Removed By Request.

Good Morning, StormChaser! I am interested in the answers you get, so thanks for asking.

1) Generac
2) texasstarpower.com/
3) 22kw (3200sq ft) 1.5 story (2 AC units)

We bought a large stand alone generator from Costco 4 years ago. It'll power everything you need (minus central air) but will power stand up AC's fine. They're now 800.00 and of course come with the inconvenience of adding gasoline in the middle of the night, but you can get 8 hours (maybe more) on a full tank. A full tank is two gallons I believe. A generac is a luxury purchase I'm slowly starting to hint at.

StormChaser: 20kWh Kohler. 3,600 sq ft 1 sty.

Hubs looked at Generac and Kohler and preferred Kohler and I believe he decided on Generator Supercenter to do the install- he thought they were the most professional. BUT we didn't actually do it- so I can't tell you how it worked out
lol we still get calls from them telling us they now have generators in stock

StormChaser :
Koehler (quieter than some, allegedly)
Fish Electric/Generator Power Systems They did all the work, including coordinating with city for permits and gas company for second meter. I liked them because of the connection with Fish which is an electric company which has been around a long time. At least get an estimate from them. I also have the maintenance contract with them.

I looked i to this a few years ago. The problem i have is the gas line it needs to run around my house. My gas meter is on one corner of the house. My electrical meter is on the exact opposite. I would have to have a gas line installed running around my house to behind the garage. My electrician said that would cost more than the generator itself.... survey digging permits etc... i had already bought a 9500 generator... harbor freight.. during the winter time on sale.I had the electrician install a switch to my breaker box that would allow me to switch on and power up portions of the house. I can run the ac but no lights or washer dryer etc... I can run the lights and fridge but no ac or washer and dryer.
However i can switch between them as needed.

Wiseowl: We have the same thought process Wiseowl. There's something about connecting an electrical contractor with generator installation. Lol
BTW, why did you get a 2nd meter? Fish used our existing meter but increased the regulator size to a 2lb and Centerpoint adjusts the gas usage calculations from 1:1 to 1:1:17(if I'm expressing that correctly).

StormChaser : What size is your AC unit? One unit or two? That is a big driver of the size generator you will need.

StormChaser :
Ours is a Generac 22kw.
We have 2700 sq/ft single story with one 5 ton a/c unit.
We needed a 2nd gas meter, and Cruz took care of that.
We had a taller concrete pad installed..our backyard tends to flood in heavy rains.
We bought it from Cruz Electric in Humble.
Cruz also does the annual service on the unit.
And we bought a 10 year warranty from Generac when we bought the generator. Other than needing a new battery, it's run pretty flawlessly.

StormChaser :
I am so sorry that you are still without power!

IF, I was to get one for our 2800sq ft house, I would get at least a 22 KW generator because I believe they are water cooled and run quieter than the 20 and below because they are air cooled.
I would buy a Generac or Kohler from Costco and have their installers install the unit. For a couple of reasons
1. My Neighbor, did that and he was thrilled with their work and so was I watching them. YES being nosy..
2. Get 10% back on a Costco Card
3. They save big dollars over some of the outside Sellers.
4. Warranty was pretty good as well but I cant remember what it was but Costco does backup everything they sell.

How much would it cost to have a transfer switch installed?

Why would you need two gas meters for a whole house generator? We got one 10 years ago and didn't get a second meter.