Home standby generators
A standby generator sits outside the house, runs on natural gas or propane and starts on its own when the power goes out. Nothing to refuel or plug in, but installation adds thousands of dollars to the price of the unit. Our guides compare units on the makers' spec sheets and break down the installed price.
Buying guides
Ranked picks, a brand comparison and the full installed cost.
Best home standby generators
Seven air-cooled units from Generac, KOHLER and Champion compared on output, price with a transfer switch, fuel per hour, noise and warranty.
Generac vs KOHLER
The two big brands size by size: price, output on natural gas, gas burned per kWh, weekly test noise and warranty terms.
Whole home generator cost
The installed price, line by line: unit by size, labor, pad, permits and propane tank, plus fuel, yearly service and lifespan.
Before you get quotes
Size the load and weigh the cheaper options first.
Runtime calculator
Add up what you want running, including the surge when motors start.
Backup cost comparison
A standby generator against a portable, a power station and a home battery, over ten years, with fuel prices for your state.
Carbon monoxide safety
Any engine makes carbon monoxide. Where CO alarms go and which ones to buy, per the CPSC.
Models we track
Cheapest first, priced with an automatic transfer switch. Each price shows its store and date.
| Model | Propane | Natural gas | Price with transfer switch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 14 kW aXis (100837) (opens in a new tab) | 14 kW | 12.5 kW | $4,999 Model 100837, with a 200 A aXis automatic transfer switch. Norwall price, Oct 27, 2026 |
| Generac 14 kW (7258) (opens in a new tab) | 14 kW | 14 kW | $5,255 Model 7323, with a 200 A automatic transfer switch. Ferguson price, Oct 26, 2026 |
| KOHLER 14RCA (opens in a new tab) | 14 kW | 12 kW | $6,066 Model 14RCAL, with an automatic transfer switch. Maker's list price, Oct 26, 2026 |
| Generac 22 kW (7260) (opens in a new tab) | 22 kW | 21 kW | $6,506 Model 7325, with a 200 A automatic transfer switch. Ferguson price, Oct 26, 2026 |
| KOHLER 20RCA (opens in a new tab) | 20 kW | 18 kW | $6,984 Model 20RCAL, with an automatic transfer switch. Maker's list price, Oct 26, 2026 |
| Generac 26 kW (7327) (opens in a new tab) | 26 kW | 24 kW | $7,253 Model 7328, with a 200 A automatic transfer switch. Ferguson price, Oct 26, 2026 |
| KOHLER 26RCA (opens in a new tab) | 26 kW | 24 kW | $8,515 Model 26RCAL, with an automatic transfer switch. Maker's list price, Oct 26, 2026 |