Whole-House Generator Installation in Houston. Running in a day.
Wired Electrical & Generators, a Generac Prestige Dealer in Tomball, sells, installs and services Generac home standby generators for homes across Greater Houston. A Generac standby comes on by itself in about ten seconds; the install itself is usually one day, and permit timing depends on your city or county.
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Generac Prestige DealerGenerac's highest dealer designation. We sell, install and service Generac home standby generators.
Generac generatorsQuick facts
- Who: Wired Electrical & Generators, a Generac Prestige Dealer (Generac's highest dealer designation) in Tomball, Texas, family-owned since 2005.
- What: Sells, installs and services Generac home standby generators. Units are in stock in Tomball.
- Sizing visit: Free. We count your circuits and check your gas meter before we recommend a unit.
- Timing: The install itself is usually one day. Permit timing depends on your city or county, plus the HOA if you have one.
- Permits and gas: We pull the permits and schedule the inspections. The gas work is done by a Texas-licensed plumber.
- Financing: Synchrony and Leighton Lending, subject to credit approval.
- Where and how to book: Houston and about 100 miles around our Tomball shop. Call (713) 467-1125, answered 24/7.
Be Ready Before the Next Outage!
Request your free Generac installation estimate now. We make it easy to get started with a Generac standby generator. Whether you’re ready to schedule a free estimate or just have questions, our team is here for you.
A generator install, start to finish.
Everything below is included. No allowances that turn into surprises.
- Free sizing visit. We count your circuits and check your gas meter before we recommend a unit.
- The unit and the automatic transfer switch. Generac, in stock in the Houston area.
- Pad, gas line, and electrical. Our own crews, not a sub.
- Permit and inspection, pulled and scheduled by us. Timing depends on your city or county.
- Startup and the transfer test with you watching. Lights back in about ten seconds.
- Walkthrough. Mobile Link on your phone, the weekly self-test explained, our number on the unit.
- Free 10-year warranty on every install, while supplies last.
From first call to finished job.
- Call or send the form. Call and we book your free sizing visit.
- Free sizing visit. We come out, look at the panel and the gas meter, and confirm the unit.
- Permit. We pull it. Timing depends on your city or county.
- Install day. Usually one day. You watch the lights come back.
Every step in more detail, with what to have ready: the generator installation process, step by step.
$2,000 off a generator install. While supplies last.
It only comes off the units on our floor, so when they're gone, it's gone. New air-cooled Generac installs come with a free 10-year warranty, and financing is there if you want it. Permit timing depends on your city or county. The install itself is usually one day.
Whole-home generator installation for Houston homes.
One crew, start to finish: sizing, permits, gas, electrical, pad, transfer switch, startup, warranty registration.
Most of the standby generators we install go on houses: single-story ranches in Cypress and Katy, two-story master-planned homes in The Woodlands and Sugar Land, older homes inside the Loop, and acreage in Magnolia, Hockley and Waller with a well pump on the list. The job is the same everywhere: a Generac air-cooled or liquid-cooled unit on a pad beside the house, connected to your gas line and your breaker panel through a transfer switch (the box that moves the house from utility power to generator power by itself), so the lights are back about ten seconds after the power company drops out.
- Free load calculation and a walk of the site, in person or from photos
- Generator, transfer switch, and the pad it sits on
- Gas line run and connection by a Texas-licensed plumber
- Electrical work, including panel changes when the panel needs it
- Electrical and gas permits, inspections and the HOA application
- Startup, test under load, and a walkthrough with you watching
- Warranty registration and a maintenance schedule
- Financing through several lenders, including Synchrony and Leighton Lending
What size generator does a Houston home need?
Air conditioning decides it. Everything else is arithmetic.
In Houston the generator is sized around the air conditioning, because a central AC compressor is the biggest single load in the house and it runs from April to October. A quick way to think about it:
- 10 to 14 kW: the essentials in a smaller home. Fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, outlets, and one AC unit on a managed circuit.
- 18 to 22 kW: most homes between about 1,800 and 3,500 square feet with one big AC, or two with load management. With gas appliances, the 22 kW Guardian usually runs the whole house.
- 24 to 26 kW: two AC units, a pool pump, or electric heat, water heater, dryer and range.
- 28 to 32 kW: three AC units, homes over 4,500 square feet, or houses with two breaker panels.
Load management, a small add-on that takes turns starting the air conditioners and big appliances so they never all kick on at the same moment, lets a smaller generator run a bigger house. That is often the difference between a 22 and a 26, and it is the kind of thing we settle at the sizing visit rather than guess at online. The free sizing visit settles it: the specialist checks the size against your panel and your loads.
Permits, inspections and HOA approval.
We pull the permits, schedule the inspections and prepare the HOA paperwork.
Inside city limits a standby generator needs electrical and gas permits, and the gas piping is inspected separately. In unincorporated areas the rules vary, and we pull whatever your address requires. In Texas, gas line work is regulated by the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and is done by a Texas-licensed plumber, which is why a generator install is two trades, not one. Inside the City of Houston the permits go through the city, and suburbs such as Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Tomball and Conroe issue their own. We know what inspectors want to see: the spacing from the house, the wiring at the switch, the gas connection, and the shut-off.
