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November 3, 2025

Chimacum WA Standby Generator Installation & Maintenance Costs

Estimated Read Time: 11 minutes

Power outages in the Seattle area are unpredictable, and a home without backup power can mean lost food, frozen pipes, and unsafe conditions. If you are researching standby generator installation cost, this guide breaks down pricing, benefits, and how to choose the right system for your home. You will also learn how CM Heating manages permitting, sizing, and maintenance so you get reliable, automatic power when you need it most.

What Is a Standby Generator and How Does It Work?

A standby generator is a permanently installed backup power system that turns on automatically during an outage. It is typically connected to a natural gas or propane supply and sized to power all essential circuits or the entire home. An automatic transfer switch monitors utility power and switches your home to generator power within seconds, then back again when the grid returns.

Key advantages:

  1. Automatic operation without extension cords.
  2. Higher power output than portables.
  3. Safe connection to your electrical panel with an inspected transfer switch.

Homeowners in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and the Eastside often prefer standby systems because they handle multi‑day wind or ice events without constant refueling.

Standby Generator Installation Cost: What You Can Expect

Most whole‑house standby generator projects fall between $5,000 and $15,000 in the Seattle area, including purchase and professional installation. Your final standby generator installation cost depends on several factors:

  1. System size and brand • 14–18 kW supports most essentials and many whole‑home needs. • 20–26 kW handles large homes or high‑demand appliances.
  2. Fuel type and gas work • Natural gas tie‑ins are common in the metro area. • Propane requires tank sizing and placement.
  3. Electrical scope • Panel capacity, transfer switch selection, and any required upgrades.
  4. Site conditions • Pad, trenching, distance to meter/tank, and weather concerns.
  5. Permits and inspections • City requirements vary; Bellevue and Redmond often require permits and coordination.

Pro tip: Ask for a line‑item quote so you clearly see generator, transfer switch, electrical labor, gas work, concrete pad, permits, and extras. CM Heating always provides a free, detailed quote before work begins.

The Benefits: Why Homeowners Choose Standby Power

A standby generator protects your comfort, safety, and investment during outages.

  • Comfort and safety: Heat, refrigeration, well pumps, medical devices, and lighting stay on.
  • Property protection: Avoid frozen pipes and sump pump failures during winter storms.
  • Food and work continuity: Save groceries and keep home offices running.
  • Peace of mind: Automatic operation when you travel or are away at work.
  • Home value: Buyers appreciate professionally installed, permitted backup power.

Because our electricians handle panel upgrades, surge protection, grounding, and testing, we ensure your entire system is safe and ready for storm season.

The Installation Process and Timeline

A professional installation is a coordinated project led by a licensed electrician.

  1. In‑home assessment and sizing • Load calculation, brand comparison, and placement plan.
  2. Transparent proposal and scheduling • Free, detailed quote with options and financing.
  3. Permitting and utility coordination • We handle electrical and, when needed, gas permits and inspections.
  4. Site prep and placement • Concrete pad, clearance to windows, and code‑compliant location.
  5. Electrical and fuel connections • Transfer switch install, panel tie‑in, gas line work, and leak checks.
  6. Startup, testing, and homeowner orientation • We test under load, set exercise schedules, review manuals, and warranty.

Most straightforward projects take one to three days on site after permits are approved.

Sizing Your Generator: Get It Right the First Time

Selecting the correct capacity is the most important decision. We right‑size using real appliance loads and your priorities.

  • Essentials only: Furnace blower, fridge, lights, outlets, and Wi‑Fi can often run on 10–14 kW, depending on home.
  • Whole‑home: 18–26 kW typically supports central AC, electric ranges, EV charging, and larger homes.
  • Fuel questions: Natural gas is common in the Seattle metro; propane is ideal where gas is not available. We confirm pressure and meter capacity to prevent low‑fuel shutdowns.

Your CM Heating electrician will compare Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, and other leading brands, then match size and transfer switch type to your panel and future plans.

Permits, Codes, and Local Compliance

Cities like Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland often require electrical permits for standby generators. Placement must meet clearance to openings and property lines, and gas work must pass inspection. Our team coordinates with the city and utility so your project complies with local ordinances. Bellevue, for example, requires permits for most system replacements, and we work closely with the city to keep projects on track.

Two hard facts to ground your planning:

  1. Typical whole‑house generator projects cost $5,000 to $15,000 including installation.
  2. CM Heating holds an A+ rating with the BBB and earned the 2024 Gold Stevie Award for Company of the Year in Consumer Services.

Ownership Costs: Maintenance, Fuel, and Warranties

Standby systems are reliable when maintained. Here is what to plan for after installation.

  • Routine maintenance: Annual service with oil, filter, spark plug, and full system check. We recommend testing after major storms and once per year under load.
  • Exercise schedule: Most units self‑test weekly; we verify settings during startup.
  • Fuel: Natural gas has virtually unlimited runtime. Propane requires tank sizing; schedule refills before storms.
  • Repairs: CM Heating provides 24/7 emergency repair when unexpected issues arise.
  • Warranty: Manufacturer coverage varies by brand; we review terms at startup and register your product.

Many clients choose a yearly maintenance plan. We also provide a complimentary maintenance visit one year after install when noted on your proposal.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Avoid these issues to protect your investment.

