Best Whole-Home Standby Generator for Your House: How to Choose the Right System

Many homeowners search online to understand what the best whole-home standby generator is for their house. The word “best” is relative - it depends on your home, your power needs, and your budget—but most people want the same two things:

1. A generator that works when it matters most
2. A system that doesn’t cost more than necessary

This guide breaks down how to choose the best whole-home standby generator based on generator type, brand, size, installation considerations, and long-term reliability.

Whole-Home Standby Generator vs Portable Generator: Which Is Best for Your House?

The biggest decision most homeowners face is whether to install a portable generator or a whole-home standby generator system.

Portable Generators

A portable generator and the accompanying installation are straightforward and significantly more affordable than a standby system. If cost is the single biggest factor and you’re working with a limited budget (typically $3,000–$5,000 on average), a portable generator may be the best option.

After installing an interlock kit, the portable generator can be plugged in when needed. However, portable generators require manual setup and fuel management before each outage.

Things to consider with portable generators:

• Limited power for essential circuits only
• Louder operation
• Manual startup and fueling
• Fewer service providers when repairs are needed

Portable generators can be a good short-term solution, but they do require more effort during outages.

Whole-Home Standby Generators

If you want more power, automation, and convenience, a whole-home standby generator is typically the better long-term solution.

Standby generators use an automatic transfer switch to detect outages and restore power - usually within seconds. These systems regularly self-test and can be remotely monitored to identify potential issues before a failure occurs.

Benefits of a whole-home standby generator system:

• Automatic operation during outages
• Powers most or all of the home
• Runs on natural gas or propane
• No manual fueling or setup
• Designed for long-duration outages

The majority of homeowners who choose a standby generator do so because they want reliability, power flexibility, and peace of mind without ongoing hassle.

How Long Do Power Outages Last and Why It Matters

Outage duration plays a major role in generator selection. Short outages may be manageable with a portable generator or battery system, but extended outages change the equation.

Multi-day outages can disrupt:

• Heating and cooling systems
• Refrigeration and food storage
• Medical devices
• Well water systems
• Home offices and remote work

Battery backup systems can help bridge short outages, but they are typically limited by storage capacity. A standby generator can run continuously as long as fuel is available, making it the preferred solution for extended outages.

If a whole-home standby generator fits your needs but the upfront cost is a concern, financing options can often make installation more manageable with predictable monthly payments.

Best Whole-Home Standby Generator Brands: Generac vs Kohler vs Honeywell

When homeowners research the best whole-home standby generator brand, the comparison usually comes down to Generac vs Kohler vs Honeywell.

The residential standby generator market is dominated by these three brands, all of which offer reliable systems designed to operate on natural gas or propane.

Generac

Generac leads the market by a wide margin, accounting for over 70% of residential standby generator installations. As a result, Generac systems are widely supported, parts are readily available, and technicians are very familiar with their platforms.

Generac generators tend to:

• Be competitively priced
• Offer intuitive user interfaces
• Have extensive monitoring and service support

Kohler

Kohler has established itself as a premium alternative. Some homeowners perceive Kohler as slightly more robust, but in practice both brands perform at a very high level when properly maintained.

Most reliability issues across all brands stem from lack of routine service rather than manufacturing differences.

Kohler has recently transitioned its generator business under a new company name, Rehlko, so you may see that branding in the future.

Honeywell

Honeywell standby generators, commonly sold through warehouse retailers, are manufactured by Generac and registered within Generac’s service network. They typically offer similar performance at a slightly lower price point, though often with marginally lower power output.

For homeowners seeking Generac quality at a reduced cost, Honeywell can be a practical middle-ground option.

What Size Whole-Home Standby Generator Do I Need?

Generator size is determined by what you want to power during an outage.

For most homes, the optimal whole-home standby generator size falls between 18kW and 26kW.

Common Generator Sizes

• 18kW – Covers essential circuits with standby convenience
• 22kW – Balanced option for partial whole-home coverage
• 24kW – Most popular size; powers the majority of homes normally
• 26kW–28kW – Minimal load management, maximum comfort

Historically, 26kW marked the upper limit of air-cooled generators before stepping into liquid-cooled systems. Newer air-cooled models have expanded options up to 28kW.

Liquid-cooled generators offer higher output but come with increased installation and maintenance costs.

The key is alignment:

• An undersized generator won’t meet expectations
• An oversized generator can result in unnecessary expense

Choosing the right size starts with understanding your priorities during an outage.

How to Choose the Best Whole-Home Generator Installer

A standby generator system is only as reliable as its installation.

Generators are highly specialized systems involving:

• Electrical integration
• Fuel supply coordination
• Load calculations
• Code compliance
• Ongoing service requirements

Working with a company that focuses specifically on generator installation helps prevent common issues and ensures long-term reliability.

Some homeowners consider big-box installation programs for convenience or incentives. While these programs can be appealing, they often involve additional layers of cost that can result in higher overall pricing.

Best Place to Install a Whole-Home Standby Generator

Generator placement must always be safe and code-compliant. Beyond that, placement decisions typically balance cost, accessibility, aesthetics, and noise considerations.

Key factors include:

• Distance from electrical service equipment
• Fuel line routing
• Clearance requirements
• Visual impact
• Noise mitigation

Standby generators are generally only a few decibels louder than a central air conditioning unit, but placement can still influence how sound is perceived.

A thoughtful placement plan helps optimize performance while minimizing visual and acoustic impact.

Want to Chat More or Schedule a Free Estimate?

When you choose NW Generator Pros, you're choosing knowledgeable and experienced professionals who work tirelessly to provide exceptional service. From the moment you contact us until long after we install your generator, we'll be there to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. Our licensed experts will guide you through the entire process, ensuring that you feel confident every step of the way.

Don't wait for the next power outage to leave you in the dark. Contact NW Generator Pros today for a free estimate and take the first step toward reliable power and peace of mind for your home.