How Much Does It Cost to Run a Generator?
Generator operating cost summary: A typical 22kW home standby generator costs $2-4 per hour to run on natural gas at 50% load, based on Generac's published fuel consumption specifications and average Texas utility rates. Annual maintenance adds $300-600, making the total yearly cost of ownership between $500-$1,200 for most homeowners.
Understanding the real costs of running a generator helps you budget effectively and appreciate the value of backup power for your home.
How Much Fuel Does a Home Generator Use?
Fuel is the largest ongoing cost of operating a standby generator. According to Generac's technical specifications, fuel consumption varies by generator size, fuel type, and electrical load.
Natural Gas Fuel Costs
Natural gas is the most common and cost-effective fuel option for home standby generators in Texas. According to Generac's published specifications, a 22kW Guardian generator operating at 50% load consumes approximately 245 cubic feet of natural gas per hour.
Based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) residential natural gas rate for Texas of approximately $1.30 per 100 cubic feet, this translates to roughly $3.19 per hour of operation.
| Generator Size | Fuel Use at 50% Load | Hourly Cost (Natural Gas) |
|---|---|---|
| 14kW | ~160 cu ft/hr | ~$2.08/hr |
| 22kW | ~245 cu ft/hr | ~$3.19/hr |
| 26kW | ~290 cu ft/hr | ~$3.77/hr |
Sources: Generac Guardian series specifications; U.S. Energy Information Administration Texas residential natural gas rates
Propane (LP) Fuel Costs
Propane-powered generators are an alternative for homes without natural gas service. According to Generac's specifications, a 22kW generator at 50% load consumes approximately 2.6 gallons of propane per hour. With the EIA's average Texas propane price of approximately $2.50 per gallon, that equates to roughly $6.50 per hour.
Natural gas vs. propane cost comparison: Natural gas is roughly 50% cheaper to operate than propane for the same generator size, making it the preferred fuel option when available.
What Does Generator Maintenance Cost?
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your generator reliable and your warranty valid. According to Generac's maintenance guidelines, standby generators require service at specific intervals.
Annual maintenance cost breakdown:
- Oil and filter changes: $50-$100 per year for DIY service, based on standard Generac maintenance kits
- Spark plugs: $20-$40, replaced every 200 hours of operation per Generac's maintenance schedule
- Professional service plans: $300-$600 per year, which includes comprehensive inspection, oil change, and system testing
- Battery replacement: $50-$100 every 2-3 years
Self-contained answer: Annual generator maintenance costs between $300-$600 for professional service plans, or $100-$200 for DIY maintenance. Professional service is recommended by Generac to maintain warranty coverage and ensure optimal performance.
What Does It Cost to NOT Have a Generator?
The cost of going without power during an extended outage often exceeds the annual cost of owning a generator. According to insurance industry data and FEMA emergency preparedness guidelines, common outage-related expenses include:
- Spoiled food and medications: $300-$600 per event, based on USDA food safety guidelines that recommend discarding refrigerated food after 4 hours without power
- Hotel stays during extended outages: $150-$250 per night for a Texas family, according to AAA average hotel rate data
- Frozen pipe repairs: $5,000-$15,000 on average, according to the Insurance Information Institute's claims data for winter storm damage
- Lost remote work productivity: $200-$500 per day, based on average Texas household income data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Property damage from sump pump failure: $3,000-$10,000 for basement flooding remediation
Evidence supporting generator value:
- The Insurance Information Institute reports that winter storm Uri (2021) caused over $18 billion in insured losses across Texas
- ERCOT data shows Texas experienced multiple grid reliability events in recent years, affecting millions of customers
- According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster-related closure
Bottom line: While a standby generator costs $500-$1,200 per year to maintain and fuel, a single multi-day outage can cost a Texas homeowner $1,000-$20,000 or more in damages, lost productivity, and emergency expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a generator for 24 hours?
Running a 22kW generator on natural gas for 24 hours costs approximately $76 at average Texas utility rates, based on Generac's fuel consumption specifications of 245 cubic feet per hour at 50% load. Actual costs vary based on electrical load and local gas prices.
Is it cheaper to run a generator on natural gas or propane?
Natural gas is approximately 50% cheaper than propane for operating a home standby generator. A 22kW generator costs roughly $3.19 per hour on natural gas versus $6.50 per hour on propane, according to Generac specifications and EIA fuel pricing data.
How often does a standby generator need maintenance?
Generac recommends professional maintenance every 200 hours of operation or at least once per year, whichever comes first. This includes oil and filter changes, spark plug inspection, battery testing, and a comprehensive system check to maintain warranty coverage.
Last updated: October 2024. Cost estimates based on Generac technical specifications and U.S. Energy Information Administration pricing data. Contact Generators of Texas at (832) 850-4816 for a personalized cost assessment.