If you live in a master-planned community, the HOA almost always has to approve the generator as an exterior modification before it goes in. Bridgeland, Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, Towne Lake, The Woodlands, Riverstone, Sienna and most others want a site plan showing where the unit sits, what it looks like from the street, and how it is screened. We prepare that package for you. In our experience, HOAs approve a properly placed and screened Generac.
What Texas law lets an HOA require
Texas Property Code Section 202.019 keeps a property owners' association from prohibiting a permanently installed standby generator that runs on natural gas, propane or another listed fuel, sits inside the maker's sound enclosure, connects through a transfer switch and is rated 7 kW or more. The association can still require licensed contractors and code compliance, screening when the unit is visible from the street or neighbors, reasonable testing times and reasonable location rules, and it can keep the unit off common or association-owned ground. A location rule cannot be enforced if it raises the installation cost by more than 10%, or the cost of the electrical and fuel lines by more than 20%. If approval is required first, the HOA cannot withhold it when the plan meets those rules, and it cannot ask for more detail than it does for other improvements. In a condo, the land around the building is usually common property owned by all the unit owners, and the association can keep generators off it. A condo owner should check the declaration first.
Natural gas or propane?
If you have a gas meter, use it. If you don't, propane works.
Almost every Houston-area home with a gas meter runs the generator on natural gas: unlimited runtime, nothing to refill, and CenterPoint gas stays on during an electrical outage. The plumber sizes the gas line so the generator gets full pressure with the water heater and furnace running too; on older homes that sometimes means upgrading the meter, which we coordinate with the utility.
Homes on acreage and in the outer suburbs are often on propane. The same generators run on propane with slightly lower output (the spec sheets list both numbers), and your propane supplier sets the tank and runs the line to the generator. We size the tank around how many days of runtime you want. If you have neither, propane is the answer, and we will walk you through the tank.
Where the generator goes.
Close to the meter, away from windows, above the water.
The generator sits on a level pad beside the house, usually on the side nearest the electrical meter and the gas meter, because shorter runs mean less wire, less pipe and a cleaner install. Generac requires clearance from the wall and from any window, door or vent so exhaust never enters the house, and we set the unit where service technicians can reach all sides. In neighborhoods that flooded during Harvey or Beryl we raise the pad above the known water line, and in tight side yards we use a slimmer pre-made pad instead of poured concrete.
Noise is the question every neighbor asks. A modern air-cooled Generac at 23 feet is in the range of a central air conditioner, and it runs a short self-test once a week. HOA screening rules usually mean a fence line or shrubs, which we account for in the site plan.
Whole-home or essential circuits?
Both are automatic. One costs less.
Whole-home means the transfer switch sits ahead of your breaker panel, so everything in the house comes back on when the generator starts. Essential circuits means a smaller switch that brings back only the things you have to have: the fridge, the AC, lights, the garage door, medical equipment. Larger houses with two breaker panels usually need a second switch, which is one of the things we check before we quote.
Hurricane season, lead times, and why spring is the time.
June 1 to November 30. The phones start ringing in May.
The Gulf hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and the Houston area has lost power for days at a time in May (the 2024 derecho), July (Hurricane Beryl) and September (Ike) in recent memory. Every year the same thing happens: the first named storm forms, everyone calls at once, and installation calendars across the region fill up for weeks. Homeowners who book in the spring get installed before the season; homeowners who call the week of a storm wait.
Wired stocks its generators at the Tomball showroom instead of ordering them after you sign, so the unit is not the delay. The permit and, if you have one, the HOA are. Permit timing depends on your city or county. The install itself is usually one day.
Keeping it ready: maintenance, monitoring, warranty.
A generator that has not been serviced is a generator that may not start.
Generac sets service intervals by run hours and time; for most homes that means once a year, plus a check after a long run following a storm: oil and filters, spark plugs, a battery test, and a check of the transfer switch. Our Shield Protection plans put that on a schedule with 24/7 remote monitoring, and every Generac we install can report its status to your phone over Wi-Fi so you know it exercised this week. Warranty registration is done for you at startup; ask about the 10-year warranty on qualifying installs.
A Generac install, start to finish.
From recent installs in November 2026 and earlier: the generator arrives, the pad and gas line go in, conduit runs up the wall and the transfer switch goes up next to the meter.
Generators going in.
Photos from two more Generac installs by our crew in November 2026.
More answers, one topic at a time.
26 short guides. Tap a title to open it.
Is a Standby Generator Right for Your Houston Home?
Most people call us after a long outage. These are the situations where a standby generator earns its place beside the house.
Searching for backup generator installation, or a home generator installer near you? Wired installs whole-house and backup generators across the Houston area.
