5 Proven Ways a Generac Backup Home Generator Adds Value
British Columbia homeowners are seeing more unexpected weather events — windstorms, freezing rain, heavy snowfall, flooding, and wildfire-related outages. In some neighborhoods, losing power isn’t a rare event — it’s something that can happen multiple times a year.
When the power goes out, life stops.
No heat.
No fridge.
No internet.
No ability to cook, charge devices, or run essential medical equipment.
For homeowners, this is stressful. For homebuyers, it’s a deal-breaker.
That’s why more buyers are beginning to prioritize homes that already have a Generac backup home generator installed. They’re not wondering, “Should I install one?” — instead, they’re asking:
“Does the house already come with one?”
A standby generator increases perceived home value, reduces buyer hesitation, and gives your listing a competitive advantage in the real estate market.
Why Buyers Care About Backup Power
In today’s market, buyers want more than granite countertops and a nice paint colour. They want security, comfort, and resilience — a home that works even when the grid doesn’t.
During a power outage:
- Refrigerators and freezers warm up in hours, causing food loss.
- Sump pumps stop working, increasing the risk of flooding.
- Furnaces and heating systems shut off, making the home cold quickly.
- Wi-Fi, home office setups, and smart devices lose power.
- Security cameras and alarm systems go offline.
A Generac backup home generator eliminates those risks automatically.
Unlike portable generators that require fuel, extension cords, and physical setup, a Generac standby generator:
- Turns on automatically when the power fails
- Runs on natural gas or propane
- Powers essential systems and appliances
- Keeps the home heated, lit, and connected
There is no manual startup. No scrambling in the dark. No stress.
For buyers, this means peace of mind — and they are willing to pay more for it.
1. Protects Expensive Home Systems
Unexpected power outages aren’t just frustrating — they can be incredibly expensive. A Generac system protects major home investments that can be damaged when power is lost.
When the power goes out:
- Freezers full of food thaw (loss of hundreds of dollars)
- Sump pumps stop, increasing the risk of basement flooding (damage worth thousands)
- Furnaces shut off, causing frozen pipes (repairs can exceed $10,000+)
A standby generator prevents those failures.
Real examples of expensive losses that a generator prevents:
| Potential Loss | Average Cost |
| Flooded basement | $10,000–$25,000+ |
| Frozen/burst pipes | $4,000–$15,000+ |
| Spoiled food | $300–$600 per outage |
| Emergency hotel stay | $200–$400 per night |
Avoiding just one major loss often offsets a significant portion of the generator’s cost.
Buyers notice when a home includes features designed to protect it — and they assign value to upgrades that reduce risk.
2. Keeps Essential Systems Running
For many families, power isn’t optional — it’s a lifeline.
Some buyers rely on electricity for:
- CPAP or oxygen machines
- Refrigerated medications (insulin, biologicals)
- Mobility equipment and accessibility devices
- Remote work or critical online systems
- Home security systems and cameras
A backup generator ensures those systems stay on without interruption, even if no one is home to activate it.
Buyers appreciate that:
- They don’t need to refuel it.
- They don’t need to be present to start it.
- It will run automatically and shut off automatically.
Peace of mind is a powerful selling point.
Especially for buyers with young children, aging parents, chronic medical needs, or those who work from home, knowing the house will always have power is an emotional benefit — and emotional benefits sell homes faster.
3. Improves Comfort and Livability During Outages
One of the most overlooked benefits of a standby generator is comfort.
A home that stays warm, bright, and connected during a storm feels higher-end and well prepared. It doesn’t feel like a house trying to survive an outage — it feels like a house that’s built to handle one.
With a Generac system, homeowners can continue using:
- Heating systems
- Lighting throughout the home
- Wi-Fi and devices
- Phone and laptop chargers
- Kitchen appliances (microwave, stove ignition, refrigerator)
Instead of scrambling with flashlights, candles, or battery packs:
- The furnace continues heating.
- The Wi-Fi continues running.
- The fridge continues cooling.
No flashlights.
No hotel room costs.
No anxiety.
