kW bands at a glance
| kW | Usually suits | Cooling |
|---|---|---|
| 10–14 | Essential circuits, or a small home with a small AC | Air-cooled |
| 17–20 | Smaller homes, one AC up to about 4 tons (estimate) | Air-cooled |
| 22–24 | Typical 2,000–3,000 sq ft home, one central AC | Air-cooled |
| 26–28 | Larger homes, two AC units with load management | Air-cooled (28 kW is the top) |
| 30–48 | Large homes, 400 A service, several AC units, pool equipment | Liquid-cooled |
Our estimates. Every house differs; a dealer's load calculation decides.
Why the AC sets the size
A central air compressor pulls a big surge for a moment when it starts. The generator has to carry that surge on top of everything else already running. That's why two homes of the same size can need different generators, and why a soft-start kit on the AC or a load-management module can let a smaller unit do the job.
Whole-house or essential circuits?
A whole-house switch backs up the full panel. An essential-circuits switch (for example Generac's 10 kW package with a 16-circuit 100 A switch, about $3,977 retail) runs only what you choose (retail price). It costs less but leaves some rooms dark, and a later upgrade usually means a new switch.
Air-cooled or liquid-cooled?
Air-cooled units cover 10 to 28 kW and are what most homes get. Liquid-cooled units start around 22 kW and go well past 48 kW; they run quieter and slower, last longer under heavy load and cost roughly twice as much installed. Baton Rouge homeowners report $31,000 for a 37 kW Kohler and a $33,000 quote for a 30 kW Generac.
What to ask the dealer
Sources & further reading
- The Power Tool Store: Generac Next Gen prices (Nov 2026). Generator + transfer switch
- Portlandia Electric Supply: Kohler prices (Nov 2026). Generator, with or without switch
- Tiger Droppings: Baton Rouge homeowners' quotes (Jun 2025). Installed prices, 2017–2025
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.