Medical equipment and family at home
If someone in the house uses oxygen, a CPAP, a powered bed or medicine that has to stay cold, a dark house is more than an inconvenience. A standby generator starts on its own, so it works the same at three in the morning as it does at noon. Nobody has to drag a portable out in the rain or fill it with gasoline. We put the circuits that matter most at the top of the list when we size the unit.
Working from home and keeping food safe
A lot of Houston households now run a business, a job or a school day from a home office. When the power drops, so do the Wi-Fi, the computers and the phone chargers. A generator keeps those running, along with the fridge and freezer, so you are not throwing out groceries after every storm. If you travel, it also keeps the AC and the fridge going while the house is empty, without anyone stopping by.
Well pumps, sump pumps and low lots
Acreage homes in Magnolia, Hockley, Waller and similar areas often depend on a well pump, so no power means no water. Homes on low lots may rely on a sump pump or a lift station when the rain is heaviest. Those pumps need power at exactly the moment the grid is most likely to fail. We include them in the load calculation so the generator is sized to start them along with the rest of the house.
Winter freezes, not only hurricanes
Houston plans for storms from June to November, but the February 2021 freeze showed that long outages can come in winter too. A house with no heat in freezing weather can mean burst pipes and real danger for older family members. A standby generator runs the furnace blower, the heat and the lights through a cold snap the same way it runs the AC in July. Yearly service keeps the battery and engine ready for either season.
What to Expect on Your Sizing Visit and Install Day
No surprises on either day. Here is what happens, and what helps the job go smoothly.
Before the visit: a few photos help
If you can, send photos of your breaker panel with the door open, your electric meter, your gas meter and the spot where you picture the generator. That lets us come out with a good idea of the job. On the visit we count circuits, look at the panel label and its condition, check the gas meter, measure the runs and talk about what you want to keep running. Then you get a written estimate.
Getting the yard ready
Before install day, it helps to clear the side yard where the unit will sit and make sure the crew can get through the gate. Let us know about pets, sprinkler lines, buried drip lines or landscape lighting wires near the spot. If the job needs any digging for the gas or electrical run, underground utility lines are marked first through the Texas 811 call system. Those steps keep the day safe and on schedule.
Install day and the short power shutoff
The crew sets the pad and the generator, runs the gas line and the wiring, and mounts the transfer switch. To connect the switch to your panel, the power to the house has to be off for part of the day, and the crew tells you before it goes off. Plan to keep the fridge closed and computers shut down during that window. Once everything is connected, the power comes back on and startup begins.
Startup, the test and the walkthrough
At startup the technician runs the generator, then cuts utility power on purpose so you can watch the house switch over by itself. The lights go out and come back in seconds. We check the system under load, set the weekly self-test time, connect Mobile Link to your phone and register the warranty. Before the crew leaves, you know where the shutoffs are, what the status lights mean and who to call.
How to Compare Generator Installers in Houston
Quotes can look alike on paper. These questions show the difference between installers before you sign.
Who does the electrical and gas work
A standby generator is electrical work and gas work. Ask who will do each part, whether they are licensed for it in Texas, and whether any of it is handed to a subcontractor you have never met. At Wired, licensed electricians do the electrical work and the gas connection is permitted and inspected. If an installer cannot tell you who is running the gas line, keep asking until they can.
Who pulls the permit and meets the inspector
An unpermitted generator can cause trouble with an insurance claim, a home sale or an HOA. Ask whether the permit is included, who schedules the inspection and who is there when the inspector arrives. We handle the permits and inspections on every install, and we prepare the HOA application when your community requires one. The permit record also helps later if you sell the house and the buyer asks for paperwork.
Where the unit comes from and who services it
Ask whether the generator is in stock or ordered after you sign, because that can decide whether you are ready before the next storm. Then ask who services it a year from now. A company that sells, installs and services Generac generators keeps your records and knows your unit. Wired is a Generac Prestige Dealer with a showroom in Tomball, and we offer Shield Protection maintenance plans after the install.
What the written estimate lists
A good estimate names the generator model and size, the transfer switch, the gas or propane work, the electrical work, the pad, the permits and the startup. If panel work is needed, it should be on its own line with the reason. Watch for vague allowances or items marked extra that leave the real total unclear. Compare the full installed scope from each company, not just the name of the generator.
Choosing a Generac installer near you
Most people looking for a generator installer want the same thing: a crew that shows up, does the whole job and is still around when the unit needs service. These questions sort that out.
Ask who does each part
Ask who pulls the permit, who runs the gas line, who does the electrical and who services the unit afterward. Nobody can honestly claim to be the best, so judge every installer, us included, by those answers. At Wired, our own crews put the generator in and we pull the permits.
A Generac dealer you can visit
Wired is a Generac Prestige Dealer, Generac's highest dealer designation, with a showroom at 13910 Alice Road in Tomball, family-owned since 2005. You can see units in person before you decide, and the generators we sell are in stock in the Houston area.
One phone number afterward
We sell, install and service Generac generators, so the company that put the unit in keeps your records and knows your unit. We recommend service once a year, and our phones are open 24/7. See generator maintenance.
