Consider Generac 22kW for your whole house generator. The 22kW will be enough to run what you need so you won’t have to pick and choose appliances.
Having a whole house generator will provide peace of mind. It’s especially important if you live in an area prone to power outages and extended blackouts or rely on medical devices. You’ll be able to run your HVAC, electronics, and keep the food in your refrigerator and freezer from perishing.
Generac has a line of 22kW home backup generators that can link to your mobile device. All Generac 22kW generators have their patented True Power Technology that provides high-quality power with minimal harmonic distortion so that they operate smoothly and quietly.
The two models we will cover today are 70422 and 70432. These are also called Generac 7042 and Generac 7043. Which is right for you? Here I explain their benefits and pros and cons below.
Generac 22kW Generator
With their G-Force Engines, they can handle extensive usage. They are pressure-lubricated and built with a purpose, so the generator will deliver reliable power with lower maintenance needs. The Evolution Controller has an LCD to check the battery life and see if your generator requires maintenance. It also has simple button controls.
The generator’s enclosure is fully aluminum with a RhinoCoat finish for corrosion resistance and durability in harsh weather.
The most modern feature of a Generac 22kW generator is the Mobile Link that connects it to your mobile device via WiFi. You can monitor your generator on the go on any WiFi-accessing device. The Mobile Link app readily assists with any generator issues.
Generac 22kW generators have the lowest cost out of all air-cooled household standby generators. While they work best for backup usage, they can power your whole house.
These generators run quietly and are more fuel-efficient than many of their contemporaries. They produce 67 decibels of noise and run a Quiet-Test to self-test for several minutes with a reduced RPM.
The company offers a 5-year limited warranty on their automatic standby generators. Generac assembles them in the United States as well, though they do use some foreign parts. You can contact the customer support team at any time of day for any issues you encounter.
The great news is Generac generators are reliable. How Long Will a Generac Generator Last?
Both Model 70422 and 70432 have these features, but they do differ from each other in several ways. We will compare the two options below and inform you of the best one for your needs.
Generac 70422 22kW Guardian Generator
The Generac 70422 22kW Guardian Generator can deliver excellent-quality power smoothly and quietly. The 70422 is also called 7042.
Specs and Features
- 48 x 25 x 29 inches
- 476 pounds
- 120 Volts
- A maximum supply of 22,000 LP Watts and 19,500 NG Watts
- 67 decibels
- <5% power harmonic distortion
- A flexible fuel line connector
Benefits
The G-Force engine is one of the best available through Generac as it is durable, stable, and pressure-lubricated. The 7042 does not need frequent maintenance, and it has a substantial maximum wattage.
Generac designs their generators with quietness in mind, and the 7042 has True Power Technology for minimal harmonic distortion. It has a Quiet-Test Self-Test Mode to monitor the performance silently, and it never reaches above 67 decibels, making it ideal for quiet neighborhoods.
The display on the Generac Evolution Controller works in multiple languages. You can connect the generator to your mobile phone to monitor it remotely.
The aluminum surface with a powder-coat finish makes it weatherproof so that you can store it outside. This air-cooled generator has a 5-year limited warranty, and you can access 24/7/365 customer support.
The generator underwent multiple tests. It was prototype tested, system torsional tested, had a NEMA MG1-22 evaluation, and had its motor starting ability tested. The generator has domestic and foreign parts, but it is constructed in the United States.
Capabilities
The Generac 70422 can supply 22,000 Watts for liquefied petroleum (LP) gas and 19,500 Watts for natural gas (NG). You can select how often you test it: once a week, biweekly, or monthly. If you maintain it correctly, it can power your home for days on end. Keep in mind that you will need to change the oil and filters regularly for peak performance.
Pros and Cons
The Generac 7042 has its advantages and disadvantages, which we summarized below.
Pros of Generac 22kW 7042:
- Its self-maintenance includes circulating the oil, dispersing condensation, and recharging the starter battery
- One of the quietest generators available due to its sound-attenuated enclosure, minimized harmonic distortion, and Quiet-Test Self-Test Mode
- The WiFi capability adds convenience
- It has a high maximum wattage
- The LCD accommodates multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese
- Runs at a high capacity on both liquefied petroleum and natural gas
Cons:
- The 5-year warranty is a maximum: some buyers only got a 3-year one.
