Chicago Generator Installation: Backup & Whole-House Generator Experts

There are many ways to prepare for Chicago’s severe winter weather, and installing a generator in your home is an excellent step towards ensuring you’ll be comfortable even during extended power outages. For over 50 years, Four Seasons has been a trusted Chicagoland partner for reliable generator installations and electrical solutions to keep your home powered, no matter the conditions. 

While some homeowners settle for a portable generator, the benefits of a whole-house backup generator installation are well worth the investment. Our licensed whole-home generator installers are ready when you are, day or night, even when you require emergency generator services.

Once installed, you’ll be ready anytime the power is interrupted. Enjoy the convenience, comfort, and safety a whole-house generator provides.

Generators use natural gas or propane to create electricity. The generator will automatically start after 5 seconds when the power goes out. Once the generator is running at full speed and producing the correct voltage, a whole-home transfer switch will switch the source of power from utility power to the generator. The entire transfer process takes less than 30 seconds. The generator will run continuously as long as fuel is available. With proper maintenance, your generator should provide reliable backup power to your home for 15+ years!

Unlike portable generators, which require manual setup and have limited power capacity, whole-house generators turn on automatically and power your entire home. That means no refueling, no braving bad weather, and no worrying about keeping essential systems running.

At Four Seasons Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electric, our expert licensed electricians perform generator installations using reliable Generac and Kohler systems, all backed by comprehensive warranties for long-term peace of mind. Our award-winning work, competitive pricing, and attentive customer service make us Chicago’s trusted choice for generator installation.

A generator installation is a smart investment in your Chicago home. While it may not be something you need very often, you’ll be glad you do when the power goes out! With thousands of successful installations, Four Seasons has the know-how to provide day or night generator service with 24/7 emergency support at no additional cost.

As Chicagoland’s #1 Generac and Kohler generator installer, we have seen it all. Since 1971, we have installed generators on roofs, on flood-plain racks, on steep slopes, and right outside the average home. We install natural gas and propane generators, air-cooled and liquid-cooled units, and only use the most trusted brands in home generator installation. Expect high-quality generators from Kohler, Generac, and Briggs & Stratton. Whatever your requirements, whole-home, backup, or commercial generator installation, we’re the right ones to handle it.

Four Seasons Electrical offers impressive benefits, including:

• Quality Generators from Top Brands
• Expert Installation by Licensed Electricians
• Fast Project Completion
• Competitive Prices
• Financing with Rates as Low as 0%
• Industry-Leading Warranties
• One-Year No-Breakdown Guarantee

We pride ourselves on finding the perfect backup generator for your home and budget. When you meet with our system designer, we will address the following questions for your project:

For safety and efficiency, home generators should be at least 5 feet from windows and doors and 18 inches from combustible surfaces. They must sit on solid, level ground, not a deck or balcony. Placing the unit near electric and gas meters minimizes costs. Our Chicago generator installers will help you find the best placement for optimal performance and code compliance.

The capacity of a home generator depends on its size and setup. You can choose between a whole-home generator or a partial-home generator based on your power needs:

• Whole-home generators power your entire home by connecting to your electrical system at the meter. Some homeowners use load management to cycle high-power appliances, like EV chargers, to prevent overload and reduce costs.
• Partial home generators supply power to essential circuits such as refrigerators, sump pumps, key electronics, and lights. However, partial generators typically cannot support heavy loads like air conditioning units or electric stoves.

See our sizing tool to better understand generator sizing options and get an idea for what you require

The cost of a generator installation in Chicagoland varies based on several factors. Air-cooled generator systems typically start at $120/month ($8,000 cash price) and can go up to $180/month ($12,000 cash price) or more, depending on the setup. Prices may fluctuate due to economic factors, material costs, and supply chain changes. Key factors influencing cost include:

• Generator size: Smaller models like the Generac 10kW or Kohler 12kW are significantly more affordable than larger 26kW units, which provide greater power capacity.
• Generator placement: Installations requiring longer gas or electric line runs or custom placements may increase overall costs.
• Accessories selected: Many homeowners opt for whole-home surge protectors or other add-ons, which enhance protection and bring the system up to National Electric Code standards.

Once we have designed your project, we can schedule your electrician generator installation and get started right away!

Whether or not your home requires a gas meter upgrade depends on the type and size of your home generator. Partial-home generators typically do not require a gas meter upgrade, while whole-house generators may need one. About 50% of homes with whole-home systems require an upgrade to provide sufficient fuel supply. To determine if your current gas meter can support your generator, contact your utility provider:

• NIPSCO: 844-809-8921
• NICOR: 708-300-3788
• Michigan Gas Utilities: 800-401-6402
• Semco: 800-624-2019

As a trusted generator dealer, we know noise level is a common concern for homeowners considering a backup generator installation. In general, whole-house generators operate at a volume similar to a central AC condenser, with sound levels varying based on the generator’s load:

• Generac Guardian Series: 57-67 decibels at 23 feet
• Kohler Generators: 56-69 decibels at 23 feet

After installing thousands of home generators, we’ve found that Generac and Kohler models produce nearly identical noise levels, offering reliable backup power without excessive sound disruption.

Routine generator maintenance is essential to keeping your whole-house generator running reliably. This includes oil and filter changes, battery checks, load testing, and system diagnostics. If issues arise, our generator repair services can diagnose and fix them. When repairs are no longer cost-effective, we also provide generator replacements to upgrade your system for long-term reliability.

 Learn more about the benefits of a whole-house generator installation by contacting the highly-reviewed team at Four Seasons. Give us a call for more information about our quality electrical services, or fill out our online form now to schedule an in-home consultation.