If you lived in Iowa City during the August 2020 derecho, you know what it's like to go days — or even weeks — without power. That single storm left hundreds of thousands of Eastern Iowa residents in the dark, and it changed how many homeowners think about backup power.
At Down The Road Electric Inc, we've seen a significant increase in generator installation requests across Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and the surrounding areas. If you're considering a whole-home standby generator, here's everything you need to know.
Portable vs. Standby Generators
Portable generators are the ones you wheel out of the garage, fill with gas, and plug extension cords into. They're affordable (typically $500 to $2,000) but limited in what they can power, require manual setup during a storm, produce carbon monoxide that makes indoor use deadly, and need frequent refueling.
Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home, connected to your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch, and powered by natural gas or propane. When the power goes out, they start automatically within seconds — even if you're not home. They can power your entire house, including your HVAC system, refrigerator, sump pump, and all your lights and outlets.
How Does a Standby Generator Work?
A standby generator monitors your utility power 24/7. When it detects an outage, the automatic transfer switch disconnects your home from the utility grid and connects it to the generator — all within about 10 to 20 seconds. When utility power is restored, the process reverses automatically.
The generator runs a self-test cycle weekly (usually for about 15 minutes) to ensure it's ready when needed. Most modern units are remarkably quiet — comparable to a central air conditioning unit.
Sizing Your Generator
Choosing the right size generator is critical. Too small, and it won't power everything you need. Too large, and you're paying for capacity you'll never use. Here's a general guide for Iowa City homes:
A 14-16 kW generator handles essential circuits — HVAC, refrigerator, sump pump, some lights and outlets. This is the most popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. A 20-22 kW generator powers most of a typical Iowa City home, including the HVAC system, kitchen appliances, laundry, and general lighting and outlets. A 24+ kW generator provides whole-home coverage for larger homes or homes with high electrical demands like EV chargers, hot tubs, or workshop equipment.
During your consultation, we'll perform a load calculation based on your specific home and electrical usage to recommend the right size.
Installation Requirements
Installing a standby generator involves several components. The generator unit itself is placed on a concrete pad outside your home, typically near your gas meter or propane tank. An automatic transfer switch is installed next to your electrical panel. Gas piping connects the generator to your natural gas line or propane supply. Electrical connections link the generator to the transfer switch and your panel.
The installation also requires permits from the City of Iowa City (or your local municipality) and a final inspection. We handle all permitting and scheduling as part of our installation service.
What Does It Cost?
Generator installation costs in the Iowa City area vary based on the generator size, your home's electrical setup, gas line requirements, and site preparation. As a general range, a complete installed system typically runs between $5,000 and $15,000, including the generator, transfer switch, installation labor, concrete pad, gas piping, permits, and inspection.
We always provide a detailed written quote after evaluating your home — no surprises. We can also discuss financing options to make the investment more manageable.
Popular Generator Brands
We install and service generators from Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton. Generac is the most popular choice among our Iowa City customers due to their reliability, extensive dealer network, and competitive pricing. We can help you compare options based on your specific needs and budget.
Maintenance Matters
A standby generator is a mechanical device that needs regular maintenance to perform reliably. We recommend annual professional maintenance that includes an oil and filter change, spark plug inspection, battery check, transfer switch testing, and overall system inspection.
Many of our VIP Membership customers include generator maintenance in their annual service plan. This ensures their generator is always ready when the next storm hits.
Don't Wait for the Next Storm
Iowa's severe weather season runs from spring through fall, and winter ice storms can cause extended outages too. The best time to install a generator is before you need it. Lead times for popular models can stretch to several weeks during peak season, so planning ahead is important.
Contact Down The Road Electric Inc today to schedule a free generator consultation. We'll evaluate your home, recommend the right size, and provide a written quote. Call or text (319) 774-7702, or use the contact form on our website. We serve Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, and Cedar Rapids.
About the Author
Jesse is the owner of Down The Road Electric Inc, a licensed residential electrician serving Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, and Cedar Rapids. With a commitment to honest communication and quality craftsmanship, Jesse and his team provide reliable electrical services to homeowners throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor.