Just sat through a long outage and wondering whether a generator is worth it? BackupPowerPlain answers the three questions every homeowner has, with the math shown: how big a generator you need, what it really costs installed, and how to run it safely. No dealer, no brand to push.
Start here
- Generator size calculator: tick the appliances you need during an outage and get a standby size and a minimum portable rating.
- Buying Guide: standby vs portable vs battery backup, natural gas vs propane, and whether a generator is worth it for your home.
- Sizing & Costs: installed prices by kW, fuel use per day and the hidden costs quotes leave out.
Browse by topic
- Brands & Models: Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, Champion and Cummins compared on warranty, service and price.
- Installation & Safety: transfer switches, interlock kits, permits, placement and carbon monoxide safety.
- Maintenance & Troubleshooting: checklists, exercise settings, error codes and what to do when a generator won’t start.
Latest guides
Why trust these guides
- Every figure links to its source: manufacturer documentation, the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and local permit offices.
- Every guide shows the date it was last verified; prices are reviewed every spring before hurricane season.
- We are independent. No manufacturer pays to be recommended. How we research · How we make money.
Safety note: generator installation and transfer switches must be handled by a licensed electrician. Never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage. Read our disclaimer.