Generator Selection and Sizing for Outage-Ready Homes  

Photo courtesy of Propane Education & Research Council

Homes that integrate propane appliances for heating, cooking, and outdoor living require smaller standby generators while maintaining reliable performance during grid outages.

Due to increasing grid instability, architects, builders, and homeowners recognize the importance of whole-home standby power. But the size and cost of a generator depend on the home’s electrical load. By choosing propane appliances, such as water heaters and furnaces, over electric models, homeowners can reduce their electricity load, enable a smaller, more affordable generator, and save thousands in long-term costs. Propane generators can be used for both primary and backup power and can also be paired with dual-fuel systems, including those that utilize renewable energy sources such as solar. This course equips building professionals to design and build homes that are supported by a whole-home generator. Topics covered include what a whole-home generator is, how it works, its benefits, cost factors, and appliance choices.

When the Lights Go Out: Power Outages and the Role of Resilient Design

It’s a sweltering July evening in Houston. A storm barrels in—lightning splits the sky, wind rattles windows, and rain hammers down. Then, suddenly, darkness. Homes go silent, medical devices beep, freezers thaw, and calls go unanswered. Hurricane Beryl in mid-2024 left 2.7 million households and businesses without power—a stark warning that grid disruptions are no longer rare. In addition to weather-related events, rising electricity demand from AI, data centers, and residential electrification, these blackouts are poised to become increasingly frequent. For architects and builders, designing energy-resilient homes is imperative for ensuring safety and long-term value.

The Instability of Today’s Grid

The U.S. electrical grid is under unprecedented strain. In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released its Report on Evaluating U.S. Grid Reliability and Security, warning that without significant change, the nation could experience 100 times more blackouts by 2030 than it does today.

The scale of recent blackouts underscores the urgency of the situation. In May 2024, a powerful derecho struck the Houston region, disrupting power for more than 900,000 customers. Outage recovery spanned several days as crews worked to repair damaged lines and restore service across affected neighborhoods. At its peak in August 2023, Hurricane Idalia left nearly 288,000 customers without power in Florida, and auxiliary estimates suggest outages in Georgia may have exceeded 160,000. Restoration efforts continued days afterward, as crews worked through storm damage. These events reveal that extended blackouts are not anomalies—they are becoming part of the new energy landscape, threatening safety, property, and resilience.

The Financial and Societal Impacts of Outages

Power interruptions ripple far beyond the household level, imposing heavy costs across the economy. The DOE estimates that outages cost Americans at least $150 billion annually, accounting for lost productivity, damaged inventory, stalled supply chains, and idle manufacturing.

DOE modeling paints a stark picture: by 2030, about 104 gigawatts of dependable, always-available power plants are expected to retire, with far fewer new ones coming online to replace them. If that gap isn’t filled, outage time could skyrocket—from just a few hours per year today to more than 800 hours annually in some areas. Even in less extreme cases, regions such as the Mid-Atlantic and Great Plains could experience 400 hours or more of lost power in a single year.

These figures translate into massive economic disruption. When clouds darken solar output or storms interrupt wind generation, gaps in supply translate to halted operations in factories, data centers, and logistics hubs. Financial services, manufacturing, and cloud infrastructure are particularly vulnerable: a single hour of downtime in a large facility can cost millions.

Implications for Design

For architects and builders, the challenge of outages also presents an opportunity for resilient solutions. Homeowners increasingly expect energy security as part of modern residential design, and architects are often the first professionals they consult about backup power strategies. Decisions about appliances and energy sources directly shape how well a home performs when the grid goes down.

Just as seismic safety is standard in California and hurricane readiness is standard in Florida, outage preparedness is fast becoming a national expectation. Whole-home backup power systems, particularly those powered by propane and renewable propane, offer a reliable and scalable path forward. These solutions not only keep families safe and comfortable during power outages but also enhance long-term property value by embedding resilience into the home itself.

How Whole-Home Generators Function and Support Residential Resilience

Photo courtesy of Propane Education & Research Council

Integrated standby systems activate within seconds of a power loss, ensuring the continuous operation of critical home systems.

Whole-home generators offer a reliable solution for power outages, ensuring that electricity is restored automatically in the event of a grid failure. Understanding how these systems operate is crucial for architects and designers seeking to design resilient homes that are prepared for prolonged power outages.

Standby Vs. Prime Generators

Whole-home generators generally fall into two categories: standby or prime systems, each serving a distinct purpose.