Whole house generator installation, step by step
Whole house generator installation sounds big, and it is a real job, but it follows a predictable path. Here is what happens and who does what.
How to get a generator installed
If you are asking how to get a generator installed, the first step is a free visit. We look at the meter, the panel and where the unit can sit, then give you a written estimate. After you approve it, we order the equipment, pull the permit and set a date. You do not manage contractors or chase inspectors. You pick the day and we handle the rest.
How to install a whole house generator
People ask how to install a whole house generator because they want to know what is involved. A pad is set outside, the unit goes on it, the gas line is run, and the automatic transfer switch is wired between the panel and the generator. Then comes startup and a test under load. This is licensed work with gas and live service conductors, so it is not a weekend project, and we do it for you.
Whole house generator install and generator installation work
A whole house generator install and ordinary generator installation work share the same backbone: site, pad, fuel, electrical, permit, inspection. On a whole house generator installation the electrical part is larger, since more circuits are involved. Whole house generator installers like us size that wiring to the unit rather than guessing. Ask any whole house generator installers you talk to, including us, to describe each step before you sign.
What a generator installation technician does on site
A generator installation technician sets the unit level on the pad, connects the gas, runs the feeder to the transfer switch, labels the panel and starts the unit. We also walk you through the controller and the weekly exercise cycle before we leave. A generator installation for a home is not finished when the power comes on. It is finished when you know how to read the display and who to call.
Standby, whole house, backup: what the words mean
People use different words for the same machine. Here is what each one means on a real house.
Standby generator
The permanent kind. It sits on a pad outside, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts by itself through an automatic transfer switch when the power drops. That is what a home standby generator installation puts in.
Whole house generator
A standby generator sized to carry most or all of the house. The transfer switch sits ahead of your breaker panel, so everything comes back on when the generator starts.
Essential circuits
A smaller standby setup that brings back only what you have to have: the fridge, the AC, lights, the garage door, medical equipment. It still starts on its own, and a smaller setup usually costs less.
Backup generator
The catch-all term. It can mean a standby unit or a portable. A portable never plugs into a wall outlet; it connects through an inlet and a transfer switch or interlock kit. See portable generator hookup.
Buying the generator and the install together
A generator with installation included means one company owns the result: the unit, the permit and the startup.
Sales and installation as one job
We sell the generator and install it as one package. The written estimate names the model and size, the transfer switch, the gas or propane work, the electrical work, the pad, the permit and the startup. If the panel needs work, it is on its own line with the reason.
See it before you buy
Some units are on the showroom floor in Tomball. Come by, or check what is in stock now by model number.
Generac, and service for Kohler
We sell and install Generac. We service Kohler generators too, so if you already own one, or you are comparing, we will talk size, fuel and warranty plainly.
Whole house generator cost and what changes it
Everyone wants a number first. We do not post prices, because two houses side by side can end up with very different totals. Here is what moves the estimate.
Generator installers near me prices
Searching generator installers near me prices, whole house generator installers near me prices or Generac generator installers near me cost will mostly show ranges that ignore your house. Real pricing depends on the unit size, the fuel, the pad, the gas line, the distance to the panel, the transfer switch and the permit. Wired does not post prices. A free visit gets you a written estimate that lists each part so you can compare it fairly.
Generator installation estimate
A generator installation estimate from us is written, itemized and free. We walk the property, look at the meter and panel, and note anything unusual such as a long gas run or a tight side yard. A whole house generator estimate that skips the visit is a guess. Ours covers the equipment, the electrical, the gas connection, the permit and the startup, so there are no surprises after the work begins.
Whole house generator install and permits
Generator installation permit requirements vary by city and county, and the rules also cover the gas and electrical work. We pull the permit and schedule the inspection, which is one more reason the total changes from house to house. Skipping the permit can cause trouble with the utility, your insurer and the next buyer, so we never do it.
Natural gas, propane and gas line questions
Fuel is the biggest practical question after size. Here is how we think about it.
Gas generator for house installation
A gas generator for house installation runs on natural gas from your meter or on propane from a tank. Gas generator for house setups on natural gas never run dry as long as the utility supply holds. Generator gas installation includes a shutoff, the pipe run and a pressure check, and generator electrical installation covers the wiring side. Both are inspected.
Generac generator gas line installation and gas line size
Generac generator gas line installation depends on the length of the run and the fuel demand of the unit. The question of whole house generator gas line size comes up often, and the right answer comes from the manufacturer's tables, your meter capacity and the distance, not a rule of thumb. We check it on the free visit. Sometimes the meter or the house line needs an upgrade, and we tell you before quoting.
Generac generator gas and fuel choices
People ask about Generac generator gas, Generac generator fuel and whole house generator gas. Natural gas is convenient where the utility serves your street. Propane works where it does not, and it stores in a tank on your property. We explain both on the visit and size the system to match, so the unit has enough fuel for the load you want to carry.
