Whole-Home Standby Generators: Complete Guide

How it works

A whole-home standby generator is permanently installed outside your house, wired into your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch, and runs on natural gas or propane. When utility power drops, it starts automatically within seconds and can power your entire home indefinitely, limited only by fuel supply.

Cost range

$5,000–$15,000 installed, depending on size and local labor/permit costs.

Pros & cons

Pros: fully automatic, can power the whole home, runs indefinitely on natural gas. Cons: highest upfront cost of the three types, requires professional installation and a permit.

Is it right for you?

Best for homeowners in outage-prone areas who want a true "never think about it again" solution and are willing to pay for full-home coverage.

Top brands

• Generac
• Cummins
• Kohler

Frequently asked questions

How much does a whole-home standby generators cost?

$5,000–$15,000 installed, depending on size and local labor/permit costs.

Is this type right for me?

Best for homeowners in outage-prone areas who want a true "never think about it again" solution and are willing to pay for full-home coverage.