Standby generators are the most common in residential applications. They remain on standby, connected to the home’s electrical system, ready to operate automatically in the event of a power interruption from the utility. These systems do not operate continuously, but they provide enough power to supply the home’s full electrical load during typical outages.

Prime generators are engineered for continuous or extended operation, providing primary power in areas where utility service is unreliable or unavailable.

Choosing between standby and prime systems depends on the expected outage duration, load requirements, and the type of available fuel. Propane-powered generators, in particular, offer advantages for both standby and prime applications. They can operate reliably for long periods without the issues associated with gasoline or diesel storage. Additionally, propane appliances reduce the overall electrical load, enabling a smaller and more efficient generator.

Key Components of a Whole-Home Generator System

A typical whole-home generator system consists of three core components:

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): The ATS is the brain of the system. It continuously monitors utility voltage and detects when an outage occurs. Once a drop or interruption in power is detected, the ATS signals the generator to start, typically within seconds. After confirming the generator is running and stable, the ATS transfers power from the grid to the home’s electrical circuits. When utility power resumes, the ATS automatically switches the circuits back and shuts down the generator.

The Generator: The generator itself converts fuel into electrical energy. Propane-fueled generators are particularly well-suited for residential applications because they burn cleanly, store easily, and maintain reliable performance over long periods. The generator’s size depends on the electrical load it must supply, including lighting, HVAC, appliances, and critical systems. Homes equipped with propane water heaters, furnaces, and other appliances can reduce the load on the generator, allowing for a smaller system that still meets the household’s backup needs.

Fuel Supply: The generator requires a reliable fuel source. Propane tanks can be sized for multiple days of operation and can be refilled quickly, providing long-term energy security. Unlike gasoline or diesel, propane does not degrade over time, making it an ideal choice for emergency use and ensuring the generator will function when needed most.

Detecting Outages and Supplying Circuits

Once a power interruption occurs, the generator system detects the outage via the ATS. Within seconds, the generator starts, ramps up to full output, and delivers electricity to preselected circuits or the entire home. The transition is seamless for most modern residential systems, minimizing disruption to occupants. Architects and designers should note that generator placement, ventilation, and connection to critical circuits are integral to both system performance and safety.

Generator Costs and Sizing

Designing a home with backup power begins with understanding how electrical load drives generator size and cost. In an all-electric home, every appliance, lighting system, HVAC unit, and critical device adds to the total electricity demand a generator must supply during an outage. The larger the demand, the larger the generator is required, and the more fuel it needs, whether propane, gasoline, or diesel. Fuel use has a direct impact on both operational costs and environmental impacts, making load-driven sizing a critical consideration for resilient residential design.

Sizing a generator requires evaluating both continuous loads, such as refrigeration and lighting, and surge loads, such as air conditioners or pumps, which demand significantly more power at start-up. For example, a fully electric 2,500-square-foot home might require a generator rated at 20 kilowatts or higher to accommodate simultaneous peak loads, including HVAC, lighting, appliances, and electronics.

Operational costs rise with generator size, not just because of the equipment itself, but due to the fuel needed to maintain output. Propane offers advantages over gasoline or diesel in this regard: it burns cleanly, stores indefinitely, and supports long-duration operation with minimal maintenance.

Reducing Electrical Load with Propane Appliances

Photo courtesy of Propane Education & Research Council

Propane provides a dependable, controllable energy source for modern culinary spaces.

Once the importance of generator sizing is established, the next step is to strategically reduce electrical load by selecting the most suitable appliances. Home systems such as space heating, water heating, cooking, and laundry represent the most significant portion of household electrical demand. By selecting propane appliances for electric versions, architects and designers can significantly reduce the generator capacity required.

For example, consider two scenarios for a typical four-bedroom, three-bathroom, 3,200-square-foot home (see below).

Image courtesy of Propane Education & Research Council

Comparison of standby power needs for a mixed-fuel home versus an all-electric home.

In the first scenario, the propane/electric home has a lower electric load because the water heater, furnace, cooking appliances, and clothes dryer run on propane, which also results in better performance and efficiency. Therefore, a 16-kilowatt standby generator handily powers the home’s smaller electrical load during outages.

In the second scenario, none of the appliances run on propane, and all run on electricity. That means when a grid failure occurs, the home’s outsized electric load requires a 22-kilowatt generator to run the water heater, furnace, cooking appliances, clothes dryer, sump pump, air conditioner, refrigerator, and microwave oven.

