A Generac 22kW Generator installed for whole house backup power. When it came out in 2014, it was the most powerful, most fuel efficient home backup generator on the market. Today, the 22kW Generac has replaced the 20kW in the Generac Guardian Line of Air Cooled Backup Generators.
The Generac 22kW Replaced the 20kW in the Guardian Line
Generac’s 22kW Generator offers more power and better fuel economy than competing 20kW generators. No other generator manufacturer currently offers a comparable air cooled standby generator. The propane and natural gas generator supplies up to 22kW of power while running on LP propane and 19.5kW on natural gas. It uses less fuel than similar 20kW units with less capacity.
Did you know?
Generac Guardian Propane and Natural Gas Generators are the most popular home standby generator in the country. 7 our of 10 homeowners choose a Generac Guardian Guardian Generator for home backup.
Home standby generators sense a power outage the moment it happens. Within seconds, the generator starts and signals the automatic transfer switch. The switch isolates the utility lines and connects the generator to your main circuit breaker panel. In less than half a minute, power is restored to your entire home.
Generac 22kW Generator model 70433 includes a 200-Amp Service Entrance Rated Automatic Transfer Switch
22kW Fuel Efficiency
A glance at the specifications for the 22kW Generac Guardian 70432 which provides a side-by-side comparison of Generac’s 16, 20, and 22 kilowatt Guardian generators, shows the 22kW uses less natural gas at either half load or full load than either the 20 kW or the 16kW and still generates more power. LP consumption is just slightly higher than the 16 and 20 kilowatt models at half load, and less than the 20 kilowatt at full load, but the fuel used per kilowatt of electricity produced is much lower for both fuels under any load condition.
| Natural Gas (ft³/hr) | 50% Load | Efficiency | 100% Load | Efficiency |
| 16kW | 193 | 24.1 ft/kW | 312 | 19.5 ft/kW |
| 20kW | 205 | 20.5 ft/kW | 308 | 16.4 ft/kW |
| 22kW | 184 | 16.7 ft/kW | 281 | 12.7 ft/kW |
| LP Propane (GpH) | 50% Load | Efficiency | 100% Load | Efficiency |
| 16kW | 1.99 | 0.25 gal/kW | 3.57 | 0.22 gal/kW |
| 20kW | 2.08 | 0.21 gal/kW | 3.85 | 0.19 gal/kW |
| 22kW | 2.16 | 0.20 gal/kw | 3.67 | 0.17 gal/kW |
Generac points to three design changes that improved efficiency. A better fuel delivery system, engine modifications, and the use of low-loss steel in the unit’s alternator—the component that generates electricity. Low-loss steel is an alloy that reduces electrical losses and improves the efficiency of motors, generators, and transformers.
A Generac 22kW Generator provides automatic power restoration during an outage for this entire home.
22kW Generator Models
Norwall Power Systems offers the 22kW in two packages:
- Generac 22kW Generator 7043 adds a 200-Amp Generac Smart Switch.
- Generac 22kW Generator 7042 includes only the standby generator.
The RXSW200A3 included with the 7043 is a 200-amp automatic transfer switch rated for use with a 200-amp service entrance and equipped to power for your whole home, including management for up to 4 air conditioners. With optional Smart Management Modules (SMMs), power management controls up to 8 additional loads like water heaters, well pumps, and electric ranges.
With the introduction of the 22kW generator, Generac reduced the exercise time to just five minutes, programmable to run on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule.
Generac 22kW Standby Generator Features
The Guardian standby models come equipped with True Power technology. Utility-quality power that meets the needs of motors, appliances, and sensitive electronics. Less than 5% total harmonic distortion of the AC signal and voltage regulation within 1%, even under heavy load.
Compliance with National Fire Codes allows installation within 18 inches of the home, subject to local regulation and the location of nearby vents, windows, and doors.
A compact and attractive design, all-weather aluminum enclosure and quiet operation makes the 22kW unit practical in any residential setting. At 68dB, these generators produce noise that is lower than the average residential central A/C unit.
Generac’s intuitive Evolution Controller has a two line display and an easy to read back-lit keypad. With an optional basic or advanced wireless monitor, the controller is accessible inside the home. Built In Mobile Link Monitoring provides controller access from anywhere in the world with a smartphone, tablet, PC, or Laptop.
Covered by Generac’s 5-year limited consumer warranty.
Updated July 21, 2022
