22 kW air-cooled standby, auto transfer
Gas line 20 ft, existing meter adequate.
Typical $8,000–$12,000 installed before utility upgrade.
Estimator · Free
Whole-House Generator Installation Cost Calculator
Estimate standby generator installation cost by size, fuel type, and whether gas line work is included.
Expected in Atlanta
$9,300–$15,500
Most homeowners pay around $12,500 for this configuration.
- Typical installed price
- $12,500
- Generator size
- 22–24 kW
- Permits (electrical + gas)
- $398
- Regional adjustmentAtlanta labor against national median
- 0.99×
| Point | Amount |
|---|---|
| Low end | $9,300 |
| Typical | $12,500 |
| High end | $15,500 |
| Includes permits | $398 |
Not a DIY project
Standby generators require gas piping, high-amperage electrical work, and transfer switch integration inspected for utility safety. Manufacturer warranties require authorized installation.
What this assumes
- Prices include generator, transfer switch, pad, electrical connection, and standard install labor.
- Gas line extension and propane tank installs are additive scenarios, not included in baseline.
- Manufacturer warranties require authorized installation.
Important
Standby generator installation involves gas piping, high-amperage electrical work, and transfer switch integration. This is not a DIY project — improper installation can injure utility lineworkers.
Understanding the result
Size the generator to your actual loads
A 22 to 24 kW unit handles most 2,000 square foot homes with central HVAC. A 16 kW unit works if you shed the HVAC compressor during an outage. Run a load calculation — do not guess from square footage.
Gas line work is the surprise cost
Natural gas units need adequate line capacity. Extending the gas line frequently adds $500 to $2,000 that does not appear on the generator quote itself. Propane requires a tank install or upgrade.
How the math works
Generator kW tier, fuel (natural gas, propane, diesel), transfer switch type (manual vs automatic), pad, gas line length, and permit fees sum to installed range. Standby whole-home costs more than portable interlock kits.
Where to find each input
- Load list — essential circuits or whole-home kW estimate
- Utility gas availability — meter size for BTU load
- Distance from meter to pad
- AHJ permit fee schedule
Worked examples
Portable 7,500 W with interlock
Electrician installs interlock and inlet.
Typical $800–$1,800 — no automatic restoration.
Liquid-cooled 48 kW, propane tank
Long gas line, concrete pad, engineering.
Typical $18,000–$28,000+ — high-end whole-home backup.
What this does not include
- Annual maintenance contract
- Propane tank purchase or lease beyond hookup
- Tree removal for pad access
- Utility service upgrade for export
Regional adjustment
Hurricane and ice-storm markets see higher demand pricing in Q2–Q3; cold climates need cold-weather kits.
Accuracy and references
Sizing follows manufacturer load management guides and NEC 702; costs from RSMeans and generator manufacturer published install ranges.
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Common questions
How much does a Generac whole-house generator cost installed?
A Generac 22 kW air-cooled unit with a whole-house transfer switch typically runs $9,000 to $14,000 installed. Gas line extension adds $500 to $2,000.
What size generator do I need for a 2,000 square foot house?
A 22 to 24 kW unit handles most homes with central HVAC, well pump, and kitchen appliances. A 16 kW unit works if you shed the HVAC compressor during an outage.
Manual vs automatic transfer?
Manual is cheaper; auto restores without homeowner present — required for medical equipment reliance.
How is kW chosen?
Sum critical loads or use whole-home calculator from manufacturer — do not oversize without load shed.
Natural gas vs propane?
NG cheaper operation if available; propane needs tank sizing and refill contracts.
Is permit always required?
Permanent fuel connection and transfer switch almost always permitted.
What about noise ordinances?
Check local dB limits — may require deflector or placement.
Maintenance cost?
Not in install range — budget $200–$400/yr exercise and oil.
Can I DIY portable interlock?
Interlock still needs electrician for inlet and interlock plate — illegal backfeed without it.
How long is install lead time?
Equipment backlogs vary; pad and gas line can take two visits.
Does it increase home value?
Market dependent — storm-prone areas value higher.
Whole home vs essential circuits?
Load shed modules reduce generator kW and fuel use.
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