Standby generator installation in Port St. Lucie
Whole home standby generator installation in Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast. Get matched with a licensed local contractor for sizing, permits and install.
A standby generator is wired into your home and starts by itself when the power goes out. It sits outside on a pad, like an air conditioning unit, and runs on natural gas or propane. For homes on the Treasure Coast, where hurricane season can mean days without power, it is the most hands off way to keep the house running.
Sizing the generator by kW
Generators are sized in kilowatts. Many homes land somewhere between about 14 kW and 24 kW, but the right number depends on what you want to run. A unit that carries the refrigerator, lights and internet is much smaller than one that also runs central air conditioning, a pool pump and an electric range. Big air conditioners need extra power for a moment when they start, and that is what drives the size up. A contractor should do a load calculation, not guess.
The automatic transfer switch
The transfer switch is what connects the generator to the house. It senses the outage, starts the generator, and moves your circuits onto it. When FPL power returns, it switches back. It also keeps your generator from sending power back out onto the lines, which protects the crews working to restore service. Some switches power the whole panel, and some only the circuits you pick.
The pad and placement
The unit sits on a concrete or composite pad. It has to keep a required distance from windows, doors, air intakes and the property line, because the exhaust contains carbon monoxide. It also should not sit where water collects. Homes in flood zones may have extra rules on height.
Fuel
Natural gas is cleaner and never runs out, but gas lines do not reach every neighborhood in St. Lucie and Martin counties. Many homes use a propane tank instead. A tank has its own placement rules. See propane and natural gas hookups for details.
Permits and licensing
A standby install needs a permit from the city or county building department. The electrical work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. Gas piping must be done by a licensed plumbing or gas contractor, and propane tanks have set distances from the house and property line. If you live in an HOA, such as in Tradition, get written approval before work begins. Your contractor should pull the permit and schedule the inspections.
What it costs
Price depends on the size of the unit, the fuel, how far the generator sits from the electric panel and the gas meter or tank, and the permit fees. A complete install can range from several thousand dollars to well over ten thousand. The only reliable number comes from a contractor who has seen your property, which is why we start with a free estimate.
After the install, plan on regular service. Read about maintenance plans.