What Is a Home Standby Generator?
A home standby generator is a permanently installed unit that monitors your utility power and activates automatically when an outage is detected. Unlike portable generators, standby units require no manual startup and no refueling during operation. They connect to your natural gas or propane line and can run for days or weeks without interruption. The automatic transfer switch cuts the grid connection and routes generator power to your panel, typically within 10 to 30 seconds.
Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled: Which Do You Need?
Air-cooled standby generators use an engine fan to dissipate heat and are practical for most residential applications. They cover outputs from 7kW to around 26kW and cost less to purchase and install. Liquid-cooled units use an internal coolant system, handle larger sustained loads, and are built for continuous duty cycles. For whole-home residential use with a standard panel, an air-cooled unit in the 13kW to 22kW range covers nearly every load scenario. Liquid-cooled units are typically specified for commercial applications or homes above 4,000 square feet with high electrical demand.
Choosing the Right kW Size
Sizing starts with your panel load. Add up the running wattage of the circuits you need to power, then account for starting surge on motors (refrigerators, AC units, and well pumps draw 2 to 3 times their running wattage on startup).
- Essential circuits only (lights, fridge, outlets, sump pump): 7,500 to 13,000 watts
- Essential circuits plus central AC: 14,000 to 20,000 watts
- Whole-home coverage with well pump and electric appliances: 20,000 to 26,000 watts
Transfer Switch: What You Need to Know
A transfer switch is required by electrical code for any standby generator installation. It isolates your home from the utility grid while the generator is running, preventing backfeed that could injure utility workers or damage equipment. Most standby generators include or are sold with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). The ATS monitors utility power and triggers the generator start sequence when voltage drops. A licensed electrician must install and commission the transfer switch. Transfer switch ratings range from 100A to 200A service - match the switch to your panel service size.
Brands We Carry
We carry standby generators from Cummins and Briggs and Stratton. Both brands manufacture residential air-cooled standby units and are sold through authorized dealers only.
- Cummins - Quiet Connect series from 13kW to 20kW for residential use, with Extreme Weather variants rated to -40F
- Briggs and Stratton - PowerProtect series from 13kW to 26kW with automatic transfer switch compatibility
Why Buy From Mighty Generators
Mighty Generators is an authorized dealer for every brand we carry. That means full manufacturer warranties on every unit, no gray-market products, and expert support from a team that knows these generators in detail. We offer free shipping, free returns, and 0% APR financing through Klarna. If you have questions about sizing, installation requirements, or transfer switch compatibility, call or chat with our team.
