Frequently Asked Questions

The physical install — setting the unit on its pad, running the gas line and wiring the transfer switch — is usually done in a day or two. The longer pole is permits and inspections, which add time before and after the work and vary by town. From signed quote to a fully inspected, running system, most Naperville-area projects take a few weeks.

Yes. A standby generator installation involves electrical work and usually gas piping, and both require permits and a final inspection. The same is true in the surrounding suburbs, though each village runs its own process. The installer pulls the permits and schedules the inspections as part of the job — you don't have to visit a municipal office.

It depends on what you want powered. Backing up essentials — furnace, refrigerator, sump pump, some lights and outlets — takes a smaller unit than running the whole house including central air conditioning. The installer does a load calculation during the consultation and recommends a size in kilowatts. For whole-home coverage, most homes in this area land in the 18–24 kW range.

Much quieter than a portable generator. A running standby unit is comparable to a central air conditioner — audible outside, but not something that disrupts the house or the neighborhood. Exact decibel levels vary by model and by how they're measured, and placement matters too; the installer sites the unit with both code setbacks and your bedroom windows in mind.

At minimum, an annual service: oil and filter change, spark plugs, battery check, a load test and a full inspection. The unit also runs a short self-test exercise every week on its own. Skipping service is the most common reason a generator fails when it's finally needed — and most manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid.

Yes, if it's sized for them — and sizing is exactly why the installer visits before quoting. Central air conditioning is usually the single biggest load in the house, so it's the first thing they account for. A sump pump draws far less power but is often the most important thing to keep running. A properly sized whole-home generator handles both without you flipping a single switch.

Nothing you have to do. The automatic transfer switch senses the outage within seconds, starts the generator and moves your home onto generator power. When utility power returns, it switches you back and shuts the generator down. Whether you're home, asleep or on vacation, the sequence is the same.

With annual maintenance, most standby generators last around 15 to 20 years. That's a typical expectation, not a manufacturer guarantee; actual lifespan depends on use, conditions and service history. The engine runs during outages and exercise cycles, and batteries, oil and filters need regular attention throughout its life.

Honest answer: it depends on your home, so treat any number here as an estimate, not a quote. Whole-home standby installs typically run from the mid-thousands to the mid-teens depending on generator size, fuel line work, electrical panel work and permits, with most 18–24 kW installs landing near $9,000–$12,000. Our generator cost page breaks down every factor, and a written quote after a site visit is always exact.