Choosing a standby generator would be easy if every home used electricity the same way.
They don't.
A homeowner with natural gas heat, a gas water heater and one central air conditioner may have dramatically different backup-power requirements from someone with two heat pumps, an electric water heater, a well pump and a pool.
That's why choosing between a 13kW, 18kW, 22kW and 26kW generator requires looking at the loads you actually want to operate.
Quick Comparison
13kW
Best starting point for homeowners focused primarily on essential loads and carefully managed electrical demand.
18kW
Provides additional capacity for homeowners who want more appliances and equipment available during an outage.
22kW
A strong whole-home option for applications with central HVAC and larger simultaneous household loads, subject to proper sizing.
26kW
Provides substantial residential capacity for larger electrical demands and applications where motor-starting performance is particularly important.
When Does a 13kW Generator Make Sense?
Not every homeowner needs the largest generator available.
If your priority is keeping important equipment operational, a smaller standby generator can sometimes be a sensible solution.
Important loads might include:
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Lighting
- Internet
- Selected receptacles
- Gas furnace blower
- Sump pump
- Selected kitchen appliances
Whether central air conditioning can be included depends on the equipment's actual electrical requirements and the other simultaneous loads.
Why Move Up to 18kW?
An 18kW generator gives you additional flexibility.
This can become valuable when central HVAC equipment, pumps and other motor-driven appliances are part of the backup-power plan.
The additional capacity may also allow more everyday household loads to remain available during an outage.
Why Consider 22kW?
The 22kW range is attractive to homeowners looking for substantial whole-home backup capacity.
At this level, there may be enough capacity for central HVAC and numerous household loads in a properly designed system.
But 22kW shouldn't be interpreted as "everything in every house."
Electric heating, large compressors, EV charging, electric water heating and other substantial loads can quickly change the calculation.
Why Consider 26kW?
The 26kW category provides another step up in residential standby power.
This is especially relevant for homes with:
- Large central air conditioners
- Multiple HVAC systems
- Pumps
- Pool equipment
- Large electrical loads
- Higher simultaneous demand
Briggs & Stratton offers 26kW PowerProtect models designed with substantial motor-starting capability.
For homes where maintaining a large HVAC system is a priority, that characteristic can be just as important as the generator's normal running capacity.
Does a Bigger House Automatically Need a Bigger Generator?
No.
A 4,000-square-foot home with predominantly gas appliances can sometimes have a lower electrical demand than a smaller all-electric house.
Instead of asking:
"How large is my house?"
start with:
"What equipment must continue operating during an outage?"
Then calculate the electrical requirements.
Natural Gas and Propane Matter
Don't forget to check generator output for the fuel you intend to use.
Many standby generators support natural gas and liquid propane, but their rated output can differ between fuels.
Always compare specifications using your intended fuel.
Think About Future Loads
Your generator could remain in service for many years.
Consider whether you expect to add:
- Another HVAC system
- Pool equipment
- Additional refrigeration
- Workshop equipment
- Electric appliances
- Other substantial electrical loads
Some reserve capacity can provide useful flexibility.
Which Size Should I Buy?
There isn't a single answer based solely on square footage.
Choose based on:
- Essential household loads
- HVAC electrical requirements
- Motor-starting requirements
- Fuel
- Transfer-switch/load-management strategy
- Future electrical demand
For one home, that calculation might lead to 13kW.
For another, 18kW.
Another may justify 22kW or 26kW.
The correct generator isn't necessarily the largest one. It's the one properly matched to the loads you're expecting it to support.
Shop Briggs & Stratton Standby Generators
ACUnitsForLess offers Briggs & Stratton residential standby-generator options across multiple capacities.
Before purchasing, gather your major appliance and HVAC electrical information. If maintaining central air or heat-pump operation is important, include the model information from both the outdoor and indoor HVAC equipment.
That gives you a much stronger foundation for selecting the right generator.
Shop Briggs & Stratton Residential Standby Generators at ACUnitsForLess.
