If you experience frequent power outages due to storms or issues with the electrical grid, a whole-house generator, or standby generator, can provide reliable backup power for your entire home. With trusted brands like Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Cummins, these high-quality units automatically restore power within seconds of an outage, allowing essential appliances like your refrigerator, air conditioning, well pump, and heating systems to keep running smoothly. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best whole-house generator for your needs.

What Is a Whole-House Generator?

Whole-house generators, also known as standby generators, are permanently installed systems designed to supply electricity to your entire home. Unlike portable generators, these units are set up outdoors and run on natural gas or propane, making them safer and more convenient. They activate automatically when a power outage occurs, ensuring you can carry on with minimal disruption.

Benefits of Standby Generators

1. Automatic Start-Up: Standby generators detect power loss instantly, so there’s no need to fumble with flashlights or fuel. They’re always ready to switch on, seamlessly restoring power when you need it most.

2. Fuel Options: Whole-house generators typically run on either propane or natural gas. Natural gas provides an essentially limitless fuel supply, while propane can be stored in a large tank that lasts significantly longer than gasoline for portable units.

3. Built-in Safety: Unlike portable generators, standby models are professionally installed with exhaust systems that vent away from your home, reducing carbon monoxide risks.

4. Self-Maintenance Alerts: High-quality standby generators from companies like Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Cummins include diagnostic features that let you know when maintenance is needed, ensuring reliable performance over time.

Top Whole-House Generator Models

1. Generac Guardian Series Standby Generators

• Power Output: Ranges from 10,000 to 24,000 watts
• Fuel: Natural gas or propane
• Features: Wi-Fi enabled, allowing remote monitoring and maintenance alerts.
• Why Choose It: Generac is a leader in whole-house generators, with models that can handle the demands of larger homes and essential systems.

2. Briggs & Stratton 12kW and 20kW Standby Generators

• Power Output: Ideal for mid-sized to large homes with 12,000 to 20,000 watts
• Fuel: Propane or natural gas compatible
• Features: Designed for longer runtimes and efficient fuel use, providing peace of mind during extended outages.
• Why Choose It: Known for durability, Briggs & Stratton offers long-running units with ample power for essentials.

3. Cummins Quiet Connect Series

• Power Output: Starts at 13,000 watts and up, great for homes with multiple power demands.
• Fuel: Natural gas or propane
• Features: Focuses on low-noise operation, durable build, and easy integration with home systems.
• Why Choose It: Cummins is well-regarded for quality and resilience, ideal for users prioritizing a quieter generator.

Pros and Cons of Whole-House Generators

Pros:

• Dependability: Automatically supplies power without delay.
• Fuel Choices: Options for propane and natural gas reduce the hassle of frequent refueling.
• Long-Lasting Performance: Engineered for heavy use and equipped with self-diagnosis features.
• Safety: Installed outside, mitigating risks of carbon monoxide poisoning common with portable generators.

Cons:

• Cost: Whole-house generators range from $2,000 to $7,000, with installation often adding an additional $2,000 to $20,000.
• Installation Requirements: Typically requires a level concrete pad and professional setup by an electrician and sometimes a plumber.
• Size: About the same footprint as a central air conditioning unit, requiring designated outdoor space.

Is a Whole-House Generator Worth It?

The decision to invest in a standby generator largely depends on how often you experience power outages and how quickly service is restored in your area. While they’re more expensive than portable generators, the value in convenience, safety, and dependability makes them worth it for many. If uninterrupted power is essential to your lifestyle or home function, a standby generator from trusted brands like Generac, Briggs & Stratton, or Cummins could be the best investment.

Choosing the Right Model: The best whole-house generators offer between 10,000 to 24,000 watts, providing enough power for large homes and essential systems. Smaller models that produce at least 5,000 watts are available for those looking to power key appliances rather than an entire home.

Summary

Standby generators are the top solution for reliable backup power, providing dependable energy to essential home systems. With options from leading brands like Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Cummins, homeowners can select from high-performing models to ensure uninterrupted comfort and safety.