Buying a generator is like purchasing an insurance policy that you can actually hear running in your backyard. This is because as soon as the sky turns dark and the neighborhood goes silent, you can still enjoy all your creature comforts, and life goes on with few interruptions. However, it comes with a variety of ongoing costs. Many people look at the initial price tag and think this is the end of the story. However, the initial purchase is just the first of many financial steps that include installation, fuel, and repairs. Being honest about these expenses helps you choose the right system without any unpleasant surprises later.
The Up-Front Investment and Setup Fees
The purchase price will vary significantly depending on how much of your home you want to keep running. Portable machines can cost as low as $500, whereas whole-home models can cost $5,000 or more. When you purchase a whole-home system, you also have to pay a construction crew to perform the installation, and that can equal the cost of the unit.
The Ongoing Need for Fuel
Now that you have the generator you desire, you will need to keep it running. Portable models normally run on gasoline, and that can cost you between $20 to $50 for each day of operation. If gas prices rise during an emergency, you will spend even more.
Whole-home models run on natural gas or propane. However, they can still increase utility costs while in operation. A generator is much less efficient than the local power plant. So, every hour of backup power is more expensive than the electricity you normally buy from the grid.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Even when your generator is not in use, you must still pay for its upkeep. Maintenance is essential to ensure your equipment functions when you need it. You must pay for oil changes, spark plug replacements, and new filters.
You may reason with yourself that you can ignore maintenance so long as your machine is running well. However, this is a serious mistake because this can result in needing to replace your entire engine due to seizing. The cost of a new engine can be as much as the generator itself, which will make maintenance costs feel like a huge bargain.
The Hidden Cost of Replacement Parts
Even if you are diligent in caring for your equipment, you will still need to replace parts due to heat and vibration. Batteries must be replaced approximately every three years, and you might also need to replace the transfer switch or the control board should a lightning strike cause a major power surge.
If you need help choosing a backup power solution best for your circumstances, reach out to a professional. Contact the team at Mauzy for generator solutions in San Diego, CA.