An automatic home standby system works as an emergency power source. If, for whatever reason, local power to your home is shut off, Generac’s controller automatically switches on the standby generator, and brings the lights back on! How much power the standby generator provides depends on the model’s capacity.

Generac’s automatic home standby systems come in four power outputs: 7 kW, 10 kW, 13 kW, and 16 kW. The latter unit is the least expensive – with a cost of slightly over $2000 USD – and Generac proudly declares it to be the “world’s most affordable standby generator.” Although less popular, the 10 kW is a good mid-power alternative.

It should also be noted that none of Generac’s automatic home standby systems run on diesel; they are either natural gas or propane fuelled. Likewise, an automatic home standby generator cannot be powered by one of Generac’s Bi-Fuel engines.

In addition to the generator, the second important component of any automatic home standby system is the switch. Without a switch, power from the standby generator will not be routed to your home. Generac manufactures their own high-quality switches, and bundles them with their generators – so both components of your automatic home standby system are designed to work well together.

Those new to automatic home standby systems should also consider the current electrical set-up of their homes, and decide which circuits receive the most power. For free tips and more information, see Generac’s website.