When you live in South Florida, you need to know your power will stay on no matter what, even during hurricane weather or routine utility work.

Whether you want to prioritize comfort, safety, or convenience, a generator in South Florida can significantly enhance home ownership and your peace of mind.

But is a generator really worth the cost?

The team at Rack Electric is always here to walk through your options, expenses, financing, and more to help you make the best choice for your home. So read on to learn more, and don’t forget that we’re always here to answer your questions!

Initial Purchase and Installation Costs

It’s true that the upfront cost of installing a generator in South Florida can be significant, but it’s a one-time investment that pays off over time. Here’s a look at how those expenses break down:

• Generator Unit Cost: Standby generators are a whole-house backup that ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the power capacity and the brand you choose. Portable generators are less expensive but offer limited functionality and are usually best to keep on your fridge or a critical appliance powered up.
• Installation Fees: You need an electrician to perform generator installation in South Florida for safety and efficiency. You can expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000, including electrical and gas connections.
• Permit Costs: The team at Rack Electric can let you know about any permits required for generator installations, which could add another $200 to $500 to the total cost.

The initial investment can seem high, but generators typically last for 20 to 30 years, depending on the type and how well you maintain it. Their reliability and convenience are also well-worth the trade off if you’ve ever had the power go out for days or weeks at a time after a hurricane. 

Fuel Costs

Fuel expenses are also part of the ongoing costs of keeping your generator running. They vary depending on the generator type and how long you use the system.

• Propane Generators: Propane is a highly efficient fuel choice for generators and boasts a long shelf life, but it does cost more than natural gas.
• Natural Gas Generators: Natural gas is generally more affordable and reliable for generators, especially if your area tends to run out of fuel supplies.
• Gasoline Generators: Portable generators typically rely on gasoline, which is a convenient option but can be costly and requires strict safety storage. 

A standby generator that keeps your home powered up can cost around $20 to $50 per day to fuel, depending on the power load and fuel type. You can get a better idea of what to expect from your fuel and operational costs by calling the team at Rack Electric.

Maintenance and Servicing Expenses

Generators need to be both reliable and last as long as possible to make your investment worth it. Here are some ways to extend the lifespan and efficiency of your generator. 

• Regular Generator Maintenance: Routine generator maintenance, from oil changes to filter replacements, usually costs between $150 and $300 per year.
• Long-Term Upkeep: Over time, your generator will need new parts, including batteries and spark plugs, which can also add to the maintenance budget.
• Repairs: Unexpected generator repairs, such as fixing electrical issues or fuel system malfunctions, can cost somewhere between $200 to $1,000 depending on how much damage there is and the complexity of the repair.

The generator experts at Rack Electric always work as efficiently and quickly as possible while providing upfront, transparent costs. Our goal is to keep your home powered up at a reasonable price to make generator ownership worth the investment. 

Potential Savings in Power Outages

A generator can also save you a bundle during power outages by preventing: 

• Hotel Costs: When the power goes out for extended periods of time, you may need a hotel or short-term rental, which can cost hundreds of dollars per night. Hotels can also be scarce during a hurricane, adding to the stress of finding a place to stay. 
• Meals: Whether you’re displaced during a power outage or are trying to manage meals at home, a lack of electricity can make takeout a necessity. It doesn’t take long for those costs to add up to feed your family.
• Spoiled Food: When the power goes out, you only have about four hours before food starts going bad in your fridge and around 24 hours for a freezer. A whole-house generator can keep refrigerators running, avoiding costly food losses.
• Home Damage: During South Florida’s tropical storms and hurricanes, it doesn’t take long for mold and mildew to grow when the power goes out. A reliable backup power source prevents expensive issues including mold growth or water damage from non-functioning sump pumps.
• Medical Issues: A generator is an absolute must if anyone in your household needs cold medication or requires ventilators or other medical devices that run on power. Beyond the safety of your household, a generator could help avoid a hospital stay or medical intervention that escalated due to a loss of power.

Factors That Increase Your Generator’s Cost-Effectiveness

There are some factors that will give the cost-effectiveness of your generator a boost, including: 

1. Size of Your Home: Larger homes see incredible benefits from standby generators to keep multiple appliances, air conditioners, heaters, and electronics running simultaneously.
2. Frequency of Power Outages: If your area is prone to frequent power outages, a backup power source is invaluable for your peace of mind and to keep your household functioning.
3. Local Weather: There’s no way around it: South Florida’s hurricane-prone climate makes generators a practical necessity for maintaining comfort and safety.

Call Rack Electric for Generator Installation in South Florida

If you’re ready to add more convenience, safety, and comfort to your home, the cost of a generator is well worth the investment. Whether you’re considering a whole-house generator or a smaller unit, Rack Electric can help you choose the right solution for your home. Contact us today to learn more about installation, maintenance, and how to make the most of your investment!