Therefore, adopting propane appliances can reduce total electric demand by 25 to 40 percent, allowing the home to use a smaller generator than would be required in a fully electric home. A smaller generator is not only less expensive to purchase and install, but it also requires less fuel, runs quieter, and occupies less space during installation. Homes with reduced electrical demand are also easier to integrate with dual-fuel or renewable energy systems, such as solar, further supporting energy independence.

For architects and designers, these choices are both practical and strategic. By prioritizing load reduction through propane appliances, they can specify smaller generators with lower long-term operating costs and improved overall resilience. Side-by-side comparisons of all-electric versus electric/propane homes clearly demonstrate the impact of these design decisions on generator sizing, cost, and reliability, making it easier to communicate the value of energy-smart appliances to homeowners.

Integrating Generators with Renewable Energy to Increase Resilience

As extremes of weather and grid instability become more common, designing a home’s backup system purely around a standby generator could be considered conservative. A more robust approach integrates a generator with other types of energy generation, forming a small microgrid or hybrid system. In such designs, the generator serves as a backup or supplement, rather than the sole source of power. This hybrid approach further reduces the size, cost, and energy use of the generator, while improving a home’s ability to maintain power even when the grid fails.

Microgrid Functionality in a Residential Setting

A residential microgrid is a localized energy system designed to operate in two modes: grid-connected or islanded (temporarily independent from the utility during an outage). Typical components include solar PV, battery storage, a backup generator (propane, diesel, or natural gas), control systems, and an automatic transfer switch certified to prevent back-feeding.

In normal grid-connected mode, the system draws power from the utility, utilizes on-site solar generation, and charges its batteries. Under standard interconnection rules, conventional grid-tied PV systems must shut down automatically during an outage (anti-islanding protection) to prevent backfeeding and endangering utility crews working to restore service.

By contrast, a residential microgrid employs intentional islanding, where certified control equipment and transfer switches automatically isolate the home from the utility and reestablish a stable, local power supply. Within this island, the controller manages voltage and frequency, roles usually handled by the grid, so that solar PV and batteries can continue operating safely. Loads are supplied first from renewables and storage, and if demand exceeds their capacity, the generator starts to cover the shortfall.

This design enhances resilience because the generator runs only when needed, typically at lower, more efficient loads, reducing fuel consumption, wear, and overall capacity requirements. Compliance with regulations is not just a technical requirement: it is essential to protect line workers from accidental back-feed and to maintain public safety. All transitions must be managed with UL-listed equipment, including UL 1741-certified inverters and appropriately listed transfer switches, and must comply with utility interconnection standards to ensure safe operation, prevent backfeeding, and protect utility personnel.

Architect’s Note: When specifying backup power or microgrid systems, architects need to confirm that all components meet applicable interconnection and safety standards. Doing so not only supports resilience goals but also safeguards utility personnel and the broader community.

Growth of Microgrids

According to the IMARC Group, a global management consulting firm, the microgrid market in the United States was valued at $7.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $24.4 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.3 percent from 2025 to 2033.

Globally, the microgrid market is expanding at double-digit growth rates. Precedence Research estimates the global microgrid market size at $43.19 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $236.18 billion by 2034, indicating a CAGR of 18.52 percent from 2025 to 2034.

This growth reflects the rising demand for energy resilience and distributed generation.

How Hybrid Energies Reduce Generator Size

Pairing solar panels, battery storage, and a backup generator creates a system where the generator does less work, allowing it to be smaller, more efficient, and less costly. The more demand that solar and batteries can meet during outages, peak demand, or critical hours, the less the generator has to supply.

Consider a home with peak backup loads of 15 kilowatts. If solar and batteries can provide 8 to 10 kilowatts during key hours, the generator only needs to cover the remaining 5 to 7 kilowatts. That represents a 40- to 60-percent reduction in generator capacity. In practice, many hybrid systems are sized so the generator handles only worst-case scenarios, such as extended cloudy weather or unusually high consumption, rather than the entire peak load.

This strategy delivers multiple advantages. Smaller generators require less fuel, are less expensive to operate, and require less maintenance. By allowing solar and storage to carry most of the routine backup load, homeowners also reduce their overall energy costs while maintaining dependable power.