  1. Undersizing the generator • Leads to nuisance shutdowns when multiple appliances run. • Solution: Load calculation and honest conversation about priorities.
  2. Skipping permits • Risk of fines, delays in home sale, and safety issues. • Solution: We pull required permits and coordinate inspections.
  3. Inadequate gas supply • Low pressure causes surging or shutdown. • Solution: Verify meter capacity and propane tank sizing before install.
  4. Poor placement • Violates clearance rules or exposes the unit to snow drifts. • Solution: Choose a code‑compliant, serviceable location on a proper pad.
  5. Lack of surge protection • Electronics can be damaged when power returns. • Solution: Add whole‑home surge protection at the panel.

Brand Choices: What Matters More Than the Name

Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, and Mitsubishi‑branded units all make dependable systems. What matters is matching features to your home:

  • Noise level and enclosure style.
  • Controller quality and remote monitoring options.
  • Transfer switch type and load management modules.
  • Parts availability and local service support.

Our manufacturer‑trained and licensed electricians will walk you through the trade‑offs, then recommend the right combination of brand, size, and switch.

Financing, Value, and ROI

Standby power is a larger upfront investment but delivers long‑term value.

  • Financing options help spread costs.
  • Protects your home and keeps life running during multi‑day outages.
  • May increase buyer appeal when you sell.
  • Can reduce spoilage and prevent costly damage from frozen pipes or failed sump pumps.

CM Heating is known for transparent, affordable installation costs and a true 100% satisfaction guarantee. We present clear options so you can choose the best value.

Repairs and Emergency Service

Even well‑maintained systems can need attention. Signs you may need service include hard starting, frequent alarms, or uneven running under load. CM Heating provides 24/7 emergency repair with licensed electricians who can diagnose electrical faults, test transfer switches, and resolve gas supply issues. We stock common parts and prioritize storm‑related calls during the season.

How to Get a Precise Quote in the Seattle Area

If you are in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Bothell, Redmond, Sammamish, Edmonds, Marysville, or Lynnwood, we can typically schedule a visit quickly.

What to expect from our quoting process:

  1. A free, detailed written quote that includes equipment, labor, permits, and options.
  2. Clear brand comparisons and size recommendations.
  3. Transparent pricing with financing options.
  4. A single point of contact from assessment through final inspection.

Bring a list of must‑run items and a photo of your electrical panel. We will do the rest.

Why Homeowners Choose CM Heating

  • Licensed electricians and certified technicians on every project.
  • Permitting support and local code expertise.
  • Full‑service electrical capabilities, including panel upgrades and surge protection.
  • 24/7 emergency support after installation.
  • A+ BBB rating and award‑winning service.

When the next windstorm or ice event hits, an automatic standby generator is the difference between disruption and normal life. We install, maintain, and stand behind systems that keep your home safe and comfortable.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Nathan Ware did a great job, was informative , on time, and left a clean work area. All work done be CM Heating staff has been exceptional,; especially the efforts of the team installing the whole house generator. Couldn't be happier."
–Stan and Claudia, Generator Installation
"We just had our first annual maintenance check for our heater (free the first year). Chris (pictured below) was friendly, did a great job, and explained everything very well. He gave us several tips that will help extend the life of our heater, and showed us how to save money on any future repairs. All our contact with this company has been very positive. It's great too that they contribute to the Make a Wish Foundation of Alaska and Washington!"
–Homeowner, Annual Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a standby generator installation cost in the Seattle area?

Most projects fall between $5,000 and $15,000, including the generator, transfer switch, permits, and professional installation. Your price depends on size, brand, gas work, and site conditions.

Do I need a permit for a standby generator?

Yes. Most cities, including Bellevue and Redmond, require electrical permits and inspections. We handle permit applications, schedule inspections, and ensure code‑compliant placement.

What size generator do I need for whole‑home coverage?

Many homes are well served by 18–22 kW. Larger homes or electric ranges and central AC may require 22–26 kW. We perform a load calculation to right‑size the system.

Is natural gas or propane better for standby generators?

Natural gas is convenient where service is available. Propane is ideal for rural areas. We confirm meter pressure or size the tank so the generator runs reliably under load.

How often should a standby generator be serviced?

Plan for annual maintenance and post‑storm checks. Service typically includes oil and filter changes, spark plugs, full inspection, and a test under load.

Conclusion

A well‑planned standby generator protects comfort, safety, and property value. With transparent pricing, permits handled, and 24/7 support, CM Heating makes installation simple and reliable. If you are comparing standby generator installation cost in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, or nearby, we will size the right system and back it with award‑winning service.

Ready for Backup Power?

Call CM Heating at (425) 259-0550 or schedule at https://cmheating.com/ for your free, detailed generator quote. Our licensed electricians will size your system, handle permits, and set you up with maintenance for reliable power year‑round.

About CM Heating

For over 35 years, CM Heating has served Snohomish County and the greater Seattle area with licensed electricians and EPA‑certified technicians. We install and service leading standby generator brands and back every job with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We hold an A+ rating with the BBB and earned the 2024 American Business Awards Gold Stevie for Company of the Year in Consumer Services. Expect transparent pricing, fast scheduling, and 24/7 emergency support.

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