Edited: June 16, 2025
When the lights go out in Spokane, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a potential risk to your comfort, safety, and health. Whether you’re heating your home in the dead of winter or keeping food cold during the hottest summer days, power plays a critical role in daily life. And for some Spokane families, especially those with medical devices that rely on electricity, having backup power isn’t optional—it’s essential.
At Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we’re here to help local homeowners stay safe and comfortable all year long. That’s why we offer professional whole home generator installation across Spokane and Spokane Valley. If you’re curious about what a whole house generator can do, what it costs, and how to get started, this guide breaks it all down.
What Is a Whole Home Generator—and Why Is It Different?
A whole house generator (also called a standby generator or whole home backup generator) is a permanent power solution installed outside your home, much like a central AC unit. These systems are designed to detect outages automatically. When the utility grid fails, your generator kicks on within seconds—no fumbling in the dark or dragging out extension cords.
Unlike portable generators, which can only power a few appliances at a time and require manual setup, whole home generators are wired directly into your home’s electrical system. They run on natural gas, propane, or diesel, depending on your setup, and are built to power your entire house. That includes everything from HVAC systems and refrigerators to lights, outlets, and medical equipment.
The Real-Life Benefits of Whole Home Backup Generators
1. Uninterrupted Comfort
Imagine your furnace shutting off in the middle of a snowstorm—or your AC failing during a late-summer heat wave. With a whole home generator, your heating and cooling systems keep running like nothing ever happened.
2. Keeps Appliances and Devices Running
Refrigerators, sump pumps, garage doors, Wi-Fi routers—your daily routines rely on a lot of powered equipment. A standby generator keeps them all operational.
3. Supports Medical Equipment
If someone in your household uses an oxygen concentrator, powered wheelchair charger, CPAP machine, or other medical device, power continuity can be life-saving.
4. Protects Your Home
A blackout doesn’t just cause discomfort—it can lead to property damage. For example, frozen pipes during a winter outage can burst, causing thousands in water damage. A generator helps prevent that by keeping your home’s critical systems running.
5. Peace of Mind for Spokane Weather
Windstorms, wildfires, and icy conditions are common throughout Eastern Washington. With a standby generator, you never have to worry about when the next storm might knock the power out.
What Does a Whole Home Generator Cost?
The cost of a whole home generator varies depending on several key factors. Here’s what goes into the total:
1. Generator Size and Power Output
Most homes need a generator rated between 15 and 25 kilowatts (kW). Smaller homes with fewer appliances may require less, while larger homes with HVAC systems, well pumps, or more intensive needs may need more. The larger the unit, the more it costs—but sizing it right is critical to avoiding overload or underperformance.
2. Fuel Source
Natural gas and propane are the most common fuel types in the Spokane area. If you already have a natural gas line, it may be the most convenient and cost-effective choice. Propane is a great alternative for homes outside the city grid. Diesel is also available, though it’s less common for residential use and may require larger fuel storage.
3. Installation Costs
Whole home generator installation includes more than just placing the unit outside. It involves permitting, electrical work, fuel line hookups, concrete pads, and testing. If your home has unique challenges like a steep yard, underground utility lines, or limited access, costs may rise.
4. Permitting and Compliance
Local codes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, and surrounding communities require permits for generator installation. Mainstream handles all the paperwork for you, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
5. Optional Features
Features like automatic transfer switches (ATS), mobile monitoring apps, and cold-weather kits may add to the initial investment but provide added reliability.
Average Price Range:
Most Spokane homeowners spend up to $15,000 for a full system and professional install, though high-capacity models or custom installations can exceed that range. At Mainstream, we work with your budget and offer financing to recommend the best system for your needs without upselling.
Popular Generator Brands We Install and Service
Mainstream installs, repairs, and maintains most major whole home generator brands on the market. These include:
- Generac – One of the most trusted names in home standby power. Known for reliable performance and easy maintenance.
- Kohler – Offers premium-grade generators with powerful output and long warranties.
- Briggs & Stratton – A strong choice for families looking for durable, mid-range units.
- Champion – A budget-friendly option with dependable performance.
Not sure which one is right for your home? We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each and help you choose a model that fits your electrical load and lifestyle.
Why Spokane Homeowners Trust Mainstream
When it comes to protecting your home, you want a company that’s done this before—and done it right. Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has served the Inland Northwest for over two decades. We’re known for honest work, transparent pricing, and solutions that last.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Expert Recommendations: We size and spec your generator based on real household usage—not guesswork.
- Complete Installation: From trenching to electrical hookups and permits, we handle every step.
- Care and Maintenance Plans: Our Care Club home maintenance plan gives you ongoing peace of mind with routine checks, priority service, and guaranteed performance.
- Emergency Repairs: Should anything go wrong with your generator, we’re here 24/7 to help.
- Local Knowledge: We understand the unique challenges of Spokane homes, from high snow loads and slope access to rural propane setups and neighborhood permitting.
Are Whole House Generators Worth It?
For many Spokane-area families, the answer is a resounding yes. The value of a whole home generator isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protection, safety, and long-term savings. Here’s why:
- Avoid Costly Damages: Prevent frozen pipes, spoiled food, or basement flooding.
- Increase Home Value: Whole house generators are a strong selling point in real estate listings.
- Eliminate Hotel Costs During Outages: Stay home instead of booking a last-minute room.
- Protect Loved Ones: Keep vulnerable household members safe during emergency events.
If you’ve ever lost power during a storm and thought, “Never again,” then you already know what a whole house generator is worth.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Mainstream makes whole home generator installation easy. Our team will inspect your home, review your power needs, and give you a straightforward quote—no surprises. We also offer financing options to help make your home safer and more secure, no matter your budget.
Don’t let the next storm catch you off guard. Get a system that works automatically, reliably, and safely—so your home is ready for whatever the Inland Northwest throws your way.
