Whole-Home Generator Installation in Houston | Power Your Entire Estate

Licensed Master Plumbers (MPL-38162). Don't choose between the A/C and the oven. We design high-capacity systems that power everything automatically.

24/7 Emergency ServiceHonest Pricing

Get a Whole-Home Quote – Call (281) 427-8325

Introduction

Standard backup generators force you to compromise. You can run the fridge and the lights, but if you turn on the central A/C, the system trips. In the humid heat of a Houston summer, that isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous for your family’s health and your home’s integrity (mold growth begins within 48 hours without climate control).

At Blackmon Plumbing, we specialize in Whole-Home Power Solutions. We don’t just sell “generators in a box.” We perform comprehensive Electrical & Gas Load Calculations to size a system that handles your home’s peak demand without compromise.

From 24kW Guardian units for larger suburban homes to massive 48kW Liquid-Cooled engines for luxury estates, we ensure you live normally even when the grid is down for weeks. No choosing between comfort and convenience. No rationing power. Just automatic, seamless backup that powers your entire lifestyle.

The Sizing Science: How Much Power Do You Actually Need?

“One Size Fits All” does not apply to generators. If you undersize the unit, it will stall under load and potentially damage itself. If you oversize it, you waste thousands of dollars upfront and burn excess fuel for the unit’s entire lifespan.

Our Load Calculation Process

Step 1: The Audit
We catalogue every major appliance in your home with a focus on high-demand equipment:
- HVAC Systems: Total tonnage across all zones (5-ton upstairs + 4-ton downstairs = 9 tons total)
- Pool Equipment: Pumps, heaters, salt systems, automated cleaners
- Kitchen Appliances: Electric ranges, wall ovens, microwaves (gas ranges use minimal electricity)
- Water Heating: Electric tank heaters or recirculation pumps for tankless systems
- EV Chargers: Level 2 charging stations (40-50 amps)
- Medical Equipment: CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, refrigerated medications
- Well Pumps: For rural properties not on municipal water
Security & Automation: Whole-home automation systems, security cameras, smart home hubs
Step 2: The Surge Math
Motors don’t just “run”—they need massive power to start. An A/C compressor requires 3x its running wattage for the initial 2-3 seconds of startup. This is called “inrush current” or “locked rotor amps.”

Example: A 5-ton A/C unit runs at 6,000 watts but needs 18,000 watts to start. If you have two units starting simultaneously, you need 36,000 watts of surge capacity. A 22kW generator only produces 22,000 watts—it can’t handle the load.
Step 3: The Simultaneity Factor
We also calculate the likelihood of multiple high-demand appliances running simultaneously. In reality, your pool pump, both A/C units, and electric oven rarely all start at the exact same moment. We use engineering standards to determine realistic peak demand rather than the theoretical maximum where everything runs at once.

The Secret to Running Big A/C Units: Soft Start Technology

The hardest part of powering a home isn’t running the A/C—it’s starting it. An A/C compressor creates a massive power spike (inrush current) that can trip a generator instantly.

The Old Way: Oversize the generator just to handle that 1-second spike. You end up buying a 30kW unit when your home actually needs 18kW continuous, wasting thousands upfront and burning excess fuel for the unit’s entire lifespan.

The Blackmon Way: We install Micro-Air EasyStart™ devices on your A/C condensers. This micro-processor controlled soft start kit gradually ramps up compressor speed instead of slamming it to full power.

The Result: This reduces startup amperage by up to 70%. A 5-ton A/C unit that normally demands 18,000 watts to start can be reduced to 5,400 watts. This allows a 24kW generator to easily start two 5-ton A/C units without voltage sag or overload tripping, saving you money on equipment and fuel.

Why This Matters for Houston Homeowners

In Houston’s climate, A/C isn’t optional—it’s life safety equipment. Soft start technology means you can power your entire home’s cooling system with a smaller, more efficient generator. Instead of requiring a 30kW liquid-cooled unit ($22,000+), you might achieve the same comfort with a 24kW air-cooled unit ($14,000), saving $8,000 while still powering everything you need.

