# Home Generator HQ > Standby generators & backup power, compared honestly — specs, prices, and sizing math, no hype. ## Key facts - Most whole-home standby installs total $9,500-$16,000 including equipment, transfer switch, gas/electrical work, and permits. - Sizing rule of thumb: 14-18 kW covers essentials-plus in a 2,000 sq ft home; 20-24 kW covers whole-home with load management. - Best-selling standby brands in the US: Generac, Kohler, Cummins, Champion. - Verified affiliate manufacturers in this category include EcoFlow, BLUETTI, and Jackery (portable power stations) with typical commissions of 5-8%. ## Data - Full comparison dataset (JSON): homegeneratorhq.com/data/generators.json ## Guides - [Best Home Standby Generators in 2026](homegeneratorhq.com/best-home-standby-generators/): The best whole-home standby generators compared on specs, warranty, noise, and price — from 13kW essentials coverage to 26kW whole-house units. - [Best Portable Power Stations in 2026](homegeneratorhq.com/best-portable-power-stations/): The best portable power stations from EcoFlow, BLUETTI, and Jackery compared on capacity, output, expandability, charging speed, and price. - [Generac vs Cummins Standby Generators](homegeneratorhq.com/generac-vs-cummins/): Generac Guardian vs Cummins QuietConnect standby generators compared on price, noise, warranty, engines, and dealer networks. - [Generac vs Kohler Standby Generators](homegeneratorhq.com/generac-vs-kohler/): Generac Guardian vs Kohler RCA standby generators compared on price, warranty, noise, engines, service networks, and monitoring apps. - [Standby Generator Maintenance: Schedule, Costs, and What Actually Matters](homegeneratorhq.com/standby-generator-maintenance/): What standby generator maintenance actually involves — exercise cycles, oil and filter intervals, battery life, realistic DIY and dealer costs, and the failures that kill these units. - [What Size Generator Do You Need for a 1,500 Sq Ft House?](homegeneratorhq.com/what-size-generator-for-1500-sq-ft-house/): For a 1,500 sq ft house, a 14 kW standby generator covers most homes whole-house; gas-appliance homes need less, all-electric homes may need 18–20 kW. - [What Size Generator Do You Need for a 2,000 Sq Ft House?](homegeneratorhq.com/what-size-generator-for-2000-sq-ft-house/): For a 2,000 sq ft house, most homes need a 14–18 kW standby generator for essential circuits, or 20–24 kW for whole-home coverage with load management. - [What Size Generator Do You Need for a 3,000 Sq Ft House?](homegeneratorhq.com/what-size-generator-for-3000-sq-ft-house/): A 3,000 sq ft house usually needs a 22–26 kW standby generator for whole-home coverage, or 20 kW with disciplined load management. - [How Much Does a Whole House Generator Cost in 2026?](homegeneratorhq.com/whole-house-generator-cost/): Whole house generator costs in 2026 broken down by size — equipment, transfer switch, gas line, permits, and labor — plus running costs and ways to save.