If you’ve lived through a Central Ohio storm season, you already know how quickly the power can go out—and how long it can stay out. A whole-home standby generator takes that uncertainty off the table. It senses an outage, starts on its own within seconds, and keeps your home running until utility power returns. No extension cords, no hauling fuel, no waking up to a flooded basement. This guide covers everything you need to know about residential standby generators: how they work, who needs one, how to size them, how Cummins and Kohler compare, and what to expect from a professional installation here in Licking County.
What Is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator is a permanently installed backup power system that connects directly to your home’s electrical panel. Unlike a portable generator you wheel out of the garage, a standby unit lives outside on a small pad—similar to a central air conditioner—and runs on natural gas or propane. The heart of the system is the automatic transfer switch (ATS). When the ATS detects that utility power has dropped, it disconnects your home from the grid, signals the generator to start, and transfers your home onto generator power—all in a matter of seconds. When utility power is restored, it reverses the process automatically and shuts the generator down.
The result is backup power that works whether you’re home or away, awake or asleep. You don’t have to do anything—the system handles everything on its own.
Who Needs a Standby Generator?
Standby generators make sense for a wide range of Central Ohio homeowners, but they’re especially valuable if any of the following apply to you:
- You live where severe weather is common. Central Ohio sees its share of spring thunderstorms, straight-line winds, ice storms, and the occasional tornado—any of which can knock out power for hours or days.
- Someone in your home relies on medical equipment. CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and other powered devices can’t afford to lose power, even briefly.
- You have a sump pump. A power outage during heavy rain can mean a flooded basement and thousands of dollars in water damage. A standby generator keeps your pump running.
- You own a lake house or second property near Buckeye Lake. A generator protects against frozen pipes and other damage when you’re not there to notice an outage.
- You work from home. A few hours without power can mean missed meetings, lost work, and lost income. Backup power keeps your home office online.
How to Size a Standby Generator
Sizing is one of the most important decisions in the process. A generator that’s too small won’t power your whole home; one that’s too large means paying for capacity you’ll never use. Generator capacity is measured in kilowatts (kW). The table below shows how the most common Kohler residential tiers map to what they can run—a helpful starting point as you think through your own needs:
| Generator Size | Best For | What It Typically Powers |
|---|---|---|
| 14 kW | Smaller homes; essential loads | The basics, plus a television, water heater, and a heating & A/C unit |
| 20 kW | Average Central Ohio homes | Most major appliances—the entire kitchen, most electronic devices, and heating & A/C |
| 26 kW | Whole-home coverage | Your entire home, including heating & A/C, sump pump, and major appliances |
| 48 kW | Large homes & heavy loads | Everything in your home with 200-amp service |
These tiers are a guide, not a quote. The right size depends on a proper load calculation—not a rule of thumb. Our team reviews your panel, your appliances, and how you actually use power to recommend a unit that fits your home and your budget. For a deeper walkthrough, see our generator sizing guide, or request a free in-home assessment and we’ll size it against your actual electrical load.
Not sure what size you need?
Every home draws power differently. We’ll walk your property, review your panel, and recommend the right Kohler, Cummins, or Briggs & Stratton unit—no guesswork, no obligation.
Cummins vs. Kohler: Comparing Two Trusted Brands
As a Factory-Authorized dealer for Cummins, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton, we install and service all three. Cummins and Kohler are two of the most popular choices for whole-home standby power, and both are excellent. Here’s how they compare:
Cummins
- QuietConnect residential lineup ranges from roughly 13 kW to 24 kW
- Known for quiet operation and a clean, compact enclosure
- Remote monitoring so you can check your generator’s status from your phone
- Strong reputation for engine durability and long service life
Kohler
- Residential lineup ranges from about 10 kW to 26 kW
- OnCue Plus remote monitoring for real-time status and alerts
- Corrosion-resistant enclosures built to handle Central Ohio winters
- Well regarded for build quality and a long history in standby power
Both brands offer reliable whole-home coverage, automatic transfer switches, and remote monitoring. The best choice often comes down to availability, sizing for your specific load, and your budget. We’ll walk you through the trade-offs and help you pick the right unit. If you’re still weighing a generator against a battery system, our backup power options guide compares every approach side by side.
The Installation Process: What to Expect
A professional standby generator installation is a multi-step project. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
- In-home assessment and load calculation. We evaluate your electrical panel, your fuel source, and your power needs to recommend the right generator and placement.
- Proposal and permitting. We provide a clear quote and handle the permits required by your municipality—a step most Central Ohio communities require.
- Site preparation. A concrete pad or composite base is set, and the gas line and electrical conduit are routed to the generator location.
- Generator and transfer switch installation. The unit is set in place, the automatic transfer switch is installed at your panel, and all connections are made.
- Fuel connection and inspection. The natural gas or propane line is connected, and the installation is inspected as required by local code.
- Startup, testing, and walkthrough. We commission the unit, run a test under load, and show you how everything works before we leave.
The on-site work usually takes one to two days. The full timeline—from order to startup—typically runs four to eight weeks, mostly because of equipment lead times. Ordering ahead of storm season is always the smart move.
Why Professional Installation Matters
A standby generator ties directly into your home’s electrical system and fuel supply. Improper installation can create fire hazards, carbon monoxide risks, code violations, and voided warranties. A licensed installation also protects line workers by ensuring the transfer switch isolates your home from the grid when the generator is running. This is not a DIY project—it requires a licensed electrician, proper permits, and manufacturer-authorized expertise.
Ready to Talk About Backup Power for Your Home?
Banner Generators of Central Ohio installs and services Cummins, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton standby generators throughout Licking County—Newark, Heath, Pataskala, Granville, Hebron, Buckeye Lake, Johnstown, Utica, Hanover, and the surrounding communities. Backed by 60+ years of Banner Electric, we bring the experience to size, install, and stand behind your system. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and we’ll help you find the right generator for your home, your budget, and your electrical needs.
