Texas weather doesn't care about your schedule. Ice storms, tornadoes, and summer heat waves can knock out power for hours or even days. A standby generator eliminates the uncertainty and keeps your home running no matter what happens to the grid. But choosing the right one involves several decisions. Here's what you need to know.
Standby vs. Portable Generators
A portable generator is the entry-level option. You wheel it outside, fill it with gas, start it manually, and run extension cords into your home. They cost $500 to $2,000 and provide 3,000 to 10,000 watts. They work for keeping a few essentials running, but they require manual operation, frequent refueling, and can't power your entire home.
A standby generator is permanently installed outside your home, connected directly to your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch. When the power goes out, it starts automatically within 10 to 20 seconds and powers your home until utility service is restored. No manual intervention, no extension cords, no refueling. They run on natural gas or propane, which means they have an unlimited fuel supply.
Sizing Your Generator
The most important decision is choosing the right size. A generator that's too small won't power everything you need. One that's too large wastes money on capacity you'll never use.
Essential Coverage (14-16kW)
Powers your refrigerator, freezer, lights, Wi-Fi, garage door, sump pump, and a few outlets. Your air conditioning will not run on this size in most homes. This is the minimum recommended size and works well for smaller homes or if you're on a tight budget.
Whole-Home Coverage (20-24kW)
Powers everything in most homes including air conditioning, electric water heater, kitchen appliances, and all outlets. This is the most popular size for homes between 2,000 and 3,500 square feet in the Fort Worth area. A 22kW Generac Guardian is the single most popular unit we install.
Large Home Coverage (30-48kW)
For homes over 3,500 square feet, homes with multiple AC units, pools, or electric vehicle chargers. These are commercial-grade units and carry a higher price tag, but they ensure every system in a large home runs without compromise.
Fuel Types
Natural Gas
The most popular choice in the Fort Worth metro because most homes already have a natural gas line. Natural gas generators never need refueling since gas flows continuously from the utility. The supply is virtually unlimited, even during extended outages. Installation is straightforward if your gas meter is close to where the generator will be placed.
Propane (LP)
Propane is the choice for homes that don't have natural gas service, which is common in rural areas around Weatherford and parts of Burleson. Propane generators require a storage tank, typically 250 to 500 gallons, and periodic refilling. The advantage is that propane is available everywhere and stores indefinitely.
Top Generator Brands
Generac
The industry leader in residential standby generators. Generac offers the widest range of sizes, the largest dealer network, and competitive pricing. Their Guardian series (14kW-24kW) is the best-selling residential line in the country. We install more Generac units than all other brands combined.
Kohler
Known for premium build quality and quieter operation. Kohler generators run at lower RPM than Generac, which reduces noise and extends engine life. They cost 10-20% more than equivalent Generac units but are an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize quiet operation.
Champion
A value option that's gained market share in recent years. Champion offers competitive pricing and good performance, though their dealer and service network is smaller than Generac's.
What Does It Cost?
A complete standby generator installation in Fort Worth, including the unit, automatic transfer switch, concrete pad, gas line, electrical connections, permit, and inspection, typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. Here's a rough breakdown by size:
A 16kW system runs $5,000 to $7,500 installed. A 22kW system, which is the most popular, runs $8,000 to $12,000. A 24kW or larger system runs $10,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the specific requirements.
Financing is available for most installations, and many homeowners find that a generator adds $3,000 to $5,000 to their home's resale value.
Getting Started
The best first step is a free in-home assessment. We'll calculate your home's power requirements, recommend the right generator size, survey the installation location, and provide an exact quote with no surprises. Call Excel Electricians at (682) 231-8212 to schedule your free assessment.
Licensed electricians serving Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2018. We share expert tips, safety advice, and electrical guides to help homeowners make informed decisions.