What This Guide Covers
This guide breaks down the two main lines of home standby generators from Generac, the “Guardian” (legacy) series and the newer “Next Generation” lineup. Use it to compare specs, model numbers, features, and decide which is right for your home backup needs.
Standby Generator Series Compared
Next Generation (2024-Present) – Air-Cooled Home Standby Units
Generac’s Next Generation shows what happens when engineering meets modern demands. Here’s the official air-cooled series model list:
| Rated Output | Generac HSB Model(s) | Engine Displacement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 kW | G0072580, G0073230 | 817 cc | Solid for small to mid-size homes |
| 18 kW | G0072590, G0073240 | 817 cc | Mid-sized home or partial-load backup |
| 22 kW | G0072600, G0073250 | 997 cc | Common choice for full home backup |
| 28 kW | G0072820, G0073290 | 997 cc | Maximum air-cooled capacity |
Why Next Generation?
- Uses Generac’s updated air-cooled engines with hydraulic lifters, no manual valve adjustments.
- Covers a broad output range (10-28 kW) to meet anything from basic power backup to heavy whole-home demand.
- Revised enclosures, modern electronics, and updated compatibility make the series “future-proof” for new installations.
Guardian Series (Legacy) – Air-Cooled Home Standby Units
The Guardian line is what Generac built their reputation on. These units remain viable depending on home size and budget. Here’s the legacy model list:
| Rated Output | Generac HSB Model(s) | Engine Displacement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kW | G0071710, G0071720 | 460 cc | Entry-level backup |
| 14 kW | G00722310, G00722510 | 826 cc | Good for small homes |
| 18 kW | G00722610, G00722810 | 826 cc | Partial home coverage or small loads |
| 22 kW | G00704211, G00704311 | 999 cc | Balanced full-home option |
| 24 kW | G00720910, G00721010 | 999 cc | Mid-to-large home backup |
| 26 kW | G0072900, G0072910 | 999 cc | Largest Guardian air-cooled option |
| 20 kW (3-phase) | G0070771 | 999 cc | For 3-phase service homes |
Why Some Still Choose Guardian
- Proven track record and long market presence.
- For smaller homes or lighter load needs, a mid-range Guardian can offer reliable backup at potentially lower install cost.
- For existing homes with Guardian setups, upgrades or part-replacements may remain simpler under the same series.
Guardian vs Next Gen – Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature / Spec |
Guardian (Legacy) |
Next Generation (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Output Range (Air-Cooled) | 10-26 kW (plus 20 kW 3-phase) | 14-28 kW |
| Engine Types | G-Force, 460–999 cc, hydraulic + older lifter model (some valve-adjust) | Updated G-Force engines, 459–997 cc, hydraulic lifters, no valve adjustments |
| Enclosure & Design | Classic air-cooled enclosure (older spec) | Updated enclosure, newer build, modern sound/efficiency design |
| Controller / Electronics | Legacy controller (depending on model) | Latest controller and components, optimized for compatibility with modern load demands and monitoring |
| Availability (New Installs) | Less commonly stocked since Next Gen rollout | Actively produced, current catalog, easier to quote and source new |
| Best For | Smaller homes, light/partial load, cost-conscious projects, existing Guardian upgrades | New installs, full home backup, long-term reliability, future-proofing |
Which Series Should You Choose?
Choose Next Generation If:
- You want a full home backup with enough capacity to run most or all circuits.
- You prefer newer engine design with minimal maintenance (no valve adjustments).
- You’re installing new and want parts and support for years to come.
- You value updated enclosures, quieter operation, and better resale/inspection compatibility.
Choose (or Keep) Guardian If:
- Your home’s electrical load is modest and doesn’t justify 22-28 kW.
- You want to minimize upfront cost while still getting reliable standby protection.
- You already own a Guardian and need parts or servicing, or a partial upgrade without full replacement.
How This Affects Buying and Installing Through Brite Generators
At Brite Generators we provide straightforward quotes, clear specs, and honest guidance. Here’s how you benefit when you choose us:
- We’ll confirm required kW load based on your home’s wiring, usage, gas supply, and planned demand. That helps you avoid overspending or under-sizing.
- We’ll recommend the correct HSB model number (Next Generation or Guardian) to match your load and budget, so there are no surprises.
- With Next Generation models we offer future-ready installation: up-to-date engine and enclosure, long-term reliability, and easy maintenance.
- With Guardian we can still deliver dependable backup at a lower cost, sometimes useful for smaller homes or lighter requirements.
- We handle full installation, permitting, transfer switch wiring, and post-install tune-up so you get a working, tested system from day one.
Final Word
Generac’s Next Generation lineup modernizes standby power for homeowners who want a robust, long-lasting solution. But the Guardian line is still relevant… especially for smaller houses, lighter needs, or budget-conscious installs. At Brite Generators we don’t push the newest model just because it’s new. We match generator type to your real world needs, load profile, and budget. That’s how you end up with a system that works, lasts, and gives you peace of mind, without overpaying.