Finally, hybrid systems are inherently flexible. If solar production drops or the batteries discharge, the generator can start automatically and supply whatever is needed to keep critical loads, such as refrigeration, heating, or medical equipment, operating without interruption.

Practical Approaches to Integration

Integrating a generator with renewables and storage in a residential microgrid requires attention to several practical design issues.

The generator must be rated high enough to handle residual loads and occasional surges when batteries are depleted. However, it does not need to handle full peak loads at all times; therefore, load forecasting and modeling under worst-case scenarios are critical.

A smart control system, such as an energy management system (EMS), must manage when to draw power from the solar source, when to discharge the battery, and when to start the generator. It must strike a balance between efficiency, longevity, and performance. The system should also manage transitions in and out of islanding mode smoothly to avoid power interruptions.

Enough battery capacity is needed to buffer short-term variability and maintain supply during cloudy periods or after sunset. Several factors influence performance, including depth of discharge (the amount of battery capacity that can be utilized without damage), round-trip efficiency (the percentage of stored energy that can be effectively recovered), lifetime, and cost. For example, a battery with 90 percent round-trip efficiency will return 9 kWh of usable electricity for every 10 kWh stored. Taken together, these metrics guide system sizing. The goal is to design the battery so that it covers most day-to-day needs, with the generator reserved for extended outages or unusual demand.

For solar PV, roof orientation, shading, and panel capacity are key factors to consider. The size of the PV system should match the expected generation over critical hours. In many climates, PV plus battery can cover much of the daytime load, leaving the generator as backup only in the evening or deep outage periods.

Even in hybrid systems, the generator is a crucial fallback. Propane, with its shelf stability and clean-burning properties, remains ideal for long-duration outages.

Hybrid systems have higher up-front costs (PV + battery + controls) but lower operating costs and fuel requirements. Over time, the reduced generator size, fuel savings, and resilience benefits often justify the investment, especially in regions prone to outages.

Design and Specification Considerations for Propane Generators in Homes

When implementing whole-home generator systems powered by propane, several design and specification issues must be addressed carefully. These involve siting, ventilation, code compliance, electrical integration, fuel storage and line sizing, access and noise, and maintenance. Thoughtfully addressing these considerations ensures optimal performance, safety, longevity, and compliance, while reinforcing the benefits of resilience.

Siting and Clearance Requirements

Generators must be located outdoors (or in a ventilated enclosure) with adequate clearance from building openings, combustible materials, and property lines. While specific clearance distances vary by jurisdiction and manufacturer, a common industry practice is to maintain at least 5 feet of clearance from windows, doors, vents, or wall openings to prevent exhaust or gas ingress. The Ultimate Guide to Power Generation, produced by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), states that standby propane generators start automatically and require permanent installation with proper clearances.

To ensure stability and vibration control, the generator typically rests on a level concrete or steel pad, sized slightly larger than the unit, and able to support its weight plus the weight of the fuel.

Ventilation and Exhaust Handling

Generators produce exhaust gases and heat, so proper ventilation is essential. The exhaust manifold and pipe must be sized according to the manufacturer’s guidance and routed to avoid recirculation into the house. Intake air for combustion should be drawn from clean outdoor air, and not from enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Any enclosure or housing around a generator must permit unrestricted airflow for cooling and combustion and must incorporate louvered or screened vents sized according to the generator manufacturer’s airflow requirements.

Code Compliance and Permitting

Propane generator installations must comply with codes and standards, including NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and NFPA 37 (Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines), as well as local building and fire codes. The Propane Technical Pocket Guide (a PERC resource) provides installation guidance in alignment with NFPA 54 and 58, emphasizing that propane system installations must always follow applicable codes and be executed by qualified professionals.

Plan review by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is often required. Clear documentation of generator clearances, exhaust routing, fuel piping, bonding, grounding, and ventilation is necessary for permit approval.

Fuel Storage and Line Sizing for Propane

The propane fuel tank should be sized to meet the generator’s runtime requirements while maintaining a reserve to ensure safe and continuous operation. This reserve accounts for delivery schedules, unexpected load increases, and operational contingencies, helping maintain proper vapor pressure and consistent fuel flow during extended outages.

Tanks may be above-ground or buried, as permitted by code and site constraints. Above-ground tanks should be anchored and protected from impact (from vehicles and landscaping) and located to ensure safe access for propane deliveries. Propane piping from the tank to the generator must maintain a proper slope and ensure adequate propane flow to prevent clogs.

