0% intro APR for 15 months from account openi… Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Budget for a Backup Generator

How to · Home

How to Budget for a Backup Generator

Keep the lights on when the grid goes down by planning your home backup generator purchase before storm season hits.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $80.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,200 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

When the power cuts out during a summer storm, the fridge stays cold and the lights stay on while your neighbors sit in the dark. Getting a backup generator installed before storm season picks up in early summer means you beat the rush and avoid emergency pricing from local electricians. Most setups take a day or two for the physical install and safety inspection once the equipment arrives.

A standard home setup usually runs about $1200 for a reliable unit and basic installation gear. Before you buy anything, get at least three quotes from local certified electricians to make sure you are not overpaying for the labor. Contractors get busy fast as soon as the first heavy weather hits, so booking early keeps costs down.

That 0% period is a strict deadline, not free money, so make sure the balance hits zero before month 15 ends or you will owe interest on the original amount from day one.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get multiple quotes

    Call at least three local electricians to price out the unit and the installation labor. Compare what is included in each quote, like permits and transfer switch setup, before you commit.

  2. 02

    Pick your window

    Aim to buy and install the generator in the spring before early summer storms start rolling in. This gives you time to test the system and ensures contractors have open slots on their calendars.

  3. 03

    Check the card term

    You can use the Discover it® Cash Back card to spread out the cost using its 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This gives you over a year to pay for the hardware without added interest.

  4. 04

    Map out the monthly math

    Divide your total cost by your timeline so you know what to set aside. For a $1200 total, you are looking at about $80.00 per month across the 15-month window to clear the balance completely.

  5. 05

    Schedule the install

    Order the unit and lock in your installation date with the electrician. Run a test test once it is in place so you know it works before the first real outage happens.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

How much does a home backup generator cost?

A typical US setup runs about $1200 for the unit and basic installation gear, though larger whole-home systems with automatic transfer switches will cost significantly more.

Can I install a backup generator myself?

Unless you are a licensed electrician, you should not attempt to wire a generator directly into your home's electrical panel. Improper installation can cause dangerous backfeeding into the grid and put utility workers at risk.

When is the best time to buy a generator?

Spring is the ideal time to buy before storm season picks up in early summer. Contractors are typically less busy and you avoid the panic buying that happens right after a major weather event.

What happens if I don't pay off the balance in 15 months?

If any portion of the $1200 remains on the card when the 15-month window expires, interest will be charged from the original purchase date at the standard variable APR.