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StormChaser :
We have a generac, 22K watts, installed by Parco Electric last summer and they were amazing to work with. Entire process took about 6 weeks because of centerpoint delays but Parco handled everything.

StormChaser :
We had 2 story- 2800 sq ft - 2 HVAC units. Hubs thinks it was 15 or 20 kw?

StormChaser : With 150 amp service, a 4 ton AC unit, you could probably get by with a 15k generator. A 20k would easily take care of your needs. It is always better to have some extra watts of power.

If we still lived there we would definitely have one. The only reason we didn't have it installed was because of the shortage in the supply chain right after the pandemic. Would've gladly waited but the company wanted 1/3 down (4,000$) and the wait was 6-9 months! I understand a down payment but to hold onto 4,000 of our money for 6-9 months-no thank you.
About a year later they came back into stock but by then we had decided to move
But yes if you can swing it- DO IT. It's never a matter of IF but WHEN you get hit again

bigcity :
We did second meter. Gas line runs along backyard about 8 feet off fence line. Original gas meter on one side of house and generator on other side. By the time we would upgrade house meter and run gas line all the way around house to generator, it made more sense to get new meter right by generator and tap into gas main (very short distance) and get better pressure. You have to pay two bills for two meters but I like that better than a long gas line running through the back yard when I have the main gas line right there.

StormChaser : Here is a sample of actual sales prices for a generator the size you would like need, and the transfer switch. You would, of course still need an electrician and plumber to get it installed, but it gives you an idea of just the physical generator cost: www.northerntool.com /categories/home-sta ndby-generators?f=Su rge_Kilowatts_N

Wiseowl: Yeah, got you. Totally forgot about taking gas line location into consideration. Cost savings for sure.

StormChaser :
Kohler
We bought from Ark Generators, Conroe (they have installed quite a few in Kingwood)
48KW. House is 5400sq ft 2 story. We have 3 A/C units, a very large pool.
Ark handled all the permitting, gas lines - basically it was turnkey with them. We also had the generator installed on a raised 12" concrete platform.
Pricing is dependent on transfer switches. Most generators will come with 1 transfer switch that connects to your home electrical box(s) If your home has 2-3 electrical input boxes, then a larger generator will often come with a large enough transfer switch - to handle your elec. load. Your salesman will help you calculate.
$ 27,000 Bought 2021
This is our 2nd generator. We had a Generac for years and it served us well. The exterior housing just didn't hold up to the elements. But Generac is a very good generator.
We selected the Kohler because it had the 6.2 V8 vs 4.6 Inline 4. (yes, it's large!) Our Kohler model has a brushless type of alternator - longer lasting and is offered in larger generators. The motor runs at less RPM than a comparable Generac (when we bought). It is quieter and uses less fuel at actual operation. This could have changed by now.
Will not go thru 14 days of no power - misery. Hurricane Ike sold a lot of generators.

BrendaT StormChaser :
I highly recommend using a reputable company. A friend used a couple of home improvement guys and their generator was improperly installed and it had to be moved a few feet. There are rules regarding placement near windows and utilities. Also keep in mind they need servicing every six months. Some people do the service themselves and save money. We pay around $150 every six months for maintenance.

Wiseowl : We did the same thing.

- 20KW GE Briggs & Stratton installed 2016
- 4200 sq ft home with 2 AC's , a pool, 2
refrigerators /freezers
- Installed, monitored and serviced by Power Solutions Great generator - no problems with unit and it easily powers the entire house.

CaffeineFree : I did as well.