Why Every Texas Home Should Consider a Backup Generator

Pros & Cons, Portable vs. Standby, and Recommended Brands

Unpredictable weather is a relatively new fact of life in Texas—from sudden summer storms to winter freezes that strain the power grid. A backup generator can keep your home running smoothly no matter what comes your way. In this month’s blog, we break down the pros and cons of owning your own backup generator, compare portable vs. standby options, and share trusted generator brands that are worth considering for your home.

Texas weather has proven time and again that it doesn’t like to play by the rules. From sudden thunderstorms and tornado warnings in spring to record-breaking freezes in winter, homeowners know that the power grid can’t always keep up. When outages strike, a backup generator can be the difference between comfort and chaos.

So, is a generator worth it for your home? Let’s break it down.

Some pros of owning a backup generator

Reliable Power During Outages: A generator keeps essentials running—heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, lighting, and even medical equipment. When the storms come in, and they will, your home will be covered.

Peace of Mind: Instead of scrambling for candles or worrying about spoiled groceries, you can rest easy knowing your home won’t skip a beat. 

Protects Your Investment: Keeping HVAC systems, sump pumps, and security systems powered reduces the risk of damage and expensive repairs. Just think of how much money a generator will save you!

Added Resale Value: Homes equipped with standby generators often have higher resale appeal.

Convenience & Comfort: Especially during freezing conditions, a generator ensures your home stays livable and comfortable. 

Cons to consider

Upfront Cost: Standby generators can run from $3,000 to $10,000+, including the costs of installation. Portable options are more affordable, but still an investment.

Maintenance Required: Like any piece of machinery, generators need regular checks, fuel, and servicing to stay reliable.

Noise Levels: Depending on the type and brand, some generators can be loud, though many newer models are designed to be quieter.

Fuel Storage: Portable models require fuel on hand, which can be tricky during extended outages because you run the risk of running out of fuel. 

Portable vs. Standby: Which is right for you?

Different homes have different needs; luckily, you have two options to choose from when selecting your backup generator. 

Portable Generators
- Best for short-term emergencies.
- Lower upfront cost ($500–$2,000).
- Need to be manually connected and fueled.

Standby Generators
- Permanently installed outside your home.
- Automatically turn on when the power goes out.
- Can power your entire home, but cost more upfront.

Reputable brands to consider for Texas homes

Picking out the right generator for your home can be overwhelming, with so many brands to pick from. We've compiled a list of reputable names in the generator industry that you can consider when shopping for your own.

Generac: One of the most trusted names in standby generators, known for reliability and strong service support. The price of Generac's standby generators ranges from $3,500 to $10,000 (give or take about $2,000 for installation), and their portable generators run from $600 to $2,000. 

Kohler: Offers durable standby units with long warranties and quiet operation. These standby generators can cost anywhere $4,000 to $12,000, not including installation. This brand is generally on the pricier side, but their reliability make them worth the cash.

Briggs & Stratton: Affordable, dependable options in both portable and standby models. The standby generators typically go for $3,000 to $8,000 (installation adds an extra $1,500 to $4,000). Their portable generators range from $500 to $2,000, making this brand a great balance between dependability and affordability. 

Honda (Portable models only): Lightweight, fuel-efficient, and exceptionally reliable for smaller-scale backup. Honda generators cost between $1,000 to $3,000. Although they are on the pricier side relative to other portable generators, their efficiency and reliability make them well worth it for folks who need to power smaller spaces/machines. 

Our take

For Texas homeowners, especially after recent power grid struggles and disruptive weather, a backup generator is less of a luxury and more of a practical investment. While the upfront cost can be significant, the peace of mind, safety, and comfort it provides often, in our opinion, outweigh the drawbacks. Speaking of costs, many of these brands provide low interest financing to assist with the purchase and many offer 0% financing for up to a year.

We had our generator installed last spring, and while we have not needed to use it, it is nice to hear it come on for a few minutes every month for self maintenance. One last thing to note, if you don't know your neighbors now, you will once they see you are the only house on the street with the lights on :-)