Whole house generators without a gas line
Not every property has gas at the street. That does not rule out backup power.
Whole house generator no gas and no gas line
If you searched whole house generator no gas or whole house generator no gas line, the usual answer is propane. A tank on the property feeds the same type of standby generator, and we set the tank, the regulator and the line. Ask us about tank placement and refill planning on the visit. If neither fuel suits your lot, we will say so honestly rather than sell something that will not work.
Transfer switch, panel and ATS for a whole house generator
The generator is only half of the system. The other half decides how its power reaches your house.
Whole house generator ATS and switch
A whole house generator ATS is the automatic transfer switch. It senses the outage, starts the generator and moves your loads over, then returns them when the grid comes back. A whole house generator switch also prevents backfeed that could hurt utility crews. The same applies to a generator switch for house installation: it must be properly rated and installed. Generator switch for house installation work is part of our standard scope.
Whole house generator panel and set up
For whole house generator set up, the generator panel or load center is where we decide what runs. Some homes need only the main panel and a transfer switch. Others get a smaller panel for chosen circuits. A whole house generator panel upgrade is sometimes needed if the existing one is full or old. Our electricians check this on the visit and explain the difference before you commit.
Whole house generator back up and meaning
A whole house generator meaning is simple: a standby generator sized to carry most or all of a home. As a whole house generator back up it protects against storms, grid failures and long repairs. It is not the same as a portable, which you drag out and plug in. Whole house emergency generator systems run themselves, which is what matters at three in the morning.
Portable generator installers and hookups
Not everyone needs a standby unit. Some owners already have a portable and want a safe way to use it.
Portable generator installers near me
If you need portable generator installers, or portable generator installers near me, what you usually need is an inlet box and a transfer switch or interlock kit on the panel. That lets a portable power selected circuits without a cord through a window or into a wall outlet. We install those connections and test them with your unit. We cannot make a portable run itself, but we can make it safe.
Generator battery, oil and cover questions
Small parts cause a large share of failed starts. Here is what owners ask us.
Generator battery installation and size
Generator battery installation is simple, but the right battery matters. The generac generator battery size depends on the model, so check the manual or call us with the unit number. The same goes for a whole house generator battery, which starts the engine. A whole house generator or battery comparison is different: a home battery backs up smaller loads silently, while a generator carries bigger loads for longer. We install generators, not home battery systems.
Generac generator oil, filters and parts
Generac generator oil, the Generac generator oil filter and the Generac generator air filter are replaced on a schedule. Whole house generator oil needs the right grade for our climate. A Generac generator oil pressure switch is a safety part that shuts the engine down if oil runs low. For Generac generator parts, or Generac generator parts near me, visit our shop in Tomball or call us. Our maintenance visits cover these items.
Generator cover and weatherproofing
A Generac generator cover or whole house generator cover can look tidy, but never place one over a running or recently run unit, because exhaust and heat need to escape. Standby units already have weatherproof enclosures built for Gulf Coast rain. If a cover is for the off-season, ask us first so we can say whether it helps or only traps moisture.
Generac generator financing and how long it takes
Two questions that come before a signature: how to pay, and how long the work takes.
Generator financing, Synchrony and Leighton Lending
Generator financing, generator financing near me, and financing a generator all point to the same options. We offer financing through Synchrony and Leighton Lending, subject to credit approval. Generac generator financing questions get answered on the estimate visit, and terms change, so we confirm them with you rather than quote them here. Asking can you finance a Generac generator? Yes, ask our team.
Generator installation near you
We install across Houston and the surrounding areas, roughly 100 miles from the Tomball showroom. The job is the same in every town; the permit office is what changes.
Permits follow your address
Cities and counties issue their own permits. In unincorporated areas the rules vary, and we pull whatever your address requires and schedule the inspection.
Master-planned communities
Most master-planned communities want a site plan before the install. We prepare that HOA package for you.
Acreage and well pumps
Homes on acreage often have a well pump on the list and may be on propane. We include the pump in the load calculation, and your propane supplier sets the tank.
What we install, and what we don't
A straight answer on scope saves everyone a phone call.
What we install
Generac air-cooled Guardian and liquid-cooled Protector standby generators, with the automatic transfer switch, the pad, load management when the house needs it, and the gas and electrical connections. For businesses, units from 20 to 150 kW. See commercial generators.
Portable hookups
If you already own a portable, we install a permitted inlet with a transfer switch or interlock kit so it can power chosen circuits safely. We cannot make a portable start itself, but we can make it safe.
What we don't install
We install generators, not home battery systems. We also don't sell other generator brands.
Generator installation checklist and standards
A good install follows a checklist. This is the one we work through.
Generator installation checklist
Our generator installation checklist starts before anyone picks up a tool. Site visit, load check, sizing, fuel check, permit, pad, set, gas, electrical, transfer switch, startup, inspection and owner walkthrough. Each item gets checked off. If a step cannot be done, such as a clearance problem, we stop and tell you instead of improvising. Ask any installer to show you theirs, and be wary if nothing is written down.