Capacity Comparison: What Runs During an Outage?

Homeowners struggle to visualize what “24kW” actually means in practical terms. Here’s what you can realistically run with different generator classes:

Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled: Choosing Your Generator Class

Not all generators are built the same. The decision between air-cooled and liquid-cooled fundamentally changes your system’s performance, longevity, and cost.

1. Air-Cooled Generators (The Guardian Series)

Size Range: 10kW to 26kW

Best For: Standard to large homes (up to 4,000 sq ft) with 1-2 A/C units, standard appliances, and moderate electrical demands

How It Works: Uses high-speed fans to cool the engine (similar to a lawn mower or motorcycle). The engine runs at 3,600 RPM to generate 60Hz electricity.

Pros:

Cost-effective ($10,000-$16,000 installed for most sizes)
Compact footprint (fits in tight side yards)
Simpler maintenance (no coolant changes)
Adequate for most suburban applications

Cons:

Louder operation due to high RPM
Shorter lifespan (~3,000 hours before major service)
Limited to 26kW maximum output
Not designed for continuous 24/7 operation beyond a few days

2. Liquid-Cooled Generators (The Protector Series)

Size Range: 22kW to 150kW+ (residential models typically 22kW-60kW)

Best For: Large luxury estates (4,000+ sq ft), homes with 3+ A/C units, properties with pools, guest houses, home theaters, or EV charging stations

How It Works: Uses a radiator and coolant system (exactly like your car’s engine). The engine runs at a low, quiet 1,800 RPM—half the speed of air-cooled units—yet produces the same electrical frequency through different generator head engineering.

Pros:

Whisper Quiet: 60-65 dB compared to 70-75 dB for air-cooled (sounds like a dishwasher instead of a vacuum cleaner)
The “Library” Quiet Factor: Because these engines run at 1,800 RPM (half the speed of standard generators), they produce a low-frequency hum rather than a high-pitched whine. They are often quieter than the A/C condenser unit they are powering. During dinner parties or while working from home, guests and family members frequently don’t even realize the generator is running.
Extreme Longevity: 10,000+ hours before major rebuild (potentially 20+ years of hurricane seasons)
Continuous Duty Rating: Designed to run 24/7 for weeks without stress
Massive Capacity: Up to 150kW for estate applications
Better Fuel Efficiency: Slower RPM means less fuel consumption per kW produced

Cons:

Higher upfront cost ($18,000-$35,000+ installed depending on size)
Larger physical footprint (4×6 feet typical)
More complex maintenance (coolant system, radiator cleaning)
Requires larger concrete pad and more robust gas infrastructure

Comparison: Guardian (Air-Cooled) vs. Protector (Liquid-Cooled)

Homeowners struggle to visualize what “24kW” actually means in practical terms. Here’s what you can realistically run with different generator classes:

Air-Cooled (Guardian)

Max Residential Size:

26kW

Engine Style:

Lawn Mower Style (Single Cylinder)

Cooling Method:

High-Speed Fans (Louder)

Operating RPM:

3,600 RPM

Noise Level:

70-75 dB

Expected Lifespan:

~3,000 Hours

Continuous Duty:

Up to 5 days comfortably

Best For:

Standard Suburbs

Typical Install Cost:

$10,000 - $16,000

Liquid-Cooled (Protector)

Max Residential Size:

60kW

Engine Style:

Automotive Style (4-Cylinder)

Cooling Method:

Radiator & Coolant (Quieter)

Operating RPM:

1,800 RPM

Noise Level:

60-65 dB

Expected Lifespan:

~10,000+ Hours

Continuous Duty:

Weeks without stress

Best For:

Large Estates / Commercial Properties

Typical Install Cost:

$18,000 - $35,000+

The "Fuel-First" Difference: Feeding High-Capacity Systems

A 48kW Liquid-Cooled generator is a beast. It requires massive fuel volume that most residential gas infrastructure simply cannot deliver.

The Plumber's Critical Role

The Gas Demand Reality: A 24kW generator under full load consumes approximately 250-300 cubic feet per hour (CFH) of natural gas. A 48kW unit doubles that to 500-600 CFH. Most residential gas meters are rated for 250 CFH total—which means your meter can’t even supply the generator, let alone your water heater and furnace.

