Home Generators: Your Complete Guide to Backup Power
Everything you need to know about home generators, from portable units to whole-home standby systems. Learn sizing, fuel options, installation costs, and what to expect.
By ProMatchly Team · 2026-01-30 · 8 min read
Power outages are becoming more frequent across the country due to aging infrastructure, extreme weather, and growing demand on the electrical grid. A home generator provides peace of mind and practical protection for your family and property. But choosing the right generator requires understanding the options, sizing requirements, and costs involved.
Three Types of Home Generators
Portable generators are the most affordable entry point, costing $500 to $2,000 for the unit itself. They run on gasoline and produce 3,000 to 10,000 watts, enough to power essential items like a refrigerator, sump pump, lights, and phone chargers. However, they must be operated outdoors due to carbon monoxide risk, they require manual startup, and they need regular refueling. A transfer switch ($500 to $1,500 installed) allows you to safely connect a portable generator to your home's electrical panel.
Inverter generators are a premium subset of portable generators that produce cleaner power suitable for sensitive electronics. They are quieter and more fuel-efficient but cost more, typically $1,000 to $3,000. They are an excellent choice for homeowners who want occasional backup power without the cost of a permanent installation.
Standby generators are permanently installed units that run on natural gas or propane and start automatically when they detect a power outage. They are the gold standard for home backup power. A standby generator large enough to power essential circuits (7 to 10 kW) costs $3,000 to $6,000 installed. A whole-home standby generator (16 to 22 kW) that powers everything in the house costs $5,000 to $12,000 installed. These prices include the generator, automatic transfer switch, installation, fuel connection, and concrete pad.
Sizing Your Generator
The most common mistake homeowners make is buying a generator that is too small for their needs. To size a generator properly, you need to calculate the total wattage of everything you want to power simultaneously.
Essential loads that most homeowners prioritize include the refrigerator and freezer (800 to 1,200 watts), sump pump (800 to 1,500 watts), well pump if applicable (1,000 to 2,000 watts), lighting circuits (500 to 1,500 watts), and phone and internet equipment (100 to 300 watts). These essential loads typically total 3,000 to 7,000 watts, which a 7 to 10 kW standby generator can handle.
If you also want to run your central air conditioning (3,000 to 6,000 watts), electric water heater (4,000 to 5,500 watts), or electric range (3,000 to 8,000 watts), you will need a larger unit in the 16 to 22 kW range. A qualified electrician can perform a load calculation to determine the exact size you need.
Fuel Options
Natural gas is the most convenient fuel for standby generators if your home has a gas line. The generator connects directly to your existing gas supply, so there is no fuel storage or refueling to worry about. Natural gas generators cost slightly more to operate than propane but offer unlimited runtime.
Propane is the best option for homes without natural gas service. A 500-gallon propane tank provides enough fuel for several days of continuous operation. Propane stores indefinitely without degrading, unlike gasoline. The tank can be above ground or buried, and installation costs $1,500 to $3,000 for the tank and plumbing.
Dual-fuel generators can run on either natural gas or propane, offering maximum flexibility. They cost 10 to 15 percent more than single-fuel models but are worth the premium for homeowners who want options.
Installation Process
A standby generator installation typically takes one to two days and involves pouring a concrete pad, setting the generator, installing the automatic transfer switch at your electrical panel, running the fuel line, and connecting to your home's electrical system. Permits are required in most jurisdictions and cost $200 to $500.
Start your generator installation project on <strong>Pro<span style="color:#f59e0b">Matchly</span></strong>. Describe your power needs and preferences, set your budget, and let verified electrical contractors submit competitive proposals. Getting multiple bids ensures you get the right system at a fair price.