I just got my "whole house" generator connected today. The original quote for a 22Kw Generac was about $15K installed (gas on total opposite side of the house and would need to plumbed quite a distance and under driveway and other slab). I went with a portable, dual fuel 12,500kw generator and it was around $1000 for the generator and another $700 for the lockout switch, 50A inlet and 20' of 50A cable plus labor. Tested it today and can run both the 5ton and 3ton A/C's (with soft start kits), 3 fridges/freezers, multiple TV's, VSP pool pumps, WIFi and lights in every room (most with LED bulbs) in a 4,000 sq. ft. house. Only downside is I have to manually turn the system on/off - turn off all breakers, turn off main power, plug in cable from generator to the external outlet, fire up generator with the remote, engage lockout and then turn breakers back on to areas that are needed... (I don't see drying clothes as a must have during a power outage). Genny will mainly run on 20# propane tanks - I usually have 4 full ones on hand for the grills) and can use gasoline from the SUV's as a backup if I run out of propane - I don't want to deal with old gas and carburetor issues... Sure it isn't instant on but I can have the whole house up and running in 3-5 minutes for a 1/7th of the cost (and can take the generator with me if I move)... Just something to consider...