You have questions about Home Generators. We have answers.

Home Generator FAQs

General

  • The right generator size depends on your home's square footage, the number of appliances you want to power during an outage, and the complexity of the installation. A Butler Mobility representative will provide a personalized recommendation during your in-home consultation.

  • While we can provide MSRP pricing for home generators and accessories, a full installation quote requires a personalized home assessment. That’s because generator installation costs vary based on several factors, including:

    • Your preferred fuel source (natural gas or propane) and whether it's already connected to your home

    • Local permitting requirements, which your authorized KOHLER dealer will manage for you

    • Generator placement on your property, which impacts materials, labor, and code compliance

    To ensure an accurate price, we will perform an on-site consultation to evaluate your home’s layout and recommend the right generator size, location and installation plan.

  • KOHLER residential standby generators—including their engines—are designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA. While we partner with trusted global suppliers for select components, many key parts are sourced and manufactured in the United States to ensure premium quality and performance.

    Choosing a KOHLER generator made in America means you're investing in reliable backup power, supported by over 100 years of U.S.-based engineering and innovation.

  • KOHLER standby generators run on either natural gas or liquid propane (LP), making them a flexible solution for most homes. Our generators connect directly to your existing natural gas line or a liquid propane tank installed on your property. If your home doesn’t have natural gas service, we can help coordinate LP installation during the setup process.

  • Our standby generators are engineered to operate reliably in extreme weather conditions—including snowstorms, blizzards, and freezing temperatures. For homeowners in colder climates, we recommend using cold weather accessories to help your generator start and run smoothly when temperatures drop below 32°F.

  • KOHLER standby generators are not solar-powered, but they are used to back up solar systems in homes across the country. Because KOHLER standby generators connect to your home’s natural gas or liquid propane system, they are a great way to back up your solar system.

  • The key difference lies in what's included and how each model is configured:

    • RCAL Generators: These models include a transfer switch, making them a convenient, all-in-one solution for automatic backup power. They’re ideal for homeowners who want a bundled system for easier installation.

    • RCA Generators: For these models the transfer switch is sold separately, offering more flexibility for custom installations or upgrades.

Installation

  • Homeowners can choose to install a KOHLER generator on their own. However, self-installation is not recommended and comes with significant limitations and risks, including:

    • You must handle your own product registration

    • The generator is not eligible for KOHLER’s extended warranty

    • The warranty start date defaults to the factory ship date or purchase date (with proof of invoice)

    • Any failures due to improper installation are not covered under warranty

  • Yes, our home generators are used to provide backup power to mobile homes across the country.

  • No, KOHLER home generators are permanently installed outside of your residence, we do not recommend them for apartments that you do not own. Our generators may be installed in townhomes if there is ample space to install it and your community allows it. We recommend first consulting your property manager to ensure generator installation falls within their bylaws. If so, we can determine whether your townhome has adequate space for installation.

  • Generators ship without batteries to ensure that the freshest possible battery is installed at the jobsite. Your operation manual recommends the proper battery for your generator model. Batteries come in sizes that are readily available at any battery or auto parts store.

  • We will perform an on-site analysis to determine which generator and transfer switch offer the best solution for your home.

  • The key difference lies in what's included and how each model is configured:

    • RCAL Generators: These models include a transfer switch, making them a convenient, all-in-one solution for automatic backup power. They’re ideal for homeowners who want a bundled system for easier installation.

    • RCA Generators: For these models the transfer switch is sold separately, offering more flexibility for custom installations or upgrades.