The Electrician’s Blind Spot: Electricians are excellent at wiring transfer switches and calculating electrical loads. But they don’t calculate BTU loads or coordinate with gas utilities. This is why we’ve been called to fix so many “professionally installed” generators that stall under load—the electrical side is perfect, but the gas infrastructure was never engineered correctly.

The Master Plumber Solution

The Meter Upgrade: We coordinate with CenterPoint Energy to install a commercial-grade Rotary Meter (400-600 CFH capacity) or upgrade you to 2-Pound Elevated Pressure Service which delivers gas at 2 PSI instead of standard 7 inches water column, allowing higher flow rates.

The Piping Design: We run oversized Polyethylene gas lines (1.25″ or 1.5″ diameter for large generators) to ensure the engine never starves, even if you’re running the pool heater, tankless water heaters, and gas fireplace simultaneously during a winter outage.

Pressure Testing Under Load: During commissioning, we don’t just test static pressure—we measure gas pressure at the generator inlet while it’s running at full load. The pressure must remain above 5 inches water column or the unit will stumble and potentially damage itself.

Load Management: Smart Power Distribution

What if you’re “on the bubble” between generator sizes? Maybe a 22kW unit would work if your loads were managed intelligently, but a 24kW unit seems like overkill. This is where Smart Management Modules (SMM) become the cost-effective solution.

The Plumber's Critical Role

How Load Management Works

Real-Time Monitoring: The SMM monitors the generator’s output in real-time, measuring total kW demand second by second.

Priority Programming: We program circuits in priority order:

Critical (Life Safety): Refrigeration, medical equipment, security systems
High Priority (Comfort): HVAC, water heating, lighting
Medium Priority (Convenience): Kitchen appliances, laundry
Low Priority (Luxury): Pool equipment, landscape lighting, EV chargers

Automatic Load Shedding: If you turn on the electric oven and the system detects the generator approaching maximum capacity, it might briefly pause the pool pump (low priority) to prevent an overload. Once you turn off the oven, the pool pump automatically restarts.

The Result

You get whole-home comfort with a smaller, more fuel-efficient generator. Instead of requiring a 30kW unit to handle worst-case simultaneous loads, a properly programmed 24kW system with load management delivers the same practical experience at lower upfront cost and better fuel economy.

This is particularly valuable for homes with:

Multiple large A/C units (3+ zones)
Pool equipment that doesn’t need to run 24/7 during outages
EV chargers that can be temporarily disabled
Workshop equipment or auxiliary buildings that aren’t critical

What We Carry on the Truck (Whole-Home Infrastructure)

Installing high-capacity generators requires specialized components that most plumbers and electricians don’t stock. Our Mobile Warehouses carry the infrastructure needed for luxury installations:

High-Capacity Gas Regulators: To step down 2-pound pressure service to appliance-safe levels (7″ water column) at the generator
Load Shed Modules: Pre-programmed units ready to install and configure for your specific circuit priorities
Heavy-Duty Concrete Anchors: Liquid-cooled generators weigh 600-1,000 pounds and must be anchored to resist hurricane-force winds
Vibration Isolation Pads: To reduce noise transmission through concrete pads into the home’s foundation

Extended Warranty Registration: We handle Generac warranty registration on-site during commissioning

Zone Logic: Estate-Specific Challenges by Neighborhood

Different Houston neighborhoods present unique challenges for whole-home generator installations.

Memorial & River Oaks (Inner Loop Luxury)
Challenge: Strict HOA noise ordinances and limited installation space. Properties often have minimal side yard clearance.

Solution: We exclusively recommend Liquid-Cooled units for these neighborhoods. The 1,800 RPM operation is whisper-quiet (60-65 dB), complying with noise restrictions while still delivering massive capacity. We also coordinate architectural review board approvals and specify sound-attenuating enclosures when required.

