Last updated: March 2026

Guardian 22kW

Power: 22kW LP / 19.5kW NG
Installed Cost: $12,000–$17,000
Noise: 67 dB
Weight: 466 lbs
Warranty: 5 years
Fuel: Dual-fuel (NG/LP)

Best for: 2,500–3,500 sq ft homes with central AC. The bestselling home standby in America.

The Generac Guardian 22kW is the bestselling home standby generator in America. For most homes between 2,500 and 3,500 square feet with central AC and gas heat, the 22kW handles everything. AC, fridge, lights, home office, kitchen appliances, sump pump: all at the same time.

What This Generator Keeps Running

3-ton central AC (running + startup surges), refrigerator, freezer, gas furnace, sump pump, lights across most of the house, home office, kitchen (microwave, dishwasher), garage door, CPAP.

Limitations: Electric range and AC simultaneously on natural gas is tight. Level 2 EV charger on top of AC exceeds capacity. Hot tub pushes well past the limit. On propane (22 kW), about 13% more headroom.

What It Actually Costs

Unit price

$6,119

Installed

$12,000–$17,000

The $6,119 on Generac's website is the unit. Installed: $12,000–$17,000 including the 200A ATS, labor, pad, gas line, and permits.

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How Loud Is It?

67 dB at 23 feet, about the volume of a running shower from the next room. At the property line (50–100 feet), drops to ~55 dB.

How Big Is It?

48" × 25" × 29". At 466 lbs, permanently installed. Same footprint as every other Guardian.

Maintenance

G-Force 1000 Series (999cc V-Twin). Annual service $300–$400. Battery every 2–3 years. Oil: SAE 10W-30, ~2 quarts.

Pros & Cons

What's good

✓Most popular residential size: covers the vast majority of homes
✓Competitively priced against Kohler and Cummins at this size
✓Transfer switch bundle (7043) simplifies purchasing
✓Free WiFi monitoring via Mobile Link
✓9,200+ dealer network for easy service

What's not

✗19.5 kW on natural gas: 12% derating. B&S 22kW delivers 22 kW on both fuels.
✗Mobile Link WiFi connectivity; the most common owner complaint
✗Some owners of 2021–2024 models have reported alternator issues; a class action has been reported but its current status is unverified
✗67 dB: not the quietest. Cummins is 2 dB lower.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Generac 22kW cost installed?▾

$12,000 to $17,000 in most markets. Unit alone: $6,119 (or $6,979 with 200A ATS). Midwest trends low, West Coast and Northeast trend high.

Is the Generac 22kW enough for my house?▾

For most 2,500–3,500 sq ft homes with central AC (up to 3-ton) and gas heat: yes. If you have a 4–5 ton AC, multiple zones, electric heat, or heavy 240V loads, consider 24kW or load management.

Generac 22kW vs Kohler 20kW?▾

Generac delivers 2 more kW on propane for about $1,000 more installed. Kohler is heavier, tends to score higher on owner satisfaction based on reviews, and has the free 10-year warranty promo. Generac has a much larger dealer network. Value and support: Generac. Build quality and warranty: Kohler.

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