Most homeowners take electricity for granted — until the power goes out. When a power outage hits, it can leave families in the dark and cold for hours, days, or longer. People with medical needs are especially at risk.

    As a result, more homeowners are investing in standby generator systems to protect their homes and families when the power goes out. A standby generator from Generac Power Systems — the market leader in residential standby power — starts up automatically when it detects an outage. 

    The system’s automatic transfer switch safely disconnects the utility power line while connecting a new power line from the generator, restoring power within seconds. The generator continuously supplies this backup power until electrical power returns, when the transfer switch puts the generator back into standby mode and reconnects utility power.

    Power outages are inconvenient, but when they’re caused by severe weather, they can be dangerous. Hurricanes, thunderstorms, windstorms, blizzards, and freezing rain can affect transformers and power poles, knocking out electricity for days and weeks. According to Climate Central, over 80% of major U.S. power outages between 2000 and 2021 were caused by weather-related events.


    How Home Standby Generators Work

    Home standby generators get installed permanently outside a home and connect to existing electrical and fuel lines. The generator monitors incoming voltage from the utility power supply. When it detects a power outage, it automatically starts within seconds. An automatic transfer switch disconnects the home from the utility line and connects it to the generator’s power supply.

    This switchover is seamless, with almost no interruption to power. Generators run on natural gas or liquid propane fuel, producing electricity to run continuously. When the power company restores electricity, the transfer switch reconnects the home to the utility power supply and shuts off the generator.

    As a protective backup, many generators run a weekly self-test to ensure it’s always ready for an outage. Some models allow monitoring and control using a smartphone app.

    Home standby generators provide backup power to preselected electrical circuits or appliances — whole-house standby systems power most or all circuits, just like the utility connection.


    Why Homeowners Choose Standby Power

    “Homeowners value the peace of mind that a standby generator provides,” says Laura Derpinghaus, marketing director at Generac, “especially as our power grid gets older and more fragile. It’s very easy these days for storms to snap power lines. As a result, many homeowners consider standby power to be as necessary as central air conditioning.”

    Here are the main reasons homeowners invest in a home standby generator:

    • Protection: Standby generators keep the lights on, refrigerators running, and homes comfortable when severe weather knocks out the power grid. Preventing food spoilage and providing continuous power for medical devices.
    • Convenience: Standby systems switch to generator power automatically within seconds of an outage. There’s no need to start the unit or connect appliances manually.
    • Reliability: Standby generators undergo weekly tests to ensure they’re always in working order. Gasoline portable generators can be less reliable if they sit unused for long periods.
    • Value: A home standby generator boosts property value. Home buyers view it as an essential home feature that provides security during outages.
    • Whole-house coverage: Standby generators power most or all electrical loads in a home when appropriately sized, allowing families to carry on normal activities even during an extended outage.

    Types of Standby Generators

    Generac introduced the residential standby generator market in 1989. The company offers several models to meet different needs:

    Air-Cooled Standby Generators

    • Guardian® Series: Generac’s most popular line provides essential circuit or whole-house coverage. The rugged, residential-grade units range from 7 to 22kW.
    • QuietSource® Series: Produces only 60 decibels of sound for noise-sensitive environments. Available in liquid propane or natural gas from 22 to 60kW.

    Liquid-Cooled Standby Generators

    • QuietSource® QSJ Series: Commercial-grade generators rated from 20 to 150kW for larger homes featuring a high-performance sound enclosure.
    • PowerPact® Series: Heavy-duty construction withstands extreme weather and temperatures from -40°F to 158°F. Available from 20 to 150kW.

    Bi-Fuel Generators

    • Bi-FuelTM Generators: Operate on both natural gas and liquid propane. Convenient alternative if the gas supply is interrupted and offered from 11 to 22kW.

    Portable Generators

    • GP Series Portables: Ideal portable backup for minor outages. Range from 1,600W to 17,500W. Can power fridges, freezers, and other essentials.

    Regardless of model, all Generac home standby generators run on readily available natural gas or liquid propane. Homeowners don’t need to store fuel. The units just connect to existing gas lines.


    Professional Installation

    Since standby generators permanently integrate with a home’s electrical system, Generac strongly recommends professional installation by a certified dealer. Benefits of professional installation include electrical connections according to code, proper generator sizing to handle electrical loads, fuel line hookup for natural gas or propane, and permitting. Installation companies also handle municipal inspections.

    Generac’s network includes over 5,500 authorized dealers across the U.S. Homeowners can search for installers on Generac’s website by ZIP code. We recommend getting multiple quotes to find the best value. Installation costs range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity.

    New home construction provides an ideal time to add a standby generator. Homeowners can wrap the cost into their mortgage. However, retrofit installation can happen at any time. Pro installers work year-round, even in winter.


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    Standby Generator Costs

    The total cost of a home standby generator includes the equipment plus professional installation. Prices vary based on model, fuel type, and installation complexity.

    A Generac home standby generator averages $2,000–$5,000 for the unit. Larger kilowatt models with advanced features and sound attenuation cost more. Portable generators cost $500–$2,000.

    The cost of professional installation ranges from $3,000–$5,000 on average. Simple installations may cost only $2,500, while a complex project can run $5,500 or more. Get quotes from at least two (and preferably more) dealers before choosing an installer.

    Most homes have a total install price tag range of $5,000 to $10,000. Smaller 7 to 12kW systems fall around $5,000–$7,000 on the lower end. Larger installations, ones over 20kW with higher fuel demands, land in the $8,000–$10,000 range.


    So, Is a Home Standby Generator Worth It?

    A standby generator is a worthwhile investment that provides excellent value for most homeowners. While not cheap, standby power costs less than acute damage from freezing pipes, flooding, food losses, and medical consequences. It also enhances property value more than many home upgrades.

    Peace of mind is the biggest motivation for most buyers. Protecting your home and family from the hazards of multi-day outages is invaluable. Seniors and those with medical needs especially value uninterrupted power during and after named storms and emergencies.

    A home standby generator delivers essential backup power automatically when needed most, an asset that pays dividends when critical systems fail.


    FAQs About Home Standby Generators

    How long will a home standby generator run during an outage?

    Most units can run continuously for days or weeks, depending on fuel supply. Just make sure fuel levels stay within 25% capacity.


    What size generator is needed for a house?

    Size your generator at 20kW or more for whole-house coverage. Get a load calculation to ensure it handles your electrical consumption.


    Do I need a transfer switch for a standby generator?

    Yes, make sure you have a transfer switch on your generator. When an outage occurs, the transfer switch safely connects the generator to home circuits. It prevents back-feed accidents.


    What maintenance does a standby generator need?

    Test run generators weekly and perform an annual maintenance check. Check fuel levels monthly. Follow all manufacturer guidelines.


    Can a generator be installed after a house is built?

    You can install a standby generator anytime as a retrofit to an existing home. An authorized dealer handles the process.


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    Thomas Boni

    Thomas Boni is Today’s Homeowner Media's Digital Content Director. He is an award-winning multimedia journalist, having served as editor-in-chief of various Alabama and Florida newspapers from 2006-2018. Thomas earned more than 30 regional, state and national journalism awards and accolades during his news career. He has a passion for engaging, fact-based content and a keen eye for detail. He joined Today's Homeowner Media in 2018 and received recognition on the Marquis Who's Who list in 2023. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at Spring Hill College in 2005.

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    Sabrina Lopez

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    Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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