Why a Whole-House Generator?
A whole-house standby generator is permanently installed outside your home and starts automatically within seconds of a power outage. Unlike portable generators, there is no refueling, no extension cords, and no going outside in a storm. Your lights, HVAC, refrigerator, and medical equipment keep running as if nothing happened.
For homeowners in hurricane-prone states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, a standby generator is not a luxury — it is a necessity. The average multi-day outage costs homeowners roughly $2,800 in spoiled food, temporary housing, and property damage. A properly sized generator eliminates that risk entirely.
Step 1: Determine Your Power Needs
The first decision is how much of your home you want to power during an outage. There are two approaches:
Essential-circuit coverage powers only critical loads — refrigerator, a few lights, Wi-Fi router, sump pump, and maybe one HVAC zone. A 10–14 kW generator handles this for most homes and costs significantly less.
Whole-house coverage powers everything, including central air conditioning, electric ranges, pool pumps, and EV chargers. You will typically need 16–26 kW or more depending on your home’s square footage and electrical load.
To determine your exact needs, an installer will perform a load calculation based on your electrical panel. You can get a rough estimate by adding up the wattage of every appliance you want to keep running and then adding 20% for starting surges.
Step 2: Choose Your Fuel Type
Standby generators run on natural gas, liquid propane (LP), or diesel. Each has trade-offs:
Natural gas is the most popular choice when a municipal gas line is available. The fuel supply is essentially unlimited, so you never need to worry about running out during a long outage. Installation is straightforward since the line is already at the property.
Propane is ideal for rural homes without natural gas service. A 500-gallon propane tank can run a 22 kW generator for about five days under typical load. The tank adds $1,500–$2,500 to the installation cost, but propane has a longer shelf life than gasoline and is very reliable.
Diesel generators are less common for residential use but are extremely durable. They are heavier, louder, and require on-site fuel storage. Most homeowners choose gas or propane unless they are in a very remote area.
Step 3: Pick the Right Brand
The residential standby market is dominated by three manufacturers:
Generac holds roughly 75% of the residential market. They offer the widest range of sizes, competitive pricing, and the most extensive dealer network. Their Guardian and Protector series cover everything from 10 kW to 26 kW.
Kohler is a premium brand known for exceptionally quiet operation and commercial-grade build quality. Kohler generators cost 10–20% more than comparable Generac units, but many homeowners find the lower noise levels worth the premium.
Briggs & Stratton offers solid mid-range options with competitive warranties. Their units are reliable and often the most affordable among the big three.
See What a Generator Costs in Your Area
Enter your ZIP code for instant pricing from licensed local installers.
Step 4: Understand the Warranty
Most manufacturers offer a 5-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. Extended warranties of 7–10 years are available for an additional $500–$1,200. Given that a generator is a long-term investment, extending the warranty is usually worth the cost.
Pay attention to what voids the warranty. Almost every manufacturer requires annual professional maintenance to keep the warranty valid. Skipping maintenance is the most common reason warranty claims get denied.
Step 5: Get Multiple Quotes
Never accept the first quote you receive. Generator pricing varies significantly between installers, even in the same ZIP code. We recommend getting at least three quotes so you can compare the total installed cost, not just the equipment price.
A good installer will perform a site survey, review your electrical panel, discuss your power priorities, and provide a written quote that breaks down every cost — equipment, transfer switch, pad, gas line, electrical work, permits, and labor.
What to Watch Out For
Be cautious of any installer who quotes a price without visiting your property. Every installation is different, and a sight-unseen quote almost always leads to surprise charges. Also, avoid buying the cheapest generator available just to save money. Undersizing a generator leads to overloading, shortened lifespan, and potential electrical damage.
The best time to buy is before storm season, when installers have availability and pricing is stable. Waiting until after a hurricane means longer wait times, higher prices, and limited inventory.
Get Your Free Generator Quote
See real pricing from licensed installers in your area. No obligation, no pressure.
GeneratorPrice Editorial Team
Our editorial team researches and writes every article with input from licensed generator installers, electricians, and industry professionals. We are committed to providing accurate, unbiased information to help homeowners make informed decisions about backup power.