Head to head
Generac Guardian 22kW vs Cummins QuietConnect RS20A
Generac · Home Standby Generator
Generac Guardian 22kW
~$5,999
22,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Cummins · Home Standby Generator
Cummins QuietConnect RS20A
~$5,926
20,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Quick takeThe Cummins QuietConnect RS20A lists about $73 lower; the Generac Guardian 22kW puts out more sustained power (22,000 W); the Cummins QuietConnect RS20A is quieter at 65 dB.
| Spec | Generac Guardian 22kW | Cummins QuietConnect RS20A |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$5,999 | ~$5,926 |
| Type | Home Standby Generator | Home Standby Generator |
| Fuel | NG/LP | NG/LP |
| Running / output watts | 22,000 W | 20,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 22,000 W | 20,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 67 dB | 65 dB |
| Runtime | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 22kW on LP, 19.5kW on NG | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 20kW on LP, 18kW on NG |
| Outlets | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (7043 bundle adds 200A SE switch) | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (RS20AC bundle adds 200A SE switch) |
| Fuel tank | — | — |
| Weight | 466 lbs | 540 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year limited | 5-year/2,000-hour limited |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Generac Guardian 22kW
- +Enormous installed base — parts, techs, and advice everywhere
- +Carries two AC units in most homes with load shedding
- +Often discounted now that the 24kW is the flagship
- +5-year warranty with widely available extended options
- +Multi-day storm performance in owner reports
- −19.5kW on natural gas — the derate matters for NG homes
- −67 dB is noticeably loud up close; siting matters
- −Being phased out in favor of the 24kW — long-term parts pricing unknown
Cummins QuietConnect RS20A
- +Best-in-class 65 dB noise at full 20kW output
- +Integrated load management controls four loads without extra modules
- +Starts a 5-ton AC while carrying the house
- +Cold-weather ready to 0°F with no added kit
- +Cummins commercial engineering and 5-year/2,000-hour warranty
- −Thin dealer network — warranty service can mean long waits
- −Often pre-order/backordered at major retailers
- −18kW natural gas derate
- −App monitoring trails Generac's polish
- −Extended-warranty and accessory pricing runs high