Generator installation standards and codes
Generator installation standards come from three places: the manufacturer's instructions, the national electrical and fuel gas codes, and the local rules where you live. We follow all three and the inspector checks them. Clearances to windows, grounding, labeling, shutoffs and the transfer switch rating are common review points. Following the standards is not paperwork, it is what keeps a backup system from becoming a hazard.
Which whole house generator is best, and which brand
Everyone asks what is best. The honest answer starts with your house and with who will stand behind the unit after the sale.
What is the best whole house generator?
People ask what is the best whole house generator and what is the best whole house generators for their money. Rankings online rarely fit a specific house. The better question is which unit suits your load, your fuel and your installer. We install Generac because we trust the equipment, the dealer support and the service network, but we would rather size a unit to your house than make a claim about the best for everyone.
Best Generac generator for home, and Generac best generator
The best Generac generator for home use is the one that carries your loads without being oversized. If you are asking about the Generac best generator, we size from your AC, your range, your well and your lifestyle. Whole house generator best and whole home generator best searches do not account for any of that. A free visit does.
Whole house generator best brand, brands and manufacturers
When people look up whole house generator best brand, whole house generator brands or whole house generator manufacturers, they find several. We install Generac and service other brands. A whole house generator not Generac is outside what we sell, though we will still look at a unit you already own. Our reasoning on brands: dealer support and local service matter at least as much as the label.
Kohler or Generac, and service for other brands
Plenty of homeowners already own another brand or are comparing. Here is where we stand.
Kohler generator or Generac?
If you are weighing a Kohler generator or Generac, we install Generac and will explain why: local dealer support, parts, and a service team we work with daily. We do not sell Kohler, so you are not hearing a pitch for it. If you already own one, we are glad to talk through its care and service. Either way, call before you buy and we will compare size, fuel and warranty plainly.
Kohler generator not starting, problems and codes
Kohler generator not starting is a common call. We service all brands, so we look at Kohler generator problems the same way we look at any standby unit: fuel, battery, controller and transfer switch. Kohler generator codes appear on the controller, so write them down or photograph them before you call. Our Kohler generator technician near me searchers can reach us at (713) 467-1125.
Home generator installation in Houston, by Generac installers
Looking for generator installers near me, or Generac installers near me? Wired is a Generac Prestige Dealer, the highest dealer tier, with a showroom on Alice Road in Tomball and our own crews. We do the whole job: the unit, the pad, the gas, the electrical, the permit.
Generac generator installation
Generac is what we sell, stock and install. Home units from 10 to 32 kW, sized to your house on a free visit. See the Generac line-up or what is in stock now.
Whole house generator, whole home generator
Same thing, two names: a standby generator outside, wired into your panel through an automatic transfer switch, that starts by itself when the power drops. It can run the whole house or just the circuits you pick.
Standby generator vs portable
A standby generator runs on your natural gas or propane and comes on without you. A portable is cheaper to start and takes more work in the dark. Here is the plain comparison.
Whole house generator cost and generator installation Houston cost
Every house is different, so we do not post a number that would be wrong for yours. A free visit gets you a written estimate. What drives the cost of a whole house generator.
Generator interlock kit and portable generator hookup
Using a portable generator on the house? A permitted inlet with a transfer switch or an interlock kit is the safe way, never a cord into a wall outlet. We check your panel and tell you what fits. See portable generator hookup.
Transfer switch installation
Every standby generator needs one. We install the automatic switch with the unit, and we install transfer switches for portable generators too. About transfer switches.
Commercial generator installation
Shops, offices, restaurants, medical and light industrial: 20 to 150 kW, sized from a load study. See commercial generators.
Kohler generator? We service all brands
We install Generac, and we service all brands, Kohler included. Comparing a Kohler to a Generac? Call and we will talk size, fuel and warranty plainly.
Generator financing
Financing is available through Synchrony and Leighton Lending, subject to credit approval. See financing options.
How Long Does a Standby Generator Installation Take, and What Permits Does It Need?
How Long Does a Standby Generator Installation Take? Stages and Permits
Natural Gas vs Propane Standby Generators in Houston: Honest Pros and Cons
Standby Generac generators, in depth.
Generators
- Free 10-Year Warranty Upgrade
- Generac Prestige Dealer
- 24/7 Phones
- Choose Your Size
- Installation
- FAQ
What is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator is a permanently installed backup power system that automatically turns on within seconds of a power outage. Connected directly to your home’s electrical panel and natural gas or propane supply, it provides seamless protection without any manual intervention.
Choose Your Generator Size
Not sure which size is right? We’ll help you find the right fit during your free sizing visit. Here is the line-up, with the one-line answer to “who is it for.”
For the house · air-cooled Guardian
Townhouse or a smaller home. Fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, one AC.
See this one →The starter. Fridge, lights, one AC, in a smaller home.
See this one →Most 2,000 to 2,500 sq ft homes. Essentials plus a second AC.
See this one →The one. Whole-home for a standard 2,500 to 3,500 sq ft house.
