Generator Installation in Vancouver & Clark County

A whole-home standby unit usually runs about $8,000 to $16,000 installed, covering the generator, transfer switch, and labor. Portable setups cost far less. The final number depends on unit size, distance to your panel and gas meter, and any needed upgrades. See the full cost breakdown.

Typically $10,000 to $17,000 all in. About $6,000 to $7,500 is the unit and 200-amp automatic transfer switch, with the rest going to electrical labor, gas hookup, concrete pad, and permits. Older homes may need a panel upgrade. Full line-item breakdown here.

Essentials only need 10 to 14 kW. A 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft home with one AC needs 18 to 20 kW. Around 3,000 sq ft needs about 22 kW. All-electric, dual HVAC, or EV homes need 24 to 28 kW. We confirm it with a load calculation. See our sizing guide.

It covers the essentials, including the fridge, freezer, furnace blower, lights, well or sump pump, internet, and a window AC, but not everything at once. Large 240-volt loads like central AC or an electric range need to be managed or shed automatically.

Most 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft homes, including one 3- to 5-ton central AC plus normal appliances. Homes over about 3,500 sq ft or with dual HVAC usually step up to 24 to 26 kW. Load management prevents overload when heavy items start together.

If you get frequent or long outages, rely on medical equipment, work from home, or want to avoid frozen pipes, yes. It starts automatically, runs for days on natural gas, and can add resale value. The trade-off is the upfront cost and yearly maintenance. More on the pros and cons.

Never plug one into a wall outlet with a double-male cord. It backfeeds the grid, can electrocute utility workers, and risks a fire. Use a transfer switch or interlock kit, installed by a licensed electrician to meet code. This is core work our team does.

Portables go at least 20 feet away with the exhaust aimed away from doors and windows, because carbon monoxide is deadly. Standby units sit closer, about 18 inches to 5 feet from the wall, but at least 5 feet from any window, door, or air intake.

A portable runs about 6 to 18 hours per tank, then needs to cool and refuel. A standby on natural gas can run for days or weeks while the gas flows, or roughly 5 to 10 days on a 500-gallon propane tank. Plan an oil change every 100 to 200 run hours.

Measured in run hours, not years. Standby units typically last 20 to 30 years (10,000 to 30,000 hours) with service, while portables last 10 to 15 years. Correct sizing, running at 70 to 80 percent load, and routine maintenance extend it most.

Generac and Kohler lead on reputation, and Generac has the biggest dealer network. The install and service matter more than the brand. We install and service several brands and are a certified installer for Briggs and Stratton. Compare brands here.

Do not backfeed a panel without a transfer switch. On a standard portable, avoid running sensitive electronics on dirty power (use an inverter or a surge protector), watch high-surge 240-volt loads like central AC, and keep medical equipment on clean, rated power.