PowerWatch: 24-Hour Generator Monitoring from Four Seasons

For safety and efficiency, home generators should be at least 5 feet from windows and doors and 18 inches from combustible surfaces. They must sit on solid, level ground, not a deck or balcony. Placing the unit near electric and gas meters minimizes costs. Our Chicago generator installers will help you find the best placement for optimal performance and code compliance.

The capacity of a home generator depends on its size and setup. You can choose between a whole-home generator or a partial-home generator based on your power needs:

• Whole-home generators power your entire home by connecting to your electrical system at the meter. Some homeowners use load management to cycle high-power appliances, like EV chargers, to prevent overload and reduce costs.
• Partial home generators supply power to essential circuits such as refrigerators, sump pumps, key electronics, and lights. However, partial generators typically cannot support heavy loads like air conditioning units or electric stoves.

See our sizing tool to better understand generator sizing options and get an idea for what you require

The cost of a generator installation in Chicagoland varies based on several factors. Air-cooled generator systems typically start at $120/month ($8,000 cash price) and can go up to $180/month ($12,000 cash price) or more, depending on the setup. Prices may fluctuate due to economic factors, material costs, and supply chain changes. Key factors influencing cost include:

• Generator size: Smaller models like the Generac 10kW or Kohler 12kW are significantly more affordable than larger 26kW units, which provide greater power capacity.
• Generator placement: Installations requiring longer gas or electric line runs or custom placements may increase overall costs.
• Accessories selected: Many homeowners opt for whole-home surge protectors or other add-ons, which enhance protection and bring the system up to National Electric Code standards.

Whether or not your home requires a gas meter upgrade depends on the type and size of your home generator. Partial-home generators typically do not require a gas meter upgrade, while whole-house generators may need one. About 50% of homes with whole-home systems require an upgrade to provide sufficient fuel supply. To determine if your current gas meter can support your generator, contact your utility provider:

• NIPSCO: 844-809-8921
• NICOR: 708-300-3788
• Michigan Gas Utilities: 800-401-6402
• Semco: 800-624-2019

As a trusted generator dealer, we know noise level is a common concern for homeowners considering a backup generator installation. In general, whole-house generators operate at a volume similar to a central AC condenser, with sound levels varying based on the generator’s load:

• Generac Guardian Series: 57-67 decibels at 23 feet
• Kohler Generators: 56-69 decibels at 23 feet

After installing thousands of home generators, we’ve found that Generac and Kohler models produce nearly identical noise levels, offering reliable backup power without excessive sound disruption.

Routine generator maintenance is essential to keeping your whole-house generator running reliably. This includes oil and filter changes, battery checks, load testing, and system diagnostics. If issues arise, our generator repair services can diagnose and fix them. When repairs are no longer cost-effective, we also provide generator replacements to upgrade your system for long-term reliability.