- While always available, the customer service team often provides “robotic” answers
- Does not come with an automatic transfer switch
- You may need to purchase WiFi capabilities separately, depending on the vendor
Generac 70432 22kW Guardian Generator
The updated model 70432 (also called 7043) improves upon some of the 7042’s shortcomings, but it is fairly similar to the previous design.
Specs and Features
- 48 x 25 x 29 inches
- 515 pounds
- 120 Volts
- A maximum supply of 22,000 LP Watts and 19,500 NG Watts
- 67 decibels
- <5% power harmonic distortion
- A flexible fuel line connector
Benefits
The Generac 70432 22kW Guardian Generator can reliably supply you electricity in an outage. It is on the larger end with one of the lowest costs per kilowatt MSRP ratings. The G-Force engine is durable and requires minimal upkeep, and it provides up to 22,000 LP Watts or 19,5000 NG Watts. Both Generac 22kW models run on natural and liquefied petroleum gas.
The self-test becomes quiet by reducing the RPM of the generator, which keeps it fuel-efficient. Other quiet components include the True Power Technology that reduces harmonic distortion and allows sensitive devices to handle the high power output.
This air-cooled standby generator has a Mobile Link Remote Monitor so that you can keep tabs on your generator’s performance on the go. It also has a display to simplify operation. All of this technology is wrapped in a powder-coated aluminum finishing.
Like with the 70422, the 70432 provides the Mobile Link as an upgrade that not all units have.
One benefit that stands out compared to its predecessor is the presence of a 200-Amp, NEMA 3R Automatic Transfer Switch. You can upgrade to a different transfer switch if you need, but you do not need one initially to operate the generator.
Generac has their 5-year limited warranty and 24/7/365 customer support for this generator as well. It is American-made, though some parts are imported.
Capabilities
The Generac 70423 22kW Generator delivers 22,000 Watts for LP gas and 19,500 Watts for NG, as the name would suggest. It tests itself on a schedule that you can control. You can select how often you test it: once a week, biweekly, or monthly.
Unfortunately, most users found that it works best in short-term outages. Those who found success long-term noted that the installation process was challenging and that some professionals struggle to wire the unit correctly. You may need to hire multiple generator installers to get the job done.
Pros and Cons
The Generac 70432 22kW Guardian Generator has its benefits and shortcomings.
Pros of Generac 22kW 7043:
- It performs self-maintenance tasks during its scheduled Quiet-Test Self-Tests
- It suits quiet neighborhoods well as it produces minimal noise due
- Some units come with convenient WiFi capabilities so that you can monitor your generator anywhere
- It has a high maximum wattage to power larger homes
- The Evolution Controller features multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese
- Runs with both liquefied petroleum and natural gas
- Since it was released more recently, you are more likely to find this model and its replacement parts available
Cons:
- May cost more than the 7042
- Slightly heavier and more difficult to install
- Not all units come with the Mobile Link WiFi connectivity
Generac 70422 vs 70432
With this much capacity, you won’t need to decide which devices to power and what to do without. If this size seems too large for your needs, consider what size generator do I need.
Which Generac 22kW Should You Buy?
Both of these Generac 22kW generators have much of the same features and functionality. They are both air-cooled generators that can power a mid-to-large-sized home. However, they do have a few differences. The 70422 model does not come with an automatic transfer switch, so you will need to purchase one separately. If you are not careful, you could purchase an incompatible option.
The transfer switch provided with the 70432 has a similar aluminum enclosure to the external casing to retain the same durability. Buying one from a different brand does not ensure compatibility.
On the other hand, many buyers of the 70432 model had installation issues. Its complex design requires a professional installer, or else it will not run longer than a few hours. Once you wire everything correctly, it should run smoothly. This model is also heavier than the previous one, which can further convolute the installation.
Overall, there are not many differences between these models.
The newer one is likely to have better support from the manufacturer, but the older model often costs less. Make sure to check if the particular option you choose has WiFi capabilities. Sometimes Generac revokes the Mobile Link option only to reinstate it a few months later. Also, check the sizing of the generator to determine if it can fit your property and fulfill your needs.
The Generac 22kW is a solid generator option if you are looking for some backup power. It can effectively supply electricity to your home in an outage as long as you hire a professional to install it.
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