See this one →Whole-home with a bigger AC load or a pool pump.
See this one →Larger homes. 3,500 to 4,500 sq ft, two big ACs.
See this one →Big house, multiple ACs, EV charging. Don't want to think about it.
See this one →Big houses and small businesses · liquid-cooled Protector
Big house that wants the quieter, longer-life engine. Small offices.
See this one →Estates, small restaurants, dental offices.
See this one →Large estates, multi-AC, elevators, well pumps. 6,000 sq ft territory.
See this one →Commercial and industrial
Small shops, offices, and strip-center suites on three-phase service.
See this one →Retail, small clinics, churches. Big houses, too.
See this one →Larger clinics, small multi-tenant buildings.
See this one →Warehouses, manufacturing, car washes, mid-size retail.
See this one →Bigger facilities, multi-tenant buildings, larger clinics.
See this one →Grocery, larger clinics, churches with a campus, multi-building.
See this one →Cold storage, light industrial, restaurants with a big walk-in.
See this one →Industrial, data and telecom, multi-building sites.
See this one →Air-Cooled vs Liquid-Cooled
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right generator for your needs.
| Feature | Air-Cooled | Liquid-Cooled |
|---|---|---|
| Power Range | 10kW – 28kW | 25kW – 150kW |
| Best For | Residential homes | Large homes, estates, commercial |
| Noise Level | Slightly louder | Quieter operation |
| Maintenance | Lower cost, simpler service | More complex, higher service cost |
| Initial Cost | More affordable | Higher investment |
Which Should You Choose?
For most homeowners, an air-cooled generator provides excellent value and reliability. Choose liquid-cooled if you have a large estate, need more than
28kW, or require commercial-grade durability.
Our Installation Process
From consultation to commissioning, we handle everything so you can focus on enjoying your backup power.
- Free Consultation We assess your home's power needs and recommend the right generator size for your lifestyle.
- Custom Quote & Permitting We handle all local permits and provide a written, itemized quote.
- Professional Installation Our certified technicians install your generator, transfer switch, and gas connection.
- System Testing & Training We thoroughly test your system and show you how to monitor and maintain your new generator.
- Ongoing Support Enjoy peace of mind with our maintenance plans and 24/7 emergency service support. Schedule Your Free Consultation
Trusted by Houston-Area Homeowners Since 2005
Don’t just take our word for it. See what our customers say.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a generator installation take?
Permit timing depends on your city or county. The install itself is usually one day.
Do you handle all permits and inspections?
Yes. We pull all required electrical and gas permits for Houston, Harris County, and surrounding jurisdictions. We coordinate all inspections and ensure your installation passes code requirements. This is included in your installation price.
Will this generator increase my home's value?
Buyers in storm markets notice a permitted standby generator, but how much it adds varies from house to house, so we do not promise a number.
What maintenance do generators require?
Generac sets service intervals by run hours and time; for most homes that means once a year. The unit runs a short self-test every week. We offer maintenance plans and send reminders when service is due.
What a standby installation involves.
Safe, Certified, Reliable
Power outages can be unpredictable, but your backup power solution shouldn’t be. With our expert standby generator installations, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted power when you need it most. Whether you're looking to protect your home, business, or critical systems, we provide fast, reliable, and professional installation services. Plus, with our free 10-year warranty on all new air-cooled generator installations, you can rest easy knowing your investment is protected for the long haul. Our certified technicians handle everything from permitting to final setup, so you're powered up and prepared — no matter what the weather brings. Book a free estimate
In Stock & Ready for Installation
At Wired Electrical and Generators, we keep a wide selection of automatic standby generators in stock, ensuring fast and efficient installation. Most installs are done in a day, minimizing downtime while maximizing your home's energy security. Our team is certified, highly trained, and experienced in installing automatic standby power systems. We ensure every generator is installed correctly, safely, and efficiently so you can enjoy seamless backup power when you need it most. Call Our Team
Inside a Generac install.
Transfer switch, pad and generator photos from a recent install by our crew.
Ask us anything. These come up most.
How long from yes to running?
The install itself is usually one day. Permit timing depends on your city or county, plus the HOA if you have one. Book before storm season and you are covered when it starts.
What if I don't have natural gas?
Propane works. Your supplier runs the tank to the generator and we do the rest.
Do you do the permit?
Yes. We pull it and schedule the inspection.
Is the $2,000 real?
Yes, while supplies last, and only on the units on our floor. When they're gone, it's gone.
How long does it take to get a whole-home generator installed in Houston?
Permit timing depends on your city or county. The install itself is usually one day. If you have an HOA, its approval comes first. In the middle of hurricane season lead times stretch everywhere, which is why we tell people to book in the spring. Our units are in stock in Tomball, so the generator is never the hold-up.
Do I need a permit for a standby generator in Harris County or the City of Houston?
Inside city limits, yes: an electrical permit, and the gas line to the generator gets its own permit and inspection. The gas work is done by a Texas-licensed plumber. In unincorporated areas the rules vary, and we pull whatever your address requires and schedule the inspections.
