LumoWatt

Generac Generators: Complete Guide

Editorial note: LumoWatt is not affiliated with Generac. This is an independent overview — see our editorial policy. Last reviewed July 18, 2026.

Overview

Generac is the highest-volume residential standby generator manufacturer in the US, with the widest installer network of the major brands.

Price range

$2,000–$8,000

Warranty

5 years

Noise

6167 dB

Fuel types

natural_gas, propane

Product line

Generac's residential standby lineup is the air-cooled Guardian series, sold in six sizes for a typical whole-home or partial-home installation: 10 kW, 14 kW, and 18 kW models, plus 20 kW, 22 kW, and 24 kW models for larger homes or higher circuit counts. Every size in the line ships with the same core feature set: a two-line multilingual digital LCD controller, standard Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring (Mobile Link), a sound-attenuated enclosure, and a choice of a 100-amp 16-circuit transfer switch or a 200-amp service-rated smart switch. All models run on natural gas or LP gas, confirmed directly against Generac's own published spec sheets.

Beyond the residential Guardian line, Generac also sells larger liquid-cooled units for bigger homes and light-commercial applications, that's outside what a typical single-family installer quote covers and isn't reflected in the residential price range above.

Warranty

Generac's standard warranty is 5 years. Confirmed directly against Generac's own published warranty terms, see Sources below. Warranty service runs through a certified local dealer, so confirm dealer coverage in your area before assuming full warranty support is easy to access.

Noise

Generac's residential standby generators run roughly 6167 dB at 23 feet during normal operation. Sourced from Generac's own published spec sheet, see Sources below. Actual output varies by model size within the line, and installation site (distance from windows, fencing, hardscaping) affects how noticeable it is in practice more than the brand choice alone.

How it compares

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Generac generator cost installed?
The unit itself typically runs $2,000–$8,000, before installation labor, a transfer switch, permits, and any gas-line work, which usually adds another few thousand dollars depending on your home and local permit requirements. See our cost breakdown guide for the full picture, or a city-specific cost guide for local pricing.
What is Generac's warranty?
Generac's standard warranty is 5 years, sourced directly from Generac's own published warranty terms (see Sources below). Warranty service still runs through a certified local dealer, so installer availability in your area matters for actually using it.
How loud is a Generac generator?
Generac's residential standby generators run roughly 61–67 dB at 23 feet during normal operation, based on Generac's own published spec sheet (see Sources below). Actual output varies by model size, and site placement relative to windows and property lines affects how noticeable it is in practice.

Product-line details above are sourced from Generac's 20/22/24 kW Guardian Series spec sheet in addition to the sources listed below.

Sources

Browse license-checked installers and check which brands they're certified for on each profile.