Fuel Line Sizing: Propane (LP gas) line sizing must ensure adequate supply pressure and minimize pressure drop across the line. Piping must be sized according to total BTU demand, line length, number of fittings, and acceptable pressure drop (often specified in inches of water column). PERC’s Propane Technical Pocket Guide offers pipe and tubing sizing tables and guidance for system design.

Line sizing charts indicate maximum run lengths for specific kilowatt loads and pipe diameters when using propane. For instance, a 20-kilowatt generator may only allow a limited run length with a 1-inch line before the pressure drop becomes excessive.

Additionally, fuel line design must account for the minimum supply pressure at the generator (as specified by the manufacturer), altitude derating, and the number of elbows/fittings (each adds an equivalent length). Local fuel gas codes and the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) or relevant state plumbing/fuel gas codes guide the allowable pressure drop and sizing method (e.g., longest-length method). CodeNotes on IFGC sections summarize these principles.

Maintenance Access, Noise Mitigation, and Considerations for Longevity

Generator installations must allow for regular maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, inspections, and scheduled services. That means providing enough clearance on at least one side for open access to components, hood removal, service panels, and ventilation. The pad and site design should also facilitate safe access to fueling and the movement of service personnel. The design should also anticipate access for lifting or removal, e.g., by crane or forklift, if the generator needs to be replaced.

Noise and Vibration Mitigation: Propane-powered generators are generally quieter than their diesel counterparts, with some models producing as little as 63 decibels, comparable to the noise level of a household vacuum cleaner. To further reduce noise, mitigation strategies include:

• Acoustic enclosures or sound-attenuation housings: These structures can significantly reduce noise emissions from the generator.
• Sound-absorbing barriers or walls: Installing barriers made of sound-absorbing materials can help minimize noise transmission.
• Anti-vibration mounts: These mounts can isolate the generator from its base, reducing vibration-related noise.
• Buffer landscaping: Strategically planting vegetation or constructing berms around the generator can act as natural sound barriers.

Additionally, generators are often rated under “sound level at 7 meters” in decibels (dB(A)). Designers should consult the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compliance with local noise ordinances.

Longevity and Durability: A well-designed installation fosters generator longevity. That includes ensuring good airflow for cooling, keeping the exhaust clear, protecting from corrosion (especially in coastal or salt environments), and installing shelters or covers where rainfall, wind-blown debris, or snow are factors. Regular exercising (test runs) is essential for lubrication and system readiness.

By carefully addressing these design and specification domains, architects, engineers, and builders can ensure that the generator system operates reliably, safely, and quietly, while maximizing its resilience.

Fuel Options—Strengths and Weaknesses

Photo courtesy of Propane Education & Research Council

Proper planning for propane storage and delivery supports efficient operation of residential standby generators.

When storms approach or cold snaps are forecast, scenes of people waiting in line at gas stations with portable fuel cans are common. Those iconic images highlight one of the most significant distinctions among generator fuel options: their availability in a crisis. For homeowners and designers selecting backup power, the choice of fuel has substantial implications for reliability, maintenance, and long-term resilience.

Propane

Strengths:

• Propane does not degrade over time, offering an indefinite shelf life. Unlike gasoline or diesel, it will be ready to use after months or years in storage.
• It produces fewer particulates and greenhouse gases than gasoline or diesel, supporting healthier air and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Propane is stored onsite in tanks sized to a home’s needs. Deliveries can be scheduled before storm season, eliminating the rush to gas stations. As one builder put it, propane delivery is like a pizza delivery, arriving at the door and ready when needed.
• Propane is an abundant byproduct of fossil fuel production and offers a lower carbon footprint than many other fossil fuels, making it a cleaner choice for backup power generation.
• Sustainable propane options, including renewable propane, are becoming increasingly available, allowing homeowners to further reduce their carbon footprint.

Weaknesses:

• Requires onsite tank installation and space planning.
• Delivery must be scheduled with a supplier, although this is typically a routine process.

Result: Propane combines reliability, resilience, and clean performance, making it the preferred fuel for residential standby power.

Gasoline

Photo courtesy of Propane Education & Research Council

Propane offers a dependable on-site energy source, easily replenished through routine delivery.

Strengths:

• Easy to obtain in normal times.
• Works well for small, portable generators.