Will my HOA allow a Generac generator?
In our experience, yes, as long as it is placed and screened the way the community's guidelines ask. Texas Property Code Section 202.019 keeps an HOA from prohibiting a qualifying standby generator, though it can still set screening, testing-time and location rules. Master-planned communities want an application with a site plan before the install. We prepare and submit that package for you.
Can a standby generator run my central air conditioning?
Yes. Sizing in Houston starts with the AC. One unit is well within an 18 or 22 kW; two or three units call for a bigger generator or load management, a small add-on that takes turns starting them so they never start at the same moment. The sizing visit settles which.
Natural gas or propane, which is better for a Houston generator?
Natural gas if you have a meter: unlimited runtime and nothing to refill, and the gas stays on during an electrical outage. Propane if you don't, with a tank sized for the runtime you want. The same Generac units run on either.
What happens when the power goes out?
The generator senses the outage, starts itself, and the automatic transfer switch moves the house onto generator power in about ten seconds. When utility power is back and stable, it switches the house back and shuts itself down. You do nothing.
How often does a Generac generator need service?
Generac sets intervals by run hours and time; for most homes that means once a year, plus a check after a long run following a storm: oil and filters, spark plugs, battery test and a transfer switch check. Our Shield Protection plans handle it on a schedule, with remote monitoring so we know before you do if something needs attention.
Do you install generators outside Tomball?
Yes. We install across Houston and the surrounding areas, roughly 100 miles from the showroom: Cypress, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia, Kingwood, Humble, Sugar Land, Pearland, Richmond, and the towns around them. See every city we serve.
Is financing available for a home generator?
Yes. We work with several lenders, including Synchrony and Leighton Lending, with promotional plans subject to credit approval. Your specialist brings the options with the estimate.
Who installs Generac generators near me?
Wired does. We are a Generac Prestige Dealer based in Tomball, our own crews install the unit, and we pull the permits. We serve Houston and about 100 miles around our shop.
What is the difference between a whole house generator and a standby generator?
Not much. A standby generator is the equipment, a whole house generator is how big you size it. A standby unit can be sized to run the whole house or only the circuits you choose.
Can I finance a generator installation?
Yes. Financing is available through Synchrony and Leighton Lending, subject to credit approval.
How long does generator installation take?
It depends on the pad, the length of the gas line, whether the permit and inspection are lined up, and how much electrical work is involved. Our crews work through the checklist in order and tell you the schedule on the estimate. We would rather give you a straight answer after seeing the house than promise a day on the phone.
Who are the best generator installers in Houston?
The best generator installers in Houston are licensed, insured, pull their own permits and still answer the phone after the sale. We are a Generac Prestige Dealer, family-owned since 2005, with our own crews. Best generator installers Houston homeowners choose are the ones who put the scope in writing and explain it first.
Do you do generator installation in Houston, Cypress and Katy?
Yes. We do generator installation in Houston, in Cypress, in Katy and across Tomball, The Woodlands, Spring, Magnolia, Conroe, Humble, Fulshear, Memorial and Jersey Village. Call (713) 467-1125 for a free visit.
Do you install generators for homes with an existing generator or panel?
Yes. We often add a transfer switch or move a generator installation to a new pad. Tell us what you have on the first call, and we will say what is reusable and what is not.
Do I need to be home on generator install day?
It helps to have someone there at the start, so the crew can confirm the spot and get access, and again at the end for startup and the walkthrough. In between, the crew works outside. We set the timing with you when we schedule.
Will my power be off during the install?
Yes, for part of the day. The power has to be off while the transfer switch is connected to your panel. The crew tells you before it goes off, and the rest of the work happens with your power on.
Will my gas meter support a whole house generator?
Many meters can, and some need an upgrade. We check the meter and your gas appliances on the sizing visit. If the meter is too small to run the generator and the house together, we tell you and coordinate the upgrade with the gas utility.
How loud is a standby generator?
A modern air-cooled Generac sounds a lot like a central air conditioner from a short distance away. It runs a short self-test once a week, and we can set that test for a time that suits you and your neighbors.
Do you service the generators you install?
Yes. We sell, install and service Generac generators, and we recommend service once a year. Our Shield Protection maintenance plans put that on a schedule, so you do not have to remember. We also service Kohler and other Generac units we did not install.
Will a standby generator help in a winter freeze?
Yes. It runs your heat, lights and fridge when the grid goes down in cold weather, just as it runs the AC in summer. Keep up with yearly service so the battery and engine are ready before winter as well as before hurricane season.
How do I choose a Generac generator installer in Houston?
Look for a licensed, insured installer that pulls the permit and schedules the inspection, sizes the unit to your house and will still be there to service it. Wired is a Generac Prestige Dealer, family-owned since 2005, with our own crews and a showroom on Alice Road in Tomball.
Get a free estimate before you decide.
A free sizing visit, a real unit, a written estimate.