A permanently installed Generac home standby generator does more than keep the lights on when the power fails; it delivers peace of mind.
A whole home generator does more than keep the lights on during an outage. It automatically helps keep your home prepared, protected and connected, so you can keep living life uninterrupted.
$10,000+
$25,000+
$1,000+
Your standby generator is installed outside your home like a central A/C unit and runs on natural gas or liquid propane, depending on availability. When an outage strikes, the system automatically provides backup power to help your home keep running.
Every home is different, so transfer equipment needs can vary. Your Generac dealer will review your home’s setup and explain whether an automatic transfer switch, meter switch or another available solution is recommended.
As the #1 name in home standby power, Generac offers more ways to build backup power around your home, priorities and budget. Powerful generator options, connected monitoring, efficient performance and nationwide dealer support give you greater confidence from the start.
With over 65 years of backup power experience, Generac supports homeowners and the technicians who serve them.
From extreme cold and snow to heat and heavy rain, Generac home standby generators are engineered to perform. A durable, corrosion-resistant enclosure, improved cold-weather starting and design features that help limit snow, ice and water intrusion provide dependable backup power when you need it most.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to backup power. Generac offers the widest range of solutions, including generator sizes, transfer switches, solar and storage options, and smart home integrations. A local Generac dealer can help you choose a system that fits the way you live now and can evolve with your needs.
Be ready for outages without lifting a finger. A Generac Automatic Transfer Switch starts your generator during an outage and automatically switches it off when utility power returns. Select models also add built-in surge protection for key electronics and appliances.
Every home is different, so transfer switch needs can vary. Your Generac dealer will review your home’s setup and explain whether an automatic transfer switch, meter switch or another available solution is recommended.
Here’s what you can expect at each step, from your initial request to installation. Timing can vary by home, location, permitting and dealer availability.
Getting started is easy. Simply tell us a little about your home and backup power priorities. A local Generac dealer will follow up, answer initial questions and explain what to expect in a free, no-obligation in-home estimate.
See what backup power could look like for your home.
Your local Generac dealer will what you want to keep running during an outage. They’ll answer questions, discuss your timing and budget, and help schedule your free in-home consultation.
No pressure — just expert guidance on the best next step for you.
Every home is different. Your dealer will do an on-site evaluation of your electrical setup and discuss what matters most to you, from essential circuits to everyday comforts. They’ll review generator and transfer switch options, placement and other installation requirements.
You’ll get a clearer picture of your backup power options.
Your dealer will guide you through the recommended generator, transfer equipment, estimated cost and payment options. Together, you’ll map out next steps, including permits, scheduling and coordination with qualified installers.
A clear plan makes the path to installation easier to manage.
Once you approve the plan, your dealer will coordinate the schedule and work with a qualified installation team to help keep everything on track. With permits, equipment and site preparation ready, most installations are completed in a single day.
Your dealer stays on top of the details from start to finish.
Energy independence is within reach. Generac products have flexible monthly payments that can help you protect your home and manage costs with a plan that fits your budget. Talk to your local Generac dealer to explore available options and find the right solution for you.
Get answers to some of the most popular questions about home standby generators.
A home standby generator is a permanently installed backup power system that automatically supplies electricity to your home during a power outage. Installed on your property close to your home, it is connected to your home's electrical system through an automatic transfer switch. The generator detects when utility power is lost and turns on within seconds to restore power to your home. When power returns to the grid, the generator turns off.
A home standby generator helps protect your home by automatically restoring power when utility service is interrupted. Backup power can help prevent food spoilage, maintain heating and cooling systems, reduce the risk of frozen pipes, ensure personal devices stay charged, and keep security systems operational. By minimizing the impact of extended outages, a whole house generator helps improve comfort, safety, and peace of mind for homeowners.
A home standby generator can run for as long as fuel is available and the unit is properly maintained. For every 24 hours of use, the oil levels should be checked and oil added if necessary. Natural gas-powered generators can often operate continuously because they are connected to a utility gas line, while propane-powered generators can run for days depending on tank size and electrical load. Whole home generators are designed to provide extended backup power during prolonged outages while automatically managing household energy demands.
The right size whole house generator depends on your home's square footage, electrical usage, and the appliances or systems you want to power during an outage. Smaller homes may require a 10–18kW home standby generator, while larger homes with multiple air conditioning units or high electrical demand may need 22kW-28kW. A Generac dealer can perform a load assessment to help determine the best standby generator size for your specific needs.
Most home standby generators operate on either natural gas or liquid propane (LP). Natural gas generators connect directly to an existing gas utility line, providing a continuous fuel supply during most outages. Propane-powered standby generators use an on-site fuel tank and are often a good solution for homes without natural gas service. Both fuel options provide dependable backup power and long runtimes when properly maintained.
A well-maintained home standby generator can last 20 years or more, depending on usage, operating conditions, and routine maintenance. Most standby generators are designed for thousands of operating hours and undergo extensive testing to withstand long-term use. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule can help maximize the lifespan and performance of your home generator system.
The primary difference between a home standby generator and a portable generator is automation and power capacity. A home standby generator is permanently installed, automatically turns on during an outage, and can power selected circuits or an entire home. Portable generators require manual setup, refueling, and connection to appliances or transfer equipment. Whole house generators also typically provide greater power output and longer runtimes than portable units.
Yes, a properly sized whole home generator can power an all-electric house. The generator must be large enough to support major electrical loads such as heating and cooling systems, water heaters, kitchen appliances, and other essential equipment. Because all-electric homes generally require more power than homes that use natural gas for heating or cooking, a larger sized generator might be needed. We suggest working with an electrical professional when determining generator size.
Get helpful information about generator sizing, installation, financing, and promotions so you can make a more confident decision.
Get helpful information about generator sizing, installation, financing, and promotions so you can make a more confident decision.
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Be ready to power through everyday — even when the grid can’t.
With Generac, you’re not just adding power — you’re investing in comfort, connection and peace of mind. It works automatically, supports how you live and is backed by decades of home energy expertise.
