Whole-House Standby Generators: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
If you’re preparing your home for long-term outages, a whole-house standby generator offers the most seamless and reliable backup power solution available. These systems turn on automatically, power your entire home—including HVAC, appliances, and critical systems—and provide peace of mind when the grid goes down.
But choosing the right standby generator involves more than just picking a brand or size. You’ll want to understand installation requirements, fuel options, financing, and long-term ownership costs before making your investment.
To help you make the most informed decision, we’ve created a collection of expert guides that answer all the major questions homeowners ask when shopping for whole-house generators. Browse the topics below to get started.
⚡ Can a Whole-House Generator Run Everything in My House?
Find out if your generator can handle your HVAC system, appliances, and electronics all at once—and how to size it correctly for full-home coverage.
💸 Can I Finance the Purchase or Installation?
Explore financing options that make it easier to invest in a standby system without paying the full cost upfront.
🔌 Do I Need a Transfer Switch for a Standby Generator and How Does It Work?
Learn why a transfer switch is essential for safety, automation, and seamless power transfer during an outage.
📱 Do Standby Generators Offer Remote Monitoring or Smart Controls?
See which models let you monitor performance, fuel levels, and outage status from your smartphone.
🪨 Does a Generator Need a Concrete Pad or Special Foundation?
Understand the installation requirements and why a proper base matters for durability and code compliance.
🏠 How Does a Generator Affect Homeowners Insurance or Home Value?
Discover how a generator can boost property value and possibly lower your insurance premiums.
⚙️ How Is a Standby Generator Connected to My Home?
Learn about the wiring, switches, and control systems involved in integrating a standby generator with your main electrical panel.
⏱️ How Long Can a Whole-House Generator Run Continuously?
Get the facts on runtime limits based on fuel type, tank size, and system load.
📈 How Much Value Does a Generator Add to My Home?
Explore the resale and lifestyle benefits of installing a permanent backup power solution.
🔋 Is a Standby Generator the Most Reliable Option for Long Outages?
Compare whole-house systems to other generator types for extended emergency use.
💰 What Are the Long-Term Costs of Ownership?
Learn what to budget for fuel, service, maintenance, and replacement parts over time.
🔥 What Fuel Source Is Best—Natural Gas or Propane?
Compare costs, runtime, availability, and performance between the two most popular fuel options.
📏 What Size Standby Generator Do I Need?
Use this guide to calculate your home’s power demand and choose the right kW rating.
🧰 What Maintenance Does a Whole-House Generator Need?
Stay prepared by understanding regular maintenance schedules and service needs.
⚡ Will the Generator Start Automatically During a Power Outage?
Find out how automatic detection and startup systems work to keep your home powered without delay.
❄️ Will a Standby Generator Perform in Extreme Temperatures?
See how these systems hold up in freezing cold or scorching heat—and what to do to protect them.
Explore More, Plan Smart
Whole-house generators offer powerful peace of mind, but they’re a significant investment. Use the resources above to plan with confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and choose the generator setup that fits your home, climate, and budget.
For more in-depth guidance, explore our full Whole-House Generator Knowledge Center.