Homes that maintain comfort are more attractive to buyers. Livability is one of the top reasons a generator raises perceived home value — especially in BC’s unpredictable climate.
4. Supports Modern Home Improvements (Including Electric Heating)
More homeowners are upgrading to energy-efficient systems, especially electric heating systems and heat pumps. These upgrades are modern, efficient, and eco-friendly — but they still depend on electricity.
That’s where a Generac generator becomes a valuable pairing.
A properly sized generator can support:
- Heat pumps
- Electric baseboards
- Smart thermostats and smart panels
Heat pumps and modern electric heating are recommended by Natural Resources Canada as energy-efficient options for Canadian climates. When buyers see a home with both:
✅ an efficient heating system
+
✅ a backup generator that ensures it always works
…they see a future-ready home.
The biggest fear around electric heating is “What happens if the power goes out?”
With a generator, that worry disappears.
5. Makes Your Listing Stand Out (Stronger Offers + Faster Sale)
BC real estate is competitive. Listings often look similar: same size, same price range, same neighborhood.
But one thing dramatically changes buyer perception:
“Home includes a professionally installed automatic Generac standby generator.”
That single line in an MLS listing communicates:
- Preparedness
- Lower future costs
- Lower risk
- Higher home quality
Real estate agents frequently highlight standby generators alongside premium upgrades such as:
- A new roof
- Updated electrical system
- Finished basement
- New windows and insulation
Buyers want fewer unknowns. A generator removes a big one.
Confident buyers move faster, hesitate less, and submit stronger offers.
How Much Value Can a Generator Add?
Industry remodeling and resale data show that standby generators can help homeowners recover a meaningful portion of the installation cost. Exact percentages vary by:
- Neighborhood
- How often outages occur in the region
- Quality of installation (DIY doesn’t count!)
- Whether documentation is available
Buyers see value when:
- The generator powers essential circuits (heat, fridge, sump pump, lights)
- The home has proof of licensed installation and permits
- The generator is maintained and ready to run
Even if the resale value isn’t dollar-for-dollar, the perceived value — comfort, safety, preparedness — can give your listing a huge advantage.
Before Listing Your Home, Do These 5 Things
Turning a generator into a selling feature is simple. Do these before your home hits the market:
- Gather documentation
Keep permits, invoices, and warranties in a folder. - Label circuits powered by the generator
Example: furnace, fridge, garage outlets, sump pump. - Include the upgrade in MLS description
Example: “Home includes automatic Generac standby generator powering heat and essentials during outages.” - Add photos in your listing
Buyers need to see it, not just read about it. - Book a quick inspection with a licensed electrician
This gives potential buyers full confidence that the system is maintained and ready.
These simple steps can convert the generator from “a feature” into “a deal-closing advantage.”
How Generators Work
A generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
If you’d like a more in-depth breakdown, here’s an excellent plain-language explanation:
https://www.britannica.com/technology/electric-generator
This helps homeowners and buyers understand the science behind standby power.
Want a Quote or Installation?
If you’re considering installing a Generac system — whether for personal use or resale value — professional installation matters. In BC, standby generators require electrical permits, gas permits (if tied to natural gas), and proper load calculations.
TDR Electric handles:
- Sizing the generator correctly for your home
- Load assessments for heating and major appliances
- Electrical permits and code-compliant installation
- Final testing, commissioning, and documentation
Generator installation page:
https://tdrelectric.ca/services/residential-electrician/home-generators/
Book a quote or site assessment:
https://tdrelectric.ca/contact/
FAQs
Does a standby generator increase home value?
Yes. Homebuyers view standby generators as a premium upgrade that reduces risk and increases comfort. In many cases, sellers recover a meaningful portion of the investment.
Can a generator run electric heating or heat pumps?
Yes, when sized correctly. Many heat pumps and electric baseboards can run during outages.
Is professional installation required?
Yes. In BC, electrical permits are mandatory for standby generator installation.
Is a Generac better than a portable generator?
Yes. It turns on automatically, runs on natural gas or propane, and powers important circuits — without refueling or manual switching.