Weaknesses:

• Supply is vulnerable during disasters; stations may close or run dry at precisely the time demand peaks.
• Gasoline degrades quickly, within three to six months, making long-term storage difficult.
• Highly flammable, with a higher risk of fire during storage and handling.
• Requires frequent refueling, which can be impractical during extended outages.
• Storage is often limited by local fire codes, which restrict the amount homeowners can safely store on site.

Result: Gasoline is convenient for portable, short-term use but poorly suited for whole-home standby systems.

Diesel

Strengths:

• High energy density makes it effective for large loads.

Weaknesses:

• Fuel stability is limited. Diesel oxidizes and forms sludge over time, often necessitating the use of stabilizers or regular rotation.
• Cold-weather performance is a concern, as the material gels at low temperatures unless additives are used.
• Higher particulate emissions than propane or natural gas, with more stringent maintenance demands.
• Bulk storage requires larger tanks, secondary containment, and spill-prevention measures, which increase cost and complexity.
• Noise and odor levels are higher than those of other fuels, making diesel generators less desirable in residential settings.

Result: Diesel is durable for heavy industrial applications but less attractive for residential standby use.

Natural Gas

Strengths:

• Continuous fuel supply through utility pipelines; no onsite storage required.
• Lower carbon intensity compared to diesel or gasoline.

Weaknesses:

• Reliability depends entirely on the gas utility; during hurricanes, earthquakes, or pipeline service interruptions, supply may be curtailed or shut down.
• Not available in many rural areas where resilience is most critical.
• Pipelines are aging in many regions, and leaks or explosions pose safety risks as well as service disruptions.
• After disasters, utilities often prioritize repairing the electric grid before restoring natural gas service, which can leave homes without fuel for days or weeks.

Result: Natural gas works well where utility infrastructure is dependable, but it does not guarantee independence from external sources.

Choosing Fuel with Resilience in Mind

Photo: hsun337/iStock via Getty Images

Residents wait in line to buy gasoline for generators before a hurricane. Propane eliminates the uncertainty of last-minute fuel runs by storing energy on site, ready when the grid fails.

For architects, builders, and homeowners, the choice of generator fuel is not only about operating costs—it is about resilience. Gasoline and diesel may seem accessible until disaster strikes. Natural gas can provide convenience, but it ties homeowners to the reliability of their utility. Propane, by contrast, offers independence, stability, and operational readiness. With an appropriately sized tank and generator, a home can ride through extended outages without depending on crowded gas stations or vulnerable pipelines.

Across the United States, the challenge of power reliability is no longer a distant concern. It is a daily reality for many households. Outages are becoming more frequent, longer in duration, and more costly in both human and economic terms. For architects and builders, this reality necessitates a new approach to residential design: one that prioritizes resilience alongside efficiency, aesthetics, and comfort.

Throughout this course, the principles of generator sizing, propane load reduction, and hybrid system integration have been explored as practical strategies to achieve that resilience. The key insight is simple but powerful: the more electrical demand a home places on a generator, the larger and more expensive that generator must be. By selecting appliances that reduce electrical load through thoughtful choices—such as opting for propane for water heating, space heating, cooking, and laundry—designers can significantly reduce the required generator size. This strategy not only lowers upfront equipment costs but also reduces fuel consumption, maintenance needs, and long-term operating expenses.

Whole-home generators are not just mechanical systems; they are lifelines that keep homes habitable during extreme weather, grid failures, or extended outages. With core components such as automatic transfer switches, fuel storage, and properly designed circuits, they ensure seamless and safe power continuity. Integrating these systems with renewable energy, such as solar and battery storage, further enhances their value, creating hybrid microgrids that reduce generator runtime while ensuring uninterrupted service.

The role of architects and builders in this process is pivotal. As trusted advisors, they guide homeowners toward understanding energy resilience. By explaining the realities of grid instability, the functionality of whole-home generators, the impact of load on sizing and cost, the unique benefits of propane, and the possibilities of hybrid integration, design professionals empower clients to make informed choices that safeguard both people and property.

Resilient, reliable homes are no longer optional; they are a design imperative. By understanding how to size generators effectively, reduce electrical demand with propane appliances, and integrate renewable energy, architects and builders can create homes that are efficient, adaptable, and ready to thrive in an evolving energy landscape.

Kathy Price-Robinson is a nationally known remodeling and construction writer. Her award-winning remodeling series titled Pardon Our Dust ran for 12 years in the Los Angeles Times. www.kathyprice.com.