration of the power outage, keeping your family safe. 

Powers Vital Medical Equipment

If you or a loved one must rely on a medical device like an oxygen tank, CPAP machine, or home dialysis, you can’t afford to run the risk of losing power. A whole-house generator gives you peace of mind that your critical medical devices will still be able to operate in a blackout, no matter how bad the weather gets. 

Lower Home insurance Costs

The value of a whole-house generator goes beyond its price tag. If you invest in a generator, your home insurance costs may actually decrease. Since you are taking a big step in protecting your house from lots of different types of damage, many insurance companies reward this with a 5-10% discount. 

How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost?

Whole-house generators are an investment worth saving up for. They can be pretty pricey and typically range from $1,500 up to $20,000 for high-end ones. The installation will also run you a few thousand dollars. With such a steep price tag upfront, many homeowners wonder if a whole-house generator is worth it. 

When you consider the costs of common home repairs due to damage from blackouts, coupled with frequent and severe extreme weather, it becomes evident that a whole-house generator can save you a lot more than it’s worth. A flooded basement and subsequent mold removal can easily cost you over $20,000. Investing in a whole-house generator now will save you thousands of dollars in your lifetime.

Does Adding a Whole-House Generator Increase Home Value?

Whole-house generators are one of the best investments you can make in your house. Not only does it give you peace of mind during extreme winter months and heavy storms, but it also directly adds value to your home. 

Whole-house generators are a very attractive feature for many prospective buyers and can get you a whopping 150% return when it’s time to sell. That means if you spend $6,000 on the generator, it will add about $9,000 of value when you sell your house. 

Is a Whole-House Generator Tax Deductible?

In general, the cost of a whole-house generator and its installation are not tax-deductible. However, if someone in your family has a medical device that relies on electricity, you may be able to deduct it from your taxes as a medical expense. Of course, this requires proper documentation when you file your tax return. 

How Long Does a Whole-House Generator Last?

Whole-house generators are such a great investment because they can last a lifetime.  There is a commonly accepted range of about 2,000 to 4,000 hours of power in a generator’s lifetime. But the exact length of time will vary depending on several factors, such as how often you use it and how well you maintain it. With regular care and maintenance, a whole-house generator can last 20 to 40 years. 

Spending a few thousand dollars on protection for the next 40 years sort of seems like a no-brainer. Their long lifespans also mean your generator will likely still be in good condition when you decide to sell your house and will net you a more significant return. 

What Type of Generator is Right For Me?

The type of generator that’s right for you will depend on what size generator you require and what fuel source you prefer. Whole-house generators can run on natural gas, liquid propane, or diesel. Lots of homeowners choose the natural gas option because they can simply hook it up to their house’s gas supply line, but liquid propane or diesel may work better for your situation. 

If you do decide to go with liquid propane or diesel generators, keep in mind that you will have to refill the tank manually. Most propane and diesel generators are designed to run for 24 hours continuously, so you will need a backup fuel supply. You can upgrade to a bigger tank if you want, but many people choose natural gas to avoid the possibility of running out of gas. 

Your ideal generator size will depend on the size of your house, how much power you require, and your budget. If you are unsure what kind or size generator best suits your needs, ask your contractor for their professional opinion. They know a lot more about this stuff than you do and can point you in the right direction for your home’s specific needs. 

What About Portable Generators

Some people decide to get a portable generator instead of a whole-house generator because they are less expensive. But the reason they are less expensive is that they are not as powerful and cannot do as much as whole-house generators. 

Portable generators tend to have shorter lifespans and will need replacements sooner than a whole-house generator. A portable generator is a good option for camping, but a whole-house generator is the best option when you need to power your home reliably. 

Whole-House Generator Installation Near Me

Having a trusted and knowledgeable professional is imperative when it comes to generator installation. You can’t go wrong with Jennings Heating & Cooling Co. They have been in the business for the last 90 years and provide every heating, cooling, and electric service you could need. 

If you’re in the Akron, Hudson, or Kent area, and you’re ready to invest in your house and family’s safety, reach out to the team at Jennings Heating & Cooling Co. today.