A whole-house generator sits on a pad outside your home, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts on its own when the power drops. No extension cords, no gas cans, no pull-start in the rain.
After Uri in 2021, the May 2024 derecho and Beryl that July, a lot of Houston families decided they were done sweating it out. This page covers what you need to know before you call anyone.
How a standby system works
- The generatorAn engine and alternator in a weatherproof enclosure, set on a pad at code-required distances from windows, doors and property lines.
- The fuel linePiped from your gas meter or a propane tank. Most Houston subdivisions already have natural gas.
- The transfer switchMounted near your meter. It senses the outage, starts the generator and moves your circuits over.
- Load managementSmall modules that pause big loads, like a second AC, so a reasonably sized generator can run the whole house.
- Weekly self-testA short exercise run keeps the engine ready and flags problems on a sunny day.
Whole home or essentials?
| Whole home | Essential circuits | |
|---|---|---|
| What runs | Everything, with big loads managed | AC (one system), fridge, lights, outlets, Wi-Fi |
| Typical size | Often 20 to 26 kW air-cooled | Often 10 to 18 kW |
| Transfer switch | Service-rated, whole panel | Smaller switch and sub-panel |
| Best fit | Most Houston families | Smaller homes or tighter budgets |
Not sure where you land? The size calculator gives you a ballpark in under a minute.
What’s different about Houston
Heat drives sizing
AC compressors pull a big surge at startup. Sizing has to cover that, not just running watts.
Hurricane season backlog
Installers and permit offices back up from June to November. Winter installs move faster.
Flood zones
In low areas, installers may raise the pad or move the unit to higher ground on the lot.
Permits and HOAs
Expect city electrical and gas permits, plus HOA approval in most master-planned communities.
Fuel and brands
Natural gas is the default where you have a gas meter. Propane covers homes without gas service, common out toward Magnolia, Montgomery and Richmond.
Most local installers work with Generac, Kohler, Cummins or Briggs & Stratton. See our Generac vs. Kohler comparison.
What it costs
Most installed whole-house systems land between $10,000 and $25,000. The generator is only part of it. Gas piping, the transfer switch, panel work and permits move the number. Full breakdown in the cost guide.
Want a real number for your home?
Get matched with an independent local installer for a free estimate.
Common questions
Will a whole-house generator run my central air?
Yes, if it’s sized for it. Many Houston homes with one or two AC systems are covered by an air-cooled unit in the low-to-mid 20 kW range with load management. Three or more systems may need a larger unit.
How long can a natural gas generator run?
As long as gas service continues and you keep up with oil checks on long runs. Propane units are limited by tank size.
Does it turn on automatically?
Yes. The automatic transfer switch detects the outage, starts the generator and switches your home over, usually within seconds.