Aesthetic Integration: In luxury neighborhoods, appearance matters as much as function. We work with landscapers to integrate screening (evergreen shrubs, decorative fencing) that maintains code-required clearances while hiding the unit from street view. We paint all exposed conduit and gas piping to match your home’s trim color.
The Woodlands & Kingwood (North Houston Estates)
Challenge: Large properties with long driveways (200+ feet from street to home). Tree coverage and mature landscaping complicate trenching.

Solution: We size gas lines for extreme distance runs, often using 1.5″ poly pipe to compensate for friction loss. We hand-dig around root systems of mature pines and oaks. For properties with inadequate gas service at the street, we coordinate CenterPoint’s service line upgrade from the main to your meter.
West Houston Estates (Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear)
Challenge: New construction homes with massive square footage (5,000+ sq ft) but builder-installed minimum-spec gas meters. Clay soil movement.

Solution: Gas meter upgrades are standard on nearly every installation in these neighborhoods. We use fiber-reinforced composite pads that flex with soil movement rather than crack. We often recommend 30kW+ liquid-cooled units for these large homes with 4-5 HVAC zones.
Rural Estates (Magnolia, Tomball, Montgomery County)
Challenge: Properties run on propane rather than natural gas. Generator fuel consumption must be balanced against tank capacity and refill logistics.

Solution: We perform run-time calculations based on your generator size and typical usage:
- 1,000-Gallon Underground Tank: 7-10 days of continuous operation with a 48kW unit under moderate load
- 500-Gallon Above-Ground Tank: 3-5 days with a 24kW unit
We help you size tanks appropriately and coordinate with LP suppliers for automatic tank monitoring (they alert you at 30% capacity so you never run dry during extended outages).

The Mobile Warehouse Emergency Service Advantage

Even luxury installations occasionally need adjustments during commissioning. Our Mobile Warehouse model ensures we can resolve issues immediately:

On-Truck Inventory for High-Capacity Systems:

Replacement control boards for Protector series liquid-cooled units
Load shed module programming cables and software
High-flow gas regulators (2-pound to 7″ WC step-down)
Coolant for radiator systems
Heavy-duty contactors for large-amperage transfer switches

If we discover a load balancing issue or gas pressure problem during the final commissioning, we fix it from truck stock rather than ordering parts and returning days later.

Common Questions About Whole-Home Generators

Q: Can I run my central A/C with a generator?

A: Absolutely. A properly sized Whole-Home unit can run multiple 5-ton A/C units simultaneously. We often install Micro-Air EasyStart™ soft start devices on your A/C condensers. This technology reduces the startup amperage by up to 70%, allowing a smaller generator to start and run larger A/C units smoothly without the massive inrush current spike.

For example, a 5-ton A/C that normally requires 18,000 watts to start can be reduced to 5,400 watts with a soft start kit—turning a generator-killer into a manageable load.

Q: Do I need a Liquid-Cooled unit, or is Air-Cooled sufficient?

A: The decision depends on four factors:

Home Size: Homes over 4,000 sq ft typically benefit from liquid-cooled capacity
HVAC Zones: 3+ A/C units strongly suggest liquid-cooled
Usage Duration: If you expect multi-week outages (hurricane evacuations), liquid-cooled units handle continuous duty better
Noise Sensitivity: If the generator will sit 15 feet from bedroom windows, the quieter operation of liquid-cooled units is worth the premium

We perform the load calculation and present both options with honest pros/cons. We don’t upsell liquid-cooled units when air-cooled would work fine.

Q: How much fuel does a large generator consume?

A: Fuel consumption scales with electrical load:

24kW Unit Under Full Load: ~2.5 gallons/hour (propane) or ~250 CFH (natural gas)
48kW Unit Under Full Load: ~5 gallons/hour (propane) or ~500 CFH (natural gas)

In reality, your generator rarely runs at full capacity. During an outage, you might average 40-60% load (A/C cycling, intermittent appliance use), which cuts fuel consumption proportionally.

For natural gas customers, fuel cost is approximately $1.50-$2.50 per hour of runtime depending on current gas prices and load. For a 3-day outage, expect $100-$180 in fuel costs for a 24kW unit.

Q: Can the generator power my EV charger?

A: Yes, with planning. Level 2 EV chargers draw 40-50 amps (9,600-12,000 watts). We typically program them as “low priority” circuits in the load management system. During an outage, you can charge overnight when other loads are minimal, but the system will shed the charger if you turn on multiple A/C units simultaneously.

Some homeowners opt for slightly larger generators specifically to maintain EV charging capability during outages, especially if they need the vehicle for evacuation or emergency transportation.

Q: What’s the lifespan of a whole-home generator?

A: Depends on the class:

Air-Cooled (Guardian): 2,000-3,000 hours before major service. In Houston, where generators might run 50-100 hours per year during hurricanes, that’s 20-30 years of service life.

Liquid-Cooled (Protector): 10,000-15,000 hours before major rebuild. These are truly multi-generational assets that can serve a home for 40+ years with proper maintenance.

Both require annual professional maintenance (oil changes, filter replacement, battery testing) which we provide as Authorized Generac Dealers.

Q: Does a whole-home generator increase property value?

A: Yes, particularly in hurricane-prone markets. Real estate agents report that homes with permitted, professionally installed generators sell faster and command higher prices. Buyers view it as a $15,000-$25,000 upgrade they don’t have to manage themselves, and it signals that the home can remain habitable during extended outages.

In luxury markets (Memorial, River Oaks, The Woodlands), backup power is increasingly expected rather than optional.

Power Without Compromise

Don’t settle for “partial power” backup systems that force you to choose between comfort and convenience. Don’t accept systems that trip when you turn on the A/C. And definitely don’t compromise on the fuel infrastructure that makes the electrical capacity actually work.

Upgrade to a professionally engineered whole-home system that keeps your entire lifestyle running automatically, whether the grid is down for 10 minutes or 10 days.

Schedule Your Load Calculation – Call (281) 427-8325

Blackmon Plumbing

Whole-Home Generator Installation in Houston | Power Your Entire Estate

Introduction

The Sizing Science: How Much Power Do You Actually Need?

Our Load Calculation Process

Step 1: The Audit

Step 2: The Surge Math

Step 3: The Simultaneity Factor

The Secret to Running Big A/C Units: Soft Start Technology

Why This Matters for Houston Homeowners

Capacity Comparison: What Runs During an Outage?

Portable (7kW)

Experience

Standard Standby (24kW)

Experience

Liquid-Cooled Estate (48kW)

Experience

Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled: Choosing Your Generator Class

1. Air-Cooled Generators (The Guardian Series)

2. Liquid-Cooled Generators (The Protector Series)

Comparison: Guardian (Air-Cooled) vs. Protector (Liquid-Cooled)

Air-Cooled (Guardian)

Max Residential Size:

Engine Style:

Cooling Method:

Operating RPM:

Noise Level:

Expected Lifespan:

Continuous Duty:

Best For:

Typical Install Cost:

Liquid-Cooled (Protector)

Max Residential Size:

Engine Style:

Cooling Method:

Operating RPM:

Noise Level:

Expected Lifespan:

Continuous Duty:

Best For:

Typical Install Cost:

The "Fuel-First" Difference: Feeding High-Capacity Systems

The Plumber's Critical Role

The Master Plumber Solution

Load Management: Smart Power Distribution

The Plumber's Critical Role

What We Carry on the Truck (Whole-Home Infrastructure)

Zone Logic: Estate-Specific Challenges by Neighborhood

Memorial & River Oaks (Inner Loop Luxury)

The Woodlands & Kingwood (North Houston Estates)

West Houston Estates (Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear)

Rural Estates (Magnolia, Tomball, Montgomery County)

The Mobile Warehouse Emergency Service Advantage

Common Questions About Whole-Home Generators

Q: Can I run my central A/C with a generator?

Q: Do I need a Liquid-Cooled unit, or is Air-Cooled sufficient?

Q: How much fuel does a large generator consume?

Q: Can the generator power my EV charger?

Q: What’s the lifespan of a whole-home generator?

Q: Does a whole-home generator increase property value?

Power Without Compromise

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