Costco is offering generator installation services for members in 2026, but availability depends on your location, and the best-known perk, a shop card promotion, has run only for limited windows. Here is how the program works, what it can cost, what to ask installers, and how to avoid surprises before you buy.
Costco sells whole-home standby generators and, in many areas, arranges installation too. Its installation services page lists Home Standby Generators alongside categories such as water heaters, solar panels, windows, and garage doors. A standby generator is a permanently installed unit that turns on automatically when utility power is lost, unlike a portable unit you wheel out and plug in. costcocostco
The most visible brand is Generac. The offer has included Generac air-cooled home standby generators, with Costco’s own page noting that needs and specifications will be determined, cost confirmed, and installation completed as part of the process. costco
This is the most important caveat. Costco’s generator page states that in some locations, Costco only sells the product and does not offer or perform installation. In those areas, Costco will recommend a dealer and you will need to pay the dealer separately. costcocostco
So before you get excited, check whether installation is offered at your address. Installation coverage is usually determined by ZIP code.
The headline “member deal” has been a Costco Shop Card tied to a Generac purchase. A past promotion offered a 10% Costco Shop Card and a free 10-year warranty when installing a Generac air-cooled home standby generator, valid 10/13/25 through 11/07/25. To qualify, the generator had to be purchased within the promotion period and installed and activated by January 30, 2026. costcocostco
That promotion has ended, so don’t assume it’s still available. Promotions like this tend to return around storm and winter seasons, but dates and terms change. Costco’s Canadian site shows a similar structure, with a 10% Costco Shop Card based on the product only, calculated before tax, and delivered within six weeks after a completed installation. Read the fine print on any current offer, including that Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash. costcocostco
Costco’s pricing varies by model, and installation is quoted separately. Here are examples reported in 2026:
These are equipment prices from community and tracker sources, not official installed quotes. Your total will include permits, electrical work, a concrete or gravel pad, gas or propane connections, and labor. Costco warns that upgrades to your electrical, gas meter, propane tank, or gas line may be required. Those upgrades can add significant cost, so get a written, itemized quote. costco
Experiences are mixed and anecdotal. One forum commenter said Costco’s installer does everything from installation to working with the utility companies and submitting rebate information if eligible. That’s encouraging, but it’s one person’s account. Another discussion in an older thread cautioned that there are issues with warranty, installation, maintenance, and repair, and recommended getting estimates and professional advice for your area and property. slickdealsslickdeals
Treat both as a reminder to verify details for your own home.
Installed generators are not like a returnable TV. Costco’s page flags that the program is an exception to Costco’s standard return policy. Its Canadian page states that custom products ordered or installed to a member’s specifications cannot be returned or refunded, except for warranty repair or replacement under the terms stated. Confirm exactly what’s covered before you sign. costcocostco
Reasons it may be worth it: you can buy equipment and installation through one familiar channel, you may qualify for a Shop Card or warranty promotion, and Costco’s brand adds a layer of accountability.
Reasons to shop around: installation isn’t offered everywhere, local installers may quote lower, and the equipment may be sold in specific brands and sizes only. Get at least two or three quotes, including one independent licensed installer, so you can compare equal scopes of work.
Choosing the wrong size is a common mistake. Whole-home units are sized by the electrical loads you want to run, such as HVAC, a well pump, an electric range, and a water heater. An installer should do a load assessment rather than just recommending the biggest unit. If you rely on natural gas, also check that your gas line and meter can supply the generator.
Costco’s generator installation program can be a convenient way to buy a standby generator, but it isn’t universal and the best-known promotion has an expiration date. Check availability for your ZIP code, get an itemized quote, read the return and warranty terms, and compare it against local installers. A generator is a major purchase, and the right installation can matter as much as the brand on the box.