Top Whole-Home Generac Generators for California Homes: Best Picks & Buying Guide

When the power goes out in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Los Angeles, a whole-home generator isn’t just a luxury—it’s peace of mind. At Generator Supercenter of Greater Orange County, we’ve hand-selected the very best Generac generators to meet the most common needs in our region. Below is our roundup of the top Generac models, who they are best for, and how to pick the right one for your home.

🔍 What Makes a Generator “Best”

Before diving into models, here are what we consider in choosing top picks:

• Power output (kW) that matches your home size, number of appliances, and peak loads
• Reliable engine & controller — Generac’s G-Force engine, Evolution controller, etc.
• Ease of installation & placement (size, offset clearance, proximity to structures)
• Warranty, service, and maintenance support
• Features like automatic transfer switches, remote monitoring, TruePower voltage regulation

We carry models from 18 kW all the way up to 80 kW so that we can match small, medium, and large homes, as well as homes with heavy power demands such as EV charging, large HVAC, or workshops.

⭐ Our Top 5 Best Generac Generators

Here are five of our best Generac whole-home generators, who they’re best for, and why they stand out.

Model	Best for	Highlights
Generac Guardian 18 kW	Medium-sized homes (2-3 bedrooms), essential circuits, modest HVAC load	Balanced power for core systems, compact size; more affordable entry into whole-home backup.
Generac Guardian 22 kW	Homes with larger AC units, multiple fridges, or some secondary electronics	Offers a step up in capacity; retains Generac reliability. Great upgrade for mid-sized homes.
Generac Guardian 27-32 kW	Larger homes, homes with strong HVAC systems, or where many appliances run at once	Larger footprint, but supports heavy loads; good fit for homes wanting full comfort when the grid is down.
Generac 40-48 kW	Big homes, homes with workshops or outbuildings, or homes with higher-than-average demand	Very high capacity; can run nearly every circuit; supports home plus extra loads.
Generac 60-80 kW	High-demand households: large homes, dual HVAC systems, EV charging, high usage, backup for business on premises	Ultimate capacity; when you need virtually no restrictions during outages.

✅ Best Generac Model by Need

Here are some common homeowner scenarios and our recommendation for each:

Scenario	Recommended Model & Why
Small/medium home, modest power needs	18-22 kW – meets the needs of most households that want lights, fridge, security, HVAC without overspending.
Larger house, strong AC, several major circuits	27-32 kW – more cushion, handles loads like central AC + kitchen + electronics.
Bonus rooms, workshop, high-amp tools, EV charging	40-48 kW – gives flexibility, less risk of generator overload.
Large property, frequent large-load usage	60-80 kW – when you want everything powered without compromise.

🛠 Key Features To Look For

• TruePower™ Technology: Keeps voltage clean so sensitive electronics and motors run safely.
• Generac’s G-Force Engine: Built for durability and reliable performance.
• Evolution™ Controller: User-friendly control and monitoring.
• Solid State, Frequency Compensated Voltage Regulation: Stability under load.
• Offset options: Some models have 18” offset designs so they can be placed closer to structures if space is tight.

💡 How to Choose the Right Size

Getting the right size generator is critical. Too small = overworked generator, frequent failures. Too large = higher cost, wasted capacity. We look at:

1. Your essential loads: what must stay on (fridge, HVAC, medical equipment, communications, etc.).
2. Peak loads: times when many systems run together (hot afternoons, evenings, etc.).
3. Future expansion: adding more appliances, EV charging, or other high-demand systems.
4. Physical constraints: space, distance to electrical panel, and local noise ordinances.

Our team helps you through all of this—from estimating load to recommending the right generator for your specific needs.

🔧 Installation, Service & Value

Buying the generator is just the first step. What matters is the full package:

• Turnkey installation included with each model we sell
• Certified electricians & plumbers handle the job—so it’s safe, up to code, and reliable
• Permits are handled when required so you don’t have to chase paperwork
• Maintenance & after-sales service support for peace of mind
• Financing options available, making whole-home backup more affordable

📝 Real-World Examples

• Say you have a 3,000 sq ft home with two AC units, a full kitchen, and multiple electronics. A 27-32 kW model will allow everything to run comfortably.
• If you run a workshop in your garage or have backup needs for both house and small business, you’ll likely be looking at 40-48 kW or higher.
• For those who travel or are away often, higher capacity plus remote monitoring gives you assurance even from afar.

🔚 Final Thoughts: Best Overall Picks

• Best Budget Whole-Home Backup: Generac Guardian 18 kW — solid performance without overkill.
• Best All-Rounder: Generac Guardian 27-32 kW — ideal for many Orange County and Inland Empire homes.
• Best Powerhouse: 60-80 kW Generac — for homes that need everything powered without compromise.

📞 How to Get Started

If you’re considering a whole-home generator, the best thing you can do first is connect with us. Here’s how Generator Supercenter of Greater Orange County can help:

• Free estimate and consultation to review your power needs
• Walk-through of models that match your home
• Planning installation, permitting, and ongoing maintenance so there are no surprises

Investing in a quality, correctly sized Generac generator is one of the best decisions you can make for home security, comfort, and independence when the grid fails. At Generator Supercenter of Greater Orange County, we take the stress out of this choice so you can